What to expect in hiring me as a doula when you are expecting
As I mentioned on my About Me page, I enjoy getting to know my clients. I have found through years of experience that the more I get to know about a client, the better equipped I am to help them through this season of life. In an ideal situation I like being hired with enough time to schedule the following appointments:
Virtual Intake: We set this up shortly after you’ve hired me. During this meeting we discuss relevant history you feel comfortable sharing, educational resources needed, community connections, and fears/concerns/hopes for the journey ahead.
Virtual Prenatal: This appointment, in an ideal world, takes place at the beginning of the third trimester. This is a check-in and an educational appointment geared toward talking about how the pregnancy is going, what to expect as you near the end of the pregnancy, the birth process, and postpartum period. We discuss the logistics of communication, like when to reach out if you think you are in labor, what to expect with in-person support, and how I can be of use during your postpartum period.
In-Person Prenatal: We try to get this appointment closer to your due date but not so close that we don’t get it in before you go into labor. It’s a hard balance! During this visit we go over any questions you might have and the physical techniques we can utilize to help you cope through labor. We go over your birth plan in detail and talk about various potential outcomes and desires should those events unfold.
Additional Appointments available by request (at no extra cost): Do not expect yourself to learn things in labor. The time to learn is either before even getting pregnant or as soon as you realize you are pregnant. I know life is unmanageably busy for many of us, but there’s no redo in birth. Once it’s done, that experience cannot be changed or relived. Knowledge is the greatest power any of us can wield and some of the biggest regrets I hear people voice is they wish they “knew better.”
The Technicalities: In this appointment we will discuss the mechanics of labor, what is happening to the human body during this process, common complications, medical terminology, and what to expect of the different team members that might be at your bedside. What is the role of the tech, nurse, respiratory therapist, NICU RN, etc.
Potential Possibilities: We can’t predict what will happen to our bodies in life, especially when pregnant, during labor, and in the postpartum period. We can try to be as prepared as possible but sometimes we have to let go of the unknown. For those who want to review possible outcomes like being induced, C-sections, NICU stays, postpartum depression, and more, I like to set aside time for just these things. This information is not to scare you, but instead give you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions during stressful situations that you may not have thought about.
Partner Participation: Sometimes birthing partners need their own time to discuss how to be involved, what to expect, fears and concerns about the process, etc. If you are going to have other people be present for your birth then let’s help them have the tools they need when your time comes.
Collaborative Communication: Teamwork is the dreamwork. I am happy to make contact with your other providers (ob-gyn, midwife, chiropractor, pelvic floor therapist, pediatrician, etc.) in order to establish a rapport at your request. I want to instill confidence in my skills not just with you but your other chosen team members as well. When I walk into your birth room, I want your other providers to understand the work you and I have been doing ahead of time – it helps establish mutual trust.
In-Person Labor Support looks different for everyone, but I try to join when you are in active labor and in need of my hands-on care. I aim to stay with you throughout the duration of your labor, birth, and the first few hours after delivery to aid in cleanup, recovery, and feeding support. Once you are “settled” after birth is when I take my leave.
Postpartum Support: I don’t just disappear after you’ve had your baby. Those first few weeks and months can be hard. I continue to be available for text and phone support. I will check on clients if that is desired and appreciated, or I am happy to give you space as you welcome your newest family member into the world.
An in-person visit is scheduled as needed once you are home. During this visit we can go over your birth timeline, outcomes, postpartum healing, newborn care, and whatever else comes up.
Once you have hired me you are welcome to text, email, or call with questions, concerns, community resource needs, updates about your pregnancy, and life changes that could impact your birth and postpartum period. We discuss communication expectations during our visits.
Doula Services: $1500
I take only a few clients at a time so that I can devote significant time to you. It’s just how I roll y’all. This work is my passion and I put so much into this because of how much I care. If I could do this for free I would. I personally hate capitalism so whenever y’all are ready to get rid of the idea of money let me know. Until then I am happy to work with families on payment plans.
Additional Postpartum Services: For Birth Clients Only
I am happy to continue to work with clients during the initial postpartum period as they work to heal from their birth and navigate the changes to their lives. Postpartum work is hourly and based on the needs of the family. My postpartum work is geared towards helping families find their new rhythm by providing practical solutions for the struggles of childrearing. During the early weeks of healing from pregnancy and birth we’ll focus on helping your body heal and getting to know this new human you’ve made. Your body and your baby are constantly changing and you shouldn’t have to cope with that alone. That’s what I’m here for, to be your postpartum companion, judgment free.
Health Coach
Sometimes I’m here for a season, and sometimes I’m here for much longer. Every now and then clients wish to continue working with me beyond pregnancy and the initial postpartum period. I offer Health Coaching to former birth clients and their families as they continue to learn about their ever-changing bodies, the healthcare system, and community resources. My work as a health coach is based on my desire to help people live the life that they want. We’ll create REALISTIC goals, come up with possible solutions to life’s unpredictable problems, and hopefully help you find or broaden your community. I’ll share with you tools, knowledge, wisdom, and a listening ear. These appointments are mostly virtual but can be in person depending on the needs of the individual and my availability. This service is for those who desire change in their life and have the drive to do something about it because more often than not change is hard. Speaking from personal experience, I know how difficult it is to change years of negative narratives that result in potentially harmful coping tools. I aim to help those who want to unravel their own negative narratives so they can do better by themselves.



Interested in a Free Consultation?
Fill out some info and Sara will be in touch shortly.