These classes prepare you for what to expect during labor and childbirth, how to support the birthing person, Pain coping techniques and tools. In the postpartum classes we discuss how babies work, the choices you have to make for your newborn, basic infant care, how to care for mom postpartum and more…

I require all first time parents to attend my birth and postpartum classes.

Childbirth is a very intimate experience and I don’t take that lightly. It’s an honor to witness a woman bringing life into the world. I want my clients to feel very comfortable with my presence. Monthly prenatals help us get to know one another and helps me better understand your birth goals. Pregnancy can also be very trying. It’s often physically uncomfortable or challenging and I want to hear about it! Sometimes I can offer solutions to daily discomforts, but I’m also a listening ear that won’t get tired of your complaints!

When we aren’t meeting in person, I am still available by text or call. If you have a question, concern or want to share something sweet or funny, I want to hear about it! I can help you research when things come up, or listen to the latest MIL drama! I’m here for it. I do my best to respond to texts and emails within 12 hours.

I love books and have an ever growing library of resources that are available to my clients. My library includes books covering: conception, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, parenting, infant care and wellness, nutrition, menstruation and menopause. Find my full list of books here!

At 37 weeks until you give birth, you can call me anytime day or night for labor support. During your on-call period I keep a flexible schedule and stay in town, so that I can be ready to support you when you need me. I require 2 hours to get to you, although I do my very best to get there as quickly as possible. 

Once I join you in labor I am there to support you until you give birth and have settled in with your new baby.

How I support you during labor is very subjective and something we will discuss in our prenatal meetings.

I offer light back massages, hip squeezes, affirmations, cold/hot compresses, labor tools, drinks, food, and any other comfort measures that will keep you strong and focused.

I am trained in Spinning Babies and can work with you if your baby seems misaligned for birth.

Sometimes labor support can look like me sitting in the corner out of the way knitting and listening. If you need me I will be there. Often, just knowing that I am there for you if you need me, is all you need to get through.

I have tools for pain management and labor positioning that are available to all my clients.

I am trained and certified in using TENS Units for pain during childbirth. I have TENS units that are available for all of my birth clients.

I also have peanut balls in multiple sizes (30cm, 40cm, 50cm and 80cm), massage tools, labor combs, twinkle and tea lights for hospital rooms, E.O. inhalers with a selection of essential oils to chose from, a bluetooth speaker for your labor/birth playlist and I also like to make Laborade for all my birth clients. 

I typically stay with clients 2-4 hours postpartum. This is your golden hour with your new baby. Rest skin to skin and gaze on the beautiful child you made! This is a special time for parents and baby and I will give you as much space as you want to soak it in.

Once you are ready I can help you latch your baby and get your breastfeeding journey started. If you need any help advocating during this time with your baby or the birth of your placenta, I’ll be there for you.

For homebirth moms I am able to provide your first meal postpartum if that sounds good. 

During your labor I may take short breaks, but I will work with your partner or other support people to make sure you always have support and are not alone. If I need an extended break due to a really long labor, I have a close network of back-up doulas that I can call on if I need to. This is something I would use in extreme circumstances only (as in multiple days of labor without sleep).

If for some reason I am unable to attend your birth at all (due to illness or emergency) a compatible back-up doula will be provided at my expense. This is a protective measure in case of emergency or illness. If I make a commitment to be your doula I will do everything in my power to be there for you.

If you want I will come to the hospital and check on how you’re doing. I can bring you a home cooked meal and help with any nursing issues (check latch, that kind of thing). I am still available by text or phone if you have a question or need help advocating for your care. If you feel like the hospital is not listening to you, I am happy to help you voice your concerns to your care team.

Within the first 3 weeks postpartum I will come check on you at your home. This is a great time to process your birth experience and any postpartum obstacles you’re navigating. I will provide referrals and resources as needed. 

If you are wanting more support postpartum, I also offer postpartum care services, overnight and daytime infant care. You can learn more here or if you have a question feel free to message me!

At any time in pregnancy or postpartum if you feel like you or someone else is a danger to your baby, If you don’t feel like yourself, feel very anxious or panicky or feel very isolated please reach out to me.

You are not alone and feelings do not make you a bad parent. Perinatal mood disorders can happen to anyone and there are more and more resources and support people available to help navigate this huge transition. 

Free Resources:

postpartum.net

Download the Postpartum Support International app : “Connect by PSI” in your app store.

PSI Helpline: 1-800-944-4773 or

Text “help” to 800-944-4773 (english) 971-203-7773 (Español)