DOULA

“Published data indicate that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula. Given that there are no associated measurable harms, this resource is probably underutilized.” -The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Safe Prevention of the Primary Cesarean Delivery

FREE Download: What Is A Doula

A doula is a compassionate part of the birth team supporting the mother and family prior to and through the process of labor and delivery.  The role of a doula is to provide information, physical and emotional support.  

A DOULA PROVIDES: 
Information- helping to determine birth preferences,  assisting with creating birth plan, explaining options for delivery, explaining options for the birth setting such as home birth, birthing center or hospital,  offering breastfeeding information and providing community resources.

Nonmedical physical support – assisting with comfort measures during labor such as positioning, relaxation techniques, breathing techniques, massage, warm / cold packs or hydrotherapy.   

Emotional support – such as words of encouragement, a calm presence, empowering mom during the birth experience, allowing time to discuss the experience afterward, and partner / family support.  

A DOULA DOES NOT:
Provide medical care such as exams, fetal heart checks, etc.
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Make decisions for you. A doula will provide information so you are able to make an informed decision for yourself.  

Speak on your behalf to medical staff.  A doula will discuss your concerns with you and share options.  You or your partner will make the decision and relay it to the medical staff.  

I want you to feel empowered and supported through the birth process and will do my best to make my doula services available to you. Located in Winthrop, Maine, I serve laboring women virtually as well as within a 40 mile driving radius.       

Doula care rates vary are not typically covered by health insurance.  Flex spending account or HSA may be used.  

​To check my availability and schedule your free consultation click here or visit me on DoulaMatch. 

SUPPORT OPTIONS
One Prenatal Meeting: $75
On Call 38 Weeks - Birth: Included
Virtual Labor Support: $400
In-Person Labor Support: $500
​Online Recorded Childbirth Education Course: $129
One Private Yoga Class (Prenatal/Postnatal/Infant): $75
Yoga Class Series: TBD based on number of weeks
Belly Casting: $150
Prenatal Reflexology: $50
One Postpartum Follow Up Visit: $75
Postpartum Care: $35 per hour with 3 hour minimum. It would be an honor to assist you and your baby as you rest and recover from childbirth. Anticipated needs to be discussed beforehand. 

Blessingway Ceremony
Evolved from a traditional Native American ceremony, the purpose is to encourage, nurture and support the parent-to-be during the journey into motherhood.  This peaceful, supportive celebration can be in place of, or in addition to, a baby shower and can take place up to one year after a birth. Fees vary depending on time and budget.  Please inquire. 

TESTIMONIALS
Sally was a wonderful help with our first pregnancy and delivery. We were, like many, under special stressors because of COVID-19 and had to do everything virtually, but Sally helped us with some great resources as we prepped for labor. (Resources that I share with all of my first-time pregnant friends now!) She also provided a calming (virtual) presence during labor and postpartum. Highly recommend her. The only reason we're not using her services again for our second baby is because we are ready to be in-person but no longer live in the same area--but of course she's so wonderful that she helped us get settled with another doula who's local. She's responsive, research-driven, and genuinely cares for the people she works with. ~ Lynn 2021

I was so thankful to have Sally as my doula for the birth of my second child. She checked in with me daily in the weeks leading up to the birth, offering encouraging words and helpful advice. When the day finally arrived, it was a precipitous birth, and I will always remember showing up at the front doors of the ER with Sally standing right there as I exited my car and immediately  fell to my knees to have a contraction. From that point foreword, she was there with me every step of the way, providing comfort measures and encouraging my husband to speak up for our needs with our care providers. After baby was born, Sally visited our home and made breakfast so we could sleep. She also ran to the store to get some of the essentials we needed that day. We felt so comforted and well taken care of by her. I highly recommend Sally to any family seeking support for labor, delivery and postpartum. ~ Megan 2019

If you’re looking for a calming presence to see you through the birth process, Sally is the perfect choice! Sally worked with me through my pregnancy, labor and delivery, and even offered postpartum support. She is honest, direct, and supportive. Sally helped my family develop customized birth preferences. When the circumstances of pregnancy and labor demanded a change to the plan, Sally was ready! She reminded me of my wishes and helped my family consider our options. Through the challenges of labor, Sally kept me in the present. She knew just when I needed breathing techniques to get me through a difficult contraction, a drink to keep me hydrated, massage, essential oils - you name it! She even effectively offered suggestions for the other members of my birth team. I truly believe her presence allowed my husband to play a more active and meaningful role during the birth of our son. In the end, Sally shared an album of photos she captured throughout the day; a priceless addition to the most amazing experience life has to offer. ~ Amber 2019

I am so blessed to have had Sally as my Doula. Initially, I was very hesitant, As I was never really aware of what a doula does and I didn’t use one for my first two children. Once I decided to do a VBAC after having two c-sections and being 40 I knew I couldn’t do it without a Doula. Sally really made it all happen with providing me with great education prior to delivery and continuing postpartum. I will forever be grateful that I got to do a vaginal birth. Sally was truly invaluable during the delivery and anyone choosing to use Sally will be blessed! ~ Karen