Labor Doula
For our most important life events, we look for guidance in making the best decisions; whether selecting a college, getting married, or buying a new house, the best choice is to have an experienced professional committed to meeting your personal needs.
The same is true of one of the most significant events in your life: the birth of your baby.
Your medical team is there to ensure your and your baby’s safety, your doula team is there to facilitate communication and collaboration with healthcare providers, provide comfort measures and emotional support, as well as provide support and guidance to your partner By encouraging open dialogue and respectful interactions, doulas help normalize the idea that individuals have the right to be active participants in their care so families have autonomy over their experience.
Our labor doulas take the time to learn your hopes and dreams along with your fears, gently offering judgment-free guidance and encouragement, and presenting options and evidence-based information so that you can make informed decisions that align with your values and preferences.
WHY HIRE US TO BE PART OF YOUR TEAM?
When signing with Chesapeake Birth and Baby, you will work with two doulas who attend your prenatal, and communicate with you directly, so that no matter when you go into labor, there will be a friendly face with whom you have worked closely.
Doulas also support partners by offering guidance and reassurance, enabling them to participate in the birthing process actively. This involvement helps normalize the idea that childbirth is a shared experience that can deepen the bond between partners.
Labor packages start at $2000
Prenatal
Your prenatal is a two-hour birth planning and informational session. It’s ok if you don’t feel ready or know what questions you should be asking. We come to you with a wide range of information, including a labor preference sheet to give to your medical provider. By the end of our session, you will feel much more prepared for the process; if you have questions at a later date, we’re only a phone call away.
On the big day
Doulas remain with individuals throughout labor and birth, offering unwavering support. This presence helps create a sense of stability and reassurance, normalizing the idea that labor is a natural and manageable process. Your doula will be a calming presence and assist with pain management techniques and comfort measures during labor, communication with the staff, the birth of the baby, and immediately after.
The first few days
A lot can happen in the 6 weeks before you see your ob/ midwife for your postpartum visit. Our labor package includes a four-hour postpartum meeting at your home within the first two weeks of your baby’s birth. During this time, you can take advantage of feeding support, and your doula will check on how you are healing and feeling emotionally. You’ll likely have lots of questions about your newborn, and your postpartum visit is designed to set you on the right path, troubleshooting issues before they become problems.