What an amazing day - Here comes baby M

I've joked to several clients that I'm a "speedy" doula. Most of my births have been around the 4 hour mark, give or take a few hours. However, I knew that a long one would happen, it was only a matter of time.

Baby M was my first overnighter. I arrived at the hospital at 6pm, about 6 hours after the induction began. The mom really didn't want pain medication, though we talked a lot about how pitocin is generally pretty darn painful. But since she wanted to wait, I didn't push - instead we worked through each contraction with positioning, massage and lots of encouragement. Progress was slow and around midnight she decided to get an epidural. And that's when things began to really progress. I'm so thankful for medication and what it can do! Also, when you decide to induce with medication, it's very hard not to need medication to get through it. And our ultimate goal was a VBAC - so again, we had to keep that in mind.

After we were settled, we rested through the night (the best you can in a hospital, anyway!) Around 7am she was complete! We waited to labor the baby down and do a little practice pushing. At 8:30am we noticed some odd swelling on the sides of mom's head. The doctors (and staff, and me!) were completely baffled - but decided to err on the side of caution. So, to help mom push without putting too much stress on her head (the swelling increased with pushing), they used a vacuum extractor. At 10:15 and after two strong pushes, baby girl M was born - gorgeous and hollering!

Dad was brilliant, holding her right away and singing her a beautiful melody. Mom did a great job and accomplished so much in those 24 hours of labor! Thankfully the swelling subsided as soon as labor was complete, nursing was established in record time and a few hours later I left the happy family on a crisp and snowy October 10th!

Happy birthday, baby M!

Welcome to the World, Baby S!

October 2-

On a misty Autumn day, beautiful baby girl S was born. Her mama was so strong - having to change her plan for a drug-free birth due to complications in her labor - this first time mama labored through like a master. The epidural saved the day and not only took away her pain, but also her complications! Thank God!

Just a few hours later, easily laboring down her sweet girl, her baby came into the world without a sound. Bright eyed, turning pinker by the second and completely quiet. Dad cut the cord and a family was born.

It's so amazing to enter a room of two and leave with three. I love my calling.

What does a doula do?

Each doula is unique in her own business and ideology of the birth process. And each client is also unique in her needs!

As your birth doula, I will work with you and your partner to discover what kind of birth you desire, and do everything I can to help you experience it. This includes writing a birth plan to reflect your wants and needs for your birth.

As your birth doula I will:

• Answer any phone calls or emails during your pregnancy
• Set up at least two prenatal visit with you and your partner (this can also include going to a doctor or midwife appointment with you)
• Remain on call for two weeks before and two weeks after your due date
• Provide a back-up doula in the event I am unable to attend your birth
• Help you labor at home
• Provide suggestions on positioning and movement
• Offer information on procedures and protocol for you to make an educated decision
• Stay throughout your labor, my shift does not end
• Provide support to your partner
• Stay until breastfeeding is established
• Follow up with a postpartum visit
• Write your birth story as a gift to you and your family
• Remain available for you to help with any questions after your baby arrives!

As your postpartum doula, I will also come up with ways to make the transition back into your home the smoothest possible.

As your postpartum doula I will:

• Offer ideas for baby soothing methods
• Show you baby massage techniques
• Provide information for baby care and breastfeeding support
• Help with baby laundry and organization
• Give you time to nap, eat a meal or shower!
• Play with older children, or help with the baby while you get some one-on-one time with your older children.
• Provide some companionship
• Answer any questions you have about postpartum topics such as: depression, milk storage, nursing, sleeping, scheduling, organization, cloth diapering, play groups and other local resources for new moms

2009 Fees and information

Birth services:

$450 -- Includes two prenatal visits, the birth, and one postpartum visit

A nonrefundable retainer ($225) is required for me to put your due date on my calendar. I request the rest of the payment at our last postpartum meeting (or a month before your due date).

I do work on a sliding scale, and can also offer a payment plan. I am very flexible, so please discuss payment with me!

Postpartum services:

$20/hour -- Initially, at least four hours need to be scheduled, with payment in advance. ***10% discount on postpartum services if I was your birth doula.