Lighthouse Package is perfect for those who want the most complete, well-rounded experience. Ideal if you’re a first-time parent, or if you’re planning to birth in a new location this time. Maybe you’re planning your first natural birth, or you just want to learn about all your options. This is full birth prep!

Nautilus Package is for parents with varying degrees of experience. Maybe you’ve given birth before but it’s been a while… Or maybe you just need to supplement your chosen childbirth education. I’m here to help fill in the gaps!

Anchor Package is for those who want straightforward labor care. This is a great fit if you’ve given birth before, you know all the stuff, you know what you want, and you’re ready for some extra care and support!

• share resources & information pertaining to you
• help you formulate your unique Birth Plan
• assist with questions you may not feel comfortable immediately asking your care provider
• make referrals to local pregnancy-related resources as needed
• connect personally with you as a comrade through this journey
• visit with you during a scheduled prenatal meeting
• remain on-call 24/7 from 38 weeks of pregnancy onward

Physical Support

• provide comfort with pain-management techniques of your preference (massage, counter-pressure, etc)
• assist with water therapy
• apply hot/cold sensations
• ensure you are nourished by giving food & drink
• maintain the birth environment
• birth pool set-up/clean up

Emotional Support

• reassurance
• praise
• company
• encouragement
• mirroring
• help you keep perspective
• …and work through fears & doubts

Informational Support

• give early labor support via phone
• give reminders to eat & use the bathroom
• time contractions if desired
• explain medical procedures & options (not medical advice)
• suggest beneficial laboring positions (important even with an epidural)
• …movement ideas
• …breathing & relaxation

Partner Support

• assist partner by giving them a break without leaving you unsupported
• help partner interpret labor progress
• take non-professional photos as situation allows

Advocacy

• support without judgment
• hold space; your agenda is my agenda!
• facilitate communication between parents & birth team
• amplify your voice if it isn’t being fairly recognized
• empower you to ask questions & verbalize your position
• serve as a witness, providing peace of mind
• stay aware of intended procedures so parents have opportunity to give informed consent

• assist with beginning breastfeeding, if needed
• help explain birth place procedures
• help you get settled in your recovery room, if at the hospital
• visit with you during a scheduled postpartum meeting
• debrief the birth experience with empathy
• discuss risk factors and/or any concerning symptoms of postpartum mood disorders (100% shame-free; I’ve been there myself)

For Postpartum Doula support that extends beyond the scope of my Birth Doula engagements, click here.

• perform clinical tasks (vaginal exams, fetal heart monitoring, etc.)
• give medical advice or make diagnoses/prescriptions
• make decisions for you
• speak to birth staff on your behalf
• impose personal preferences upon you
• usurp the role of your partner (if applicable)
• attend intentional free-birth (planned unassisted)
• predict or guarantee any aspects of your birth
• bear responsibility for your birth’s outcome
• drive you (client) to the birth location
• catch your baby

As a doula, I do not provide medical care and cannot take the place of a midwife, obstetrician, or other clinical worker at a birth. However, I’m knowledgeable about an expansive number of medical aspects that may arise in childbirth, giving you a better shot at making informed decisions.