BIRTH DOULA SERVICES
We spend so much energy preparing our external world for a baby. We need to spend equal energy preparing our mind, body, and spirit.
WHAT IS A DOULA?
In Greek, the word doula translates to woman caregiver. It is a term used to describe a professionally trained and experienced labor companion who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother and her partner before, during, and shortly after childbirth.
EVIDENCE SHOWS THAT USING A DOULA:
Decreases use of epidural by 35%
Decreases use of Pitocin by 71%
Decreases likelihood of forceps and c-section by >50%
Decreases labor time by 98 minutes
Decreases the incidence of postpartum depression and anxiety
Increases success with breast feeding
Increases mother-child interaction
Increases self-esteem
Increases birth satisfaction
OUR PHILOSOPHY
We believe that caring, sensitive, and knowledgeable support is critical when it comes to having a satisfying birth experience. As your Doula, we will support your birth, your way - at home or at the hospital, medication-free or with an epidural, VBAC or cesarean. While no one can foresee what your birth may bring, our focus is to help you feel satisfied with your birth experience. Our goal is to help you to feel empowered in your choices and assist in creating a memory you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Offering virtual and in-person birth doula services
BASIC BIRTH PACKAGE
2 Prenatal Preparation Sessions - It is important for us to get to know your family. To discuss any fears, hopes, and desires surrounding your birth. To determine the level of involvement your partner wants to have. To discuss your likes and dislikes, food preferences, and what brings you comfort. Getting to know you is what allows us to best assist you on the big day. In these sessions, we will create a birth plan, explore pain coping strategies and map your baby.
Access to my resource library, including access to The Birth Blueprint which is a step-by-step guide to preparing your mind and body for birth
Unlimited communication via phone, text, email and voxer from the time of hire
24-hour on call support beginning at 37-weeks gestation
Continuous support throughout your labor and delivery (hospital, home, or birth center)
Assistance with bonding and initial breastfeeding within the first two hours after birth
1 Postpartum Follow-up Session - Within the first week postpartum, I will come to your home to reflect on your birth story, provide holistic healing to support recovery and troubleshoot through any difficulties you may be having
FULL CIRCLE BIRTH PACKAGE
This package includes everything in the Basic Birth Package, plus:
4 prenatal treatment sessions to get your body in the best shape for delivery by addressing pelvic alignment, pelvic floor muscle function and any soft tissue restrictions, optimizing fetal position for an easier delivery and easing any aches and pains you may be experiencing
2 in-home, postpartum treatment sessions where I will evaluate, screen and treat you for common postpartum issues including diastasic recti, pelvic pain and urinary leakage
PRENATAL TREATMENT SESSIONS - 60 MINS
Suffering from round ligament pain? Nausea and vomiting? Urinary leakage? Back pain? Sciatica? Constipation? Acid reflux? Lightning vagina? Sacroiliac or pubic bone pain?
We're here for you, mama.
Treatment can include a variety of therapeutic techniques to address things like pelvic alignment, soft tissue mobilization for muscle relaxation, pelvic floor education and exercise, breathing techniques, etc. Each treatment session will be catered to your body and your needs and will help in getting you in the best shape for delivery and for keeping you comfortable and relaxed while we wait for the arrival of your baby. Sessions are available in your home or in our Naperville office.
POSTPARTUM TREATMENT SESSIONS - 60 MINS
Suffering from urine leakage? Diastasis recti/Abdominal wall separation? Pain with sex? Constipation? Hemorrhoids? Low back, hip, or pelvic pain? Scar tissue issues? Heaviness in the pelvic area?
We're here for you, mama.
Addressing what our bodies have gone through during pregnancy and labor and delivery is so important in the postpartum period. In postpartum treatment sessions, we will evaluate and treat your body as a whole. Treatments may incorporate things like, manual therapy to scar tissue adhesions from perineal tears or c-section sites, releases to fascial restrictions around the organ systems involved in labor and delivery, and a comprehensive assessment of pelvic floor muscle function to prevent pelvic pain, bowel/bladder dysfunction, and pelvic organ prolapse. Every treatment session will be catered to your body and your needs and will help in getting your body back into homeostasis following delivery. Sessions are available in your home (because let's be honest, it's hard to leave the house with a newborn) or in our Naperville office.
Contact us to learn more about pricing for all of the services that we offer.
Ina May Gaskin
“Whenever and however you give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body, and your spirit for the rest of your life.”