Birth Support
A birth doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to mother's before, during, and after childbirth. The word "doula" comes from ancient Greek and means "a woman who serves."
Here are some key aspects of a birth doula's role:
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Emotional Support: Doulas offer continuous emotional support to expectant parents, helping them cope with the emotional challenges of pregnancy and childbirth. This support can include reassurance, encouragement, and active listening.
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Physical Support: During labor, doulas provide comfort measures such as massage, breathing techniques, and positioning suggestions to help manage pain and discomfort. They may also assist with creating a calming environment in the birthing space.
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Informational Support: Doulas share evidence-based information about pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care. They help expectant parents understand their options, make informed decisions, and navigate the healthcare system.
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Advocacy: Doulas advocate for the family's preferences and desires within the birth plan. They support and encourage communication with the healthcare team.
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Continuous Presence: One of the unique aspects of a doula's role is their continuous presence during labor and childbirth. Unlike medical professionals who may come and go, a doula is typically with the family from the early stages of labor through the delivery and sometimes during the initial postpartum period.
It's important to note that while doulas are supportive figures, they do not replace the role of healthcare providers. Doulas complement the medical team by providing a different kind of support that focuses on the emotional and non-medical aspects of the birthing process.
Postpartum Care
Throughout your pregnancy you dream, prep, and plan for the delivery of your new baby and the exciting day they'll join your family. What you may not have given much thought to is your recovery from the mental, physical, and emotional work that comes with a new baby.
Enter your postpartum doula: She is there to assist you on your path to physical and emotional recovery. A postpartum doula is a non-medical support person who helps new mothers (and their families) do whatever they need to do to recover well. Your health is vital to your family as there is no one else that can replace you! Investing in doula support can offer you things like time to sleep, rest, shower, someone to process with, prep a meal, or keep your toddler occupied so you can be your best self.
Your comfort and recovery is of primary importance to your doula, she is there to take care of YOU so that you can be available to care for your loved ones. Every family’s experience of welcoming a new baby is unique and your doula knows this. She will work with you to identify your needs and provide the support necessary to help your whole family flourish.
Some of the Unique Postpartum Services Birth by Design Offers:
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Postpartum planning sessions
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Emotional, physical and informational support
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Mother mentoring
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Assistance with baby care (diapering, feeding, comforting)
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Sibling care (Play, Bedtime/Naps, Integration of the New Baby)
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Non-Judgmental listening ear
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Nourish you and your family through meal prep
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Light housekeeping (laundry, dishes, etc.)
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Accompany you to appointments
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Feeding/Breastfeeding support​
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Running errands
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Baby soothing techniques
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Bonding with your baby support
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Overnight care for baby and mom
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Adoption support
Sibling Doula
You are ready to bring this baby into the world but what about your other child/children? Who will care for them when you go into labor? Your sibling doula is ready and willing to be on-call for your big day to take care of your older children so you can concentrate on the birth of their sibling. Whether planning for a home, birth center or hospital birth having a trusted professional ready to look to the physical and emotional needs of your older children can provide you with the confidence you need to head into your birth story with peaceful assurance that all are well cared for.
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Your sibling doula will meet with your family prior to the big day so that your child/children have a familiar face ready to care for them. Each family's story is unique so we want to learn your dreams for how you want your child/children to be included in welcoming their new sibling into the family.
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A Sibling Doula's Role Might Include:
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Being on-call and arriving when parents request
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Playing with, comforting, entertaining, and explaining to the child/children what is happening
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Supporting the parents in their desire to include their older children in however they desire
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Making sure the child/children are fed, hydrated and get the rest they need
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Creating special memories for the family
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Practical support
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Help with immediate bonding with their new sibling
Birth Photography
Hiring a professional birth photographer allows for everyone to be present, in the moment, without having to worry about capturing the first pictures of your precious new addition. Our dedicated birth photographer is skilled in knowing how to capture the angles, the lighting, and the moments in a way that is respectful and genuine. The goal of birth photography is to document your story in all its glory. You, your loved ones, your birth team, and your incredible courage and power that brought your child to your arms are all an important part of your story.
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If hired, our birth photographer will plan to show up when you are at the transition phase (8-10cm dilated). The photographer will stay for the final phase of labor, delivery, and after the birth for post delivery shots of the newborn checks, meeting family members, first feeding, skin to skin time, etc. ​
