A doula works with expectant parents before, during, and just after labor and delivery. By providing comfort, information, and specialized support, she helps women and their partners to have their best possible birth experiences.

Studies have shown that the support of a doula during labor and birth can:

• decrease your risk of cesarean and/or other medical interventions by as much as 50%.
• reduce the intensity of labor pain and augment pain-coping techniques.
• improve breastfeeding success rates.
• increase your level of satisfaction with your birth experience.

My doula services include:

• One prenatal visit. ~ I come to you. We will meet in your home to make preparations for early labor, and to discuss your wishes for birth.
• Phone and/or email support as needed. ~ I will be available throughout your pregnancy to answer questions, address concerns, and provide emotional support. I will also check in with you periodically to ask how you are doing.
• Assistance in creating a birth plan. ~ At our home visit, we will discuss your options for labor and birth. I will help you make sure you are well-informed so you can make the choices that you feel are best for you and your baby. I’ll write down your desires for birth, and will create a birth plan that helps you and your caregivers to be certain that your needs and wants are understood.
• Emotional, physical, and informational support during labor and birth. ~ I will make sure that you stay well-informed about anything that arises during the process of labor and birth. I will be there to act as your advocate, guarding your privacy and gently reminding caregivers of your wishes if needed. I will soothe and comfort you, encourage and believe in you, and help you to feel surrounded with love, compassion, and support. I will help you to cope with pain through a wide variety of techniques, including relaxation and massage.
• Support immediately after the birth. ~ I will remain with you for the first hour or two after your baby arrives. I will help with the baby’s first feeding if needed, to make sure it goes smoothly. I will help make sure that you and your baby are comfortable, and then I will leave to allow your new family private time for bonding and resting.
• One postnatal visit. ~ I will visit you at least once to follow up, and I will continue to be accessible by phone and email should you have any questions, encounter any difficulties, or simply need some friendly support.

Fees:

The total fee for doula services is $450, and is payable as follows:

• $125 due when you select Tree of Life for your doula services.
• $325 due two weeks before your baby’s due date. If your baby is born early, this fee is due within ten days from the date of birth.

What’s next?

Simply call or email me to let me know that you are interested in my services. I will lead you through the rest!

864.616.8568

valerie.rasmussen@gmail.com