Birth Doula Support

Specializing in Natural Births, Supporting Happy Families & Happy Babes

There is a Special Doula for Every Birth...

Choosing a doula is a very personal decision. Not just anyone is a good fit. Those who surround you as you labor and birth your baby must be people with whom you feel comfortable and connected. During our initial interview, feel free to ask questions and share with me your vision, and desires regarding your upcoming birth. Ultimately, the purpose of this meeting is to see if we are a good match for each other. This free, no-obligation interview can take place either in person or over the phone.

Prenatal Support

I like to meet with you prenatally to explore your personal needs and hopes for your upcoming birth. Together, we will address any fears or concerns that may interfere with the birth process. I will provide an overview of labor and birth, teach optimal fetal positioning principles, discuss various ways of relaxation, and guide you and your partner through the birth planning process. These meetings are not meant to replace a childbirth preparation course. I strongly encourage first-time parents to enrich their birth journey by taking a non-hospital and non-provider-based childbirth class.

I am also available by phone or email throughout your pregnancy to answer question. I also make my books and other materials available through a lending library.

Labor and Birth

Once your labor is established and you are ready for support, I will join you. I will support you physically and emotionally. When necessary, I offer information to help make informed decisions. I am not a medical care provider and, as such, do not make diagnoses or perform medical tasks. Rather, I am attuned to your needs for comfort, assurance, validation, encouragement, and touch. I will be a calming presence to help you focus, and I will always support your work at hand. I will bring my birth bag filled with items to help you feel more comfortable, but most often, my hands and heart are the greatest tools for supporting women along their birth journey.

I do not replace your partner in any way. With the support of a doula, your birth partner will be brought into the birthing process even more. I will help him/her, help you, in a way that both you and he/she are comfortable.

I stay with you after the birth for one to two hours to ensure you are settled in and comfortable. I can answer questions, assist breastfeeding initiation, and take pictures of your new family.

The postpartum visit usually takes place one to two weeks after your birth. Part of my commitment to you is to preserve the memory of your brth experience. During this visit, I can answer any questions about your birth experience, give ideas for both baby and new-mother care, and offer breastfeeding assistance when needed. As a gift to you, I will bring a CD of all labor & birth pictures that I may have taken, as well as a copy of your birth story written from my perspective.

Fees & Location

I attend home, hospital, and birth-center births in Marin County (North bay, North of San Francisco). My birth doula fee is $1,599 with significant discounts to students. See below.

All services described above are included. A $450 retainer fee is due upon signing the Letter of Agreement, which officially reserves my services for your "due time". The remaining is due by the second prenatal visit unless prior arrangements have been made.

I offer a reduced fee for families electing to have a homebirth.

In our efforts to foster Sacred Space for our birthing families, a Baby Birth Blessing Ceremony is included with our Doula Service. If you are interested in having this ceremony performed for you and your baby, please inquire about it.

Availability

For Availability and an Interview, contact Evelyn  via email:  evelyn [at] BirthPresence.com.