the eDoula plan

Do you have questions that you never get a chance to ask? Do you wish that you had a supporter who you could contact at any time?  Someone who is interested in getting to know you and your story, and whose goal is to provide loving support and access to information without passing judgment? Are you looking for a person with a strong knowledge base, who has connections to many of Philadelphia’s outstanding childbirth resources?

I am offering The eDoula Plan as an affordable option based on a dual care model, for women and families who are looking for a touchstone, a resource, and a guide during the amazing journey that is the childbearing year. You can start at any point in your pregnancy.  It is whatever you need it to be, and this can mean that it changes throughout the course of your pregnancy!

*Please note that I do not discriminate for ANY reason. All mothers are free to set up a meeting and contract my service regardless of age (teen moms are welcome just as much as mothers in their 20′s, 30′s, 40′s and beyond), race, religion, sexual preference, or any other lifestyle variation.

How it works:

When you contact me, we will set up a free face to face meeting at my office in South Philadelphia.  At that time, if you choose to work with me, we will sign a contract and arrange for payment via credit card (preferred) or check. See the pricing chart for money matters. You also have the choice to take my materials home and take as much time as you need to make the decision whether or not to contract my services.

Before you leave, I will provide you with my initial resource packet, including a reading list, a list of local birth options and statistics, a nutrition evaluation form and general recommendations, a list of common prenatal tests and explanations, an overview of pregnancy changes and fetal development, and more.  I provide my email address and cell phone number (cell is for urgent questions only until week 37 – this allows me to serve more women and also to honor my family), and we’re on our way.  As part of the plan, you have 24/7 email support, access to all of my downloadable materials as well as the option to borrow from my lending library of books and DVD’s (see the library page for a current list of available titles).

First Trimester Support

The first trimester is a time of enormous change, especially for a first time mother.  Whether an unexpected surprise or a long awaited gift, the first trimester brings up many questions about what you are feeling both physically and emotionally.  This is a time when many parents are waiting to share the big news, yet are struggling with the fact that they find themselves overwhelmed, concerned, nauseous, or any number of feelings that inevitably come up, and are in need of support. I can help! As part of the eDoula plan you never have to hesitate to email me with any questions you have – no matter what they are.  NO question is silly.  You can even email me if you just need a virtual hug.  That’s part of my job too!

Second Trimester Support

During the Second Trimester, many women feel great, but that doesn’t mean that your body stops changing or that baby stops growing! The second trimester is a great time to start to prepare mentally for what is to come, to clear out any fears, and to enjoy your pregnancy and get to know the person (or people!) who is/are growing inside you.  The second trimester is also a good time to continue with or ease back into a fitness routine and to really focus on your nutrition now that the nausea has (hopefully) subsided.  This is also a good time to schedule or begin attending a childbirth preparation class.  I am available to talk about all of this and anything else that comes up during this time.

Third Trimester Support

The third trimester is a time when, for many couples, the reality of having a baby suddenly hits. This can have a big impact on a couple’s relationship. It can bring you closer than you’ve ever been, or it can test you, and the crazy part is, there is no way to know how you are going to react to this stage of the journey.  No matter what your response, the “home stretch” is a time to face and embrace the reality of having a baby.  It is a time to discuss and release fears, to welcome the coming change, to continue learning, and to plan for labor and beyond.  Regardless of where you plan to give birth, I am available to help formulate a birth plan. A birth plan is a way for you to look at possible scenarios and to come to decisions before the big day about what you want to have happen, and what you will do if things don’t go as planned.  Labor is unpredictable (just like children!) so it is a good idea to think about labor and delivery before you get rolling and realize that you actually DID have expectations, but hadn’t realized what they were. We can also discuss labor support techniques during this time.

During the third trimester, I provide information about natural birth, cesarean birth, inductions, and newborn processes. I believe in informed consent and am committed to providing all of my clients with  comprehensive information about the risks and benefits of common birth practices.

Labor and Birth Support

Included in the eDoula plan, I am available via phone around the time of your due date to discuss signs of labor, if it is time to go to the hospital, birth center, or contact your midwife.

For an additional fee, I am available to existing eDoula clients for continuous phone support during labor.

Postpartum Support

Why do I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck?  Am I depressed?  Is her latch ok?  My nipples hurt!  These are just a few responses to giving birth that I’ve been faced with.  Talk about upheaval.  The first trimester suddenly seems like a piece of cake, and where did all of my support go?  While the postpartum period is a time for rest and bonding, the reality is often more complicated.

Not to worry, if you still need my support, I am here for you!

If you are one of the many women in this country without a strong postpartum support system, you may find that the postpartum period is the time when you need a steady supporter the most.  Your body is healing, your baby is in his/her “fourth trimester,” your hormones are changing rapidly, your partner is on his/her own journey into parenthood, and the focus is now on the baby – except for that inevitable list of unsolicited advice…

I am available to continue 24/7 email support as long as you need it after the baby is born.  Also, if at this time you are interested in “in person” support, I offer Postpartum Doula services at an hourly rate.

I look forward to getting to know you!