Services I offer
- Prenatal and postpartum massage
- Birth doula services
- Home Postpartum care
- Instruction in Infant massage
Whether you intend to give birth at home, in the hospital, or in a birthing center, with an OB or a midwife, the presence of a doula can enhance your birth experience.
Prenatal and Postpartum Massage
Massage is so wonderful anytime, but especially during pregnancy. It gives the mother-to-be the time and space to deeply relax and be nourished. It helps relieve all the achiness, pain, and discomfort that pregnancy can produce, making it a more enjoyable experience overall. Rubbing oil into the skin moisturizes it and increases its elasticity; working the muscles and joints helps tone and ready the body for labor and birth. I have seen again and again that women who receive massage throughout pregnancy experience greater ease and well-being, and leave each time feeling refreshed and renewed.
I feel strongly that massage should be something that is available to everyone, and for that reason offer my services on a sliding scale of $50-65 per session (excluding the first session which is always $65), with package discounts available and further discounts for my doula clients.
Birth doula services include
- Free initial interview
- 2-6 monthly prenatal visits
- 1-2 postpartum visits (further postpartum care can be arranged on an individual hourly basis)
- Assistance writing a birth plan
- Information about educational and local resources
- Unlimited phone and email support throughout your pregnancy
- 24-hour on-call beginning 2 weeks prior to your due date up until the birth
- Early labor support tailored to your individual needs, both physical and emotional
- Continuous support throughout labor and delivery, in your home and/or in the birthing facility
- Familiarity with and advocacy of mother and partner’s wishes
- Continued presence for at least 2 hours after baby’s birth
- Early breastfeeding support as needed
- Sliding scale of $450-700
- Training for parents in infant massage.
My expectations of the client
- Honest communication about issues pertinent to your labor
- Self-education about childbirth, preferably through participation in a childbirth education class
- Dedication to being healthy, including eating well, moving your body, and relaxing deeply and regularly
Home Postpartum Care
I offer home postpartum care for the transition into life with a new infant. I am available for day or evening hours, and on some weekends. Home postpartum care can include watching your newborn while you sleep, shower, take time to yourself, or do whatever you would like to do; preparing herbal or aromatherapy baths for mother; preparing nutritious and delicious meals; light housecleaning; breastfeeding support; bathing your newborn; and general home support.
I offer these services on an hourly basis at the rate of $20 an hour. If this is prohibitive for you, I am happy to discuss partial trade or possible sliding scale.
Training in infant massage
Babies love to be massaged, just like we do! Massaging your infant is a very sweet time for connection with you and your baby, and can be a wonderful opportunity for the father or partner as well. Training in simple techniques for infant massage is available as part of my services to all my doula clients. I am also available for private or group instruction; please contact me to discuss possibilities and details.