Prenatal Visits & Birth Plan 

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I provide a minimum of 1-2 prenatal visits prior to your birth, and 1-2 postpartum visits after your delivery. Each visit will vary on time, please allow us a minimum of 2hrs.  Additional visits are available upon request and are dependent on my availability during that time. Typically this only occurs if you would like I attend any doctors visits, ultrasounds, birthing, parenting or lamaze classes, or any extended work as a newborn nanny after baby is born. As a Doula, my goal is to give you and your family the attention and knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your pregnancy and labor. 

 

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What is a Birth Plan?

A Birth Plan is built upon the structure of your personal needs and preferences through your labor and delivery. I provide you and your partner with understanding, information and support before, during and after birth. Our initial meeting will help me tailor a package to fit your needs so I can provide you the best care and support possible. We discuss your every birth preference you wish to be respected throughout your laboring journey, and immediately to follow baby's birth.

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What we will discuss? 

• Signs of Pre-Labour & Labor

• Stages of Labor, Different Labor & Birthing Positions

• Body Mechanics, Posture, Pelvis Tilts 

• Pushing Techniques & Pelvic Floor Engagement/Overuse 

• Various Breathing Techniques, Meditation Practices, & Physiological Benefits of Relaxation 

• Birth Options Preferences; Skin to Skin, Delayed Cord Clamping

• Medical Interventions; Forceps, Vacuum Extraction, Amniotomy, VBAC, Cesarean and how to avoid interventions if desired

• Medical Pain Management; epidural, narcotics, other 

• Breastfeeding, Pumping, Bottle Feeding & Formula; Options

• Adaptation to Parenthood

• My on-call availability, "when to call", general discussions around client/doula boundaries

• Prenatal & Postpartum Resources; resources will be provided 

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What to consider?

• Who do you want with you during labor and delivery (for example, your partner, mom, best friend, or children)?

• What positions do you want to try; lying down, sitting, moving around, squatting, water birth?

• If labor is not progressing as it should, do you consent to inducing labor?

• Where do you plan to have baby? Hospital, Home Birth, Birth Center?

• Do you want any medication to help with the pain (e.g., an epidural)? 

• Are there specific comfort measures you would like to try, such as breathing techniques, dancing, getting a massage, having the lights dimmed, or listening to music? 

• Would you like to spend part of your early labor time in a warm bath, or try using a birthing ball, or chair?

• Would you prefer an episiotomy or taking the chance for perineum tearing?

• Are there any cultural or traditional rituals you would like to take place right after giving birth?

• Do you want baby to stay with you at all times, or is it OK baby spends time in the nursery?

• Who to call in case of emergency?

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