What does a doula do?

 

Nourishing Seeds offers support for a full-spectrum of reproductive and parenting experiences, including (though not limited to) pregnancy, labor, vaginal birth, cesarean birth, and postpartum. Note that my services are reflective of your individual situation and can be tailored to your families needs accordingly. Here’s an example of what I offer:

 
 

birth-centered services

Birth-centered support begins with the signing of your contract at any point in pregnancy and concludes with your final postpartum visit, approximately 3 weeks after your birth. This birth doula services package includes:

  • 2 prenatal appointments*

    • Discussion of your birthing preferences, compiled in a written document for reference by your medical providers

    • Advising on choice of birthing locations

    • Education on birthing process and potential interventions

    • Practice with breathing techniques, visualization, and physical comfort measures 

    • Care coordination for immediate postpartum

    • Exploration of options around infant feeding and care

    • Referral to prenatal resources and trusted providers

  • On-call support from 3 weeks prior to EDD until baby is born

    • Unlimited phone and text support, 24/7

  • Labor and birth support

    • Hands-on comfort measures and techniques to ease and facilitate the progression of labor

    • Demystification of medical terminology and clarification of risks and benefits to procedures and other interventions

    • Advocacy for your rights in labor and the respect of your boundaries and choices in birth

    • Consistency of emotional support and physical presence by your side

    • Photos and video, if you want them!

  • 2 postpartum hospital/home visits, one within the first two days and another within 2 weeks following your birth:

    • Lactation / infant feeding support

    • Support for physical healing

    • Processing birth experience

    • Homemade, nutrient-dense bone or (vegan) seaweed broths, delivered to you

    • Support and early intervention for postpartum mood and anxiety disorders

    • Guidance with gentle parenting, safe sleep, baby wearing, cloth diapering, etc.

    • Referrals to appropriate childcare, parenting groups, lactation support, and other resources 

*If you hire me more than 30 days in advance of your estimated delivery date (EDD), I will happily provide an additional, complementary prenatal visit!


 

Postpartum presence

Already given birth? It’s not too late to reach out for help! These are services for those who need a hand in their postpartum transition. Each postpartum agreement is subject to my availability and your needs. The minimum commitment is one weekly visit for 3 hours. My postpartum doula services provide you with ongoing support through scheduled home visits, during which I may assist you with:

  • Lactation/infant feeding

    • Nighttime feedings to get you a few hours of uninterrupted sleep

    • Alternatives to nursing that prioritize bonding and infant health

    • Addressing challenges to nursing such as latching, supply, and pain or discomfort

    • Returning to work, pumping, supplementation, and weaning

    • Referral to gifted Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) for issues outside the scope of normal challenges to chestfeeding

  • Emotional support

    • Birthing experience processing

    • Support with bonding and transition to parenthood

  • Physical support

    • Homemade, nutrient-dense meal prep to promote physical healing from birth and protect against postnatal depletion

    • Pelvic steams 

    • Light household support, specific to baby’s care

  • Infant care

    • Learning infant cues and communication

    • Safe infant handling

    • Cloth diapering

    • Baby wearing

  • Family planning / spacing counseling

    • Preventing or planning for future pregnancy

    • Family integration, sibling adjustment, village building

    • Referrals to culturally sensitive providers and parent resources

 

Pregnancy and Infant Loss focused Care

Pregnancy and birth are unpredictable; that’s why I am prepared to support you through any possible outcome.

  • Abortion support

    • Discussion of options, risks, and rights

    • Emotional and physical support during abortion, whether on-call or in-person for in-clinic procedure

  • Miscarriage and stillbirth support

    • Discussion of options, risks, and rights

    • On-call, 24/7 phone and text support

    • Physical presence and companionship during birth or expectant management of miscarriage

    • Coordination of care for physical and emotional healing

    • Referral to appropriate therapists, support groups, funeral home