With you during the whole journey

Before Birth

Following our initial conversation/meeting, I'm thrilled to embark on this journey with you and your birth companion(s) through three 1.5-hour prenatal birthing classes (Our “Just The Basics” package does not include birthing classes). In an effort to foster a community of families and connect mamas with one another, these sessions will be held in small group settings, accommodating 3 to 5 families.

SESSION 1

Usually scheduled between 32 to 36 weeks, will be an engaging Pregnancy Education and Labor and Delivery discussion. Imagine embarking on a journey through the forest and up a mountain! We will delve deeply into the physiological aspects of labor and delivery, making this session both informative and interactive. As we progress, your knowledge and confidence in the labor experience will undoubtedly grow. Remember, mama, you've got this!

Prenatal Classes

SESSION 2

Held on the second Thursday of the month, will focus on Positioning, Comfort Techniques & Breathing Measures. This hands-on session will allow us to creatively simulate a "mock labor" experience. We will practice specific "active" positioning, explore additional comfort techniques, delve into rebozo work, and embrace meditative breathing. The more you practice, the closer to perfection you'll get – or at least very close!

SESSION 3

Which will occur on the third Thursday of the month, will center around Breastfeeding & Newborn Care Education. Empowerment lies in understanding how your body is designed to birth and breastfeed your baby. Together, we will thoroughly explore effective breastfeeding strategies and increase your knowledge surrounding the physiological shifts of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.

During these prenatal visits, I will provide you with educational materials such as videos, worksheets, and informative books specific to your pregnancy. Additionally, this time will give us the opportunity to get to know one another better before the birth and allow you to connect with other families in the group.

Throughout our meetings, we will discuss your priorities for the birth and address any concerns or hopes you may have. Should you choose, I also offer an optional visit to meet your medical provider or any friends and/or family you plan to have present at the birth, available at an additional price. My primary goal is to understand how we can work together to create a positive birth experience tailored to your preferences.

As part of my commitment to support your preparations for birth and parenthood, I will offer exercises, activities, roleplays, and referrals to other resources as needed, providing comprehensive education along the way. I will remain accessible through phone and/or email in the weeks leading up to your birth.

Additionally, I find value in having a quick follow-up call or FaceTime session after each of your medical appointments, allowing us to stay connected and ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

During Labor

Once you suspect the onset of labor, I encourage you to call me right away, even if you don't require immediate support. We'll maintain constant communication leading up to your active labor phase. If I'm unable to answer the phone, please leave a message, and I'll promptly return your call. In case of an extended early labor or induction, I'll periodically check in via phone call or FaceTime and arrive when you're in active labor. Generally, I need about 90 minutes to reach you from the time you request my presence. Together, we'll decide on the best meeting place, whether it's at your home, the birth center, or the hospital. Barring extraordinary circumstances, I will remain with you throughout the entire labor and birth process.

INDUCTIONS

In the case of inductions, we make every effort to avoid them when possible, but if a medical need arises, I'll be available to offer support and arrive when you're in active labor. The preparation we go through during our prenatal time together will equip your partner with techniques and measures to help during the early labor stage.

Birthing

While my intention is to stay with you and your family from active labor through birth and immediate postpartum, I am also human. In an unusual situation where I am with a family for longer than 15 hours, we will discuss the possibility of bringing in a back-up doula. In the rare event that I cannot attend your birth due to an emergency, I will call upon a back-up doula to take my place, and service rates will remain unchanged.

During labor, I provide an array of comfort measures, including massage, counter pressure, rebozo work, guided visualization, positions and movement, breathing techniques, hot and cold packs, focus points, verbal encouragement, and other logistical support. My knowledge of the stages of labor allows me to offer reassurance and suggestions as your labor progresses. Depending on our discussions during our prenatal meetings, I can serve as your primary labor support or support your partner in assisting you. My belief is that women can cope with labor successfully using various methods, and my goal is to help you find what works best for you in each moment.

CESAREANS

For cesarean sections, we also strive to avoid them when possible. However, if a c-section becomes necessary after we've been laboring together, I will remain in the hospital room with you until you're transferred to the operating room, and all service fees will remain unchanged. In the rare event of an emergency c-section occurring before my arrival for labor support (prior to active labor), I will still come to the hospital to provide immediate postpartum doula care, and a $500 refund will be issued. Your well-being is of utmost importance, and I am here to support you through it all.

After birth, I will remain with you for one to two hours until you feel comfortable and ready for quiet time with loved ones. As a certified breastfeeding educator, I can assist with initial breastfeeding, as desired, and help you create the environment you desire for those precious first hours of bonding with your new family.

A postpartum visit will be scheduled in the week or two following your birth to check on your adjustment, address any breastfeeding concerns, and listen to your birth story. Processing joyful or challenging moments from the birth with your birth team and me can shape how you remember your baby's birthday for years to come. 

Depending on the package you choose, we will have up to three postpartum visits in total.

In addition, I offer an additional service called Postpartum Doula Care. Adjusting to life with a new baby is incredibly exciting but can also be overwhelming. Having the extra support of a skilled doula around the home to assist with self-care recovery, postpartum comfort measures, infant care, parenting information, sleep support, housekeeping, and more can be incredibly helpful and reassuring for you and your family. Think of me as your sister-nanny - I’m here to handle all the things! 

Let’s Get Started

It all begins with information. Fill out the form below to give us all of the details about your pregnancy. In our form, you’ll have the ability to let us know how Breathing Through Life can serve you and your growing family by letting us know which package/services you’d like to sign up for.

Once we have recieved your information. We will follow up with you with an email with additional information.

Packages

  • “Just the Basics” is a great option for families whom I’ve served in the past and/or who have already taken birthing classes. This package option is great for families who have a supportive village around them and mostly serves as birth doula support! 

    • Online Meet & Greet 

    • Birth plan template 

    • Online birth plan/preferences review meeting 

    • Unlimited texts/calls

    • Labor & birth Support 

    • One postpartum visit 

  • The standard package is a great option for first time families who are not only looking for  birth support, but who’d also benefit from being fully prepared for an empowered birthing experience. This package includes birthing classes and full doula support. Families who choose this package will also join a small BTL birthing class community where relationships are built and deepened. We all know how important it is to feel supported and find your village ! 

    • One In-person Meet & Greet 

    • Three birthing classes 

    • Birth class community support group 

    • Birth plan template 

    • One in-person birth plan/ preferences review meeting 

    • Unlimited texts/calls 

    • Planned FaceTime/online check-ins 

    • Labor & birth support 

    • One postpartum visit 

  • “I’m all In!” provides the space and time needed to truly deepen a relationship with your doula! 

    • Two In-person Meet & Greets

    • Three birthing classes 

    • Birth class community support group 

    • Birth plan template 

    • One in-person birth plan/ preferences review meeting 

    • Unlimited texts/calls 

    • Planned FaceTime/online check-ins 

    • One 1:1 in-home prenatal birth prep yoga session

    • Labor & birth support

    • Three postpartum visit 

  • I'm your person, more than a doula, everything you need as you journey along!

    • Three In-person Meet & Greets (each trimester) 

    • Three birthing classes 

    • Birth class community support group 

    • Birth plan template 

    • One in-person birth plan/ preferences review meeting 

    • Unlimited texts/calls 

    • Bi-weekly FaceTime/online check-ins 

    • One 1:1 in-home prenatal birth prep yoga session

    • Two in-person doctor appointment support visits 

    • Labor & birth support

    • Five postpartum visit 

    • CPR education session