I am so happy you are considering bringing on a doula for your birth!
You might have heard of a doula, maybe a friend told you to look into hiring one, but you’re unsure about what we provide and if you actually need us.
Why would you want a stranger in the room during one of the most vulnerable times of your life? Think of me as a member of your team there to advocate for you and your baby, and showing up exactly how you need me to.
There is not a one size fits all approach in the birth room, and my service looks different every time.
If we decide to work together, this is the first thing I’ll ask you: what kind of support are you looking for?
I will always honor your space and stay present with you in the moment to continuously support you throughout the entire process of late pregnancy, labor, birth, and initial postpartum, whatever that looks like. We often think we want one type of support in the weeks leading up to birth, and then on the day of, that can change completely. That’s the beauty of this work and what makes my presence unique: I know how to adapt and read a room, often knowing what you want without you even needing to say anything.
Doula support has many different facets.
You might want everything or just one type of support. The amazing thing is you don’t need to know exactly what you want right now, but knowing your options is the name of the game when it comes to birth!
Physical Support
- I can guide you in different positions to help ease discomfort and promote progression of labor.
- Relaxation techniques like breath work or mindfulness practices.
- Massage, counter pressure, and other hands-on modalities.
- Creating a calming environment when it comes to sound, lighting, and smell.
Emotional Support
- Continuous reassurance and a calming presence.
- Encouragement and trust for you and your partner.
- Words of affirmation.
Informational Support
- Helping to educate throughout your pregnancy to make informed, evidence-based decisions for birth preferences.
- Providing guidance and assistance with information about your options during labor because things can get overwhelming! I’ll be there to remind you what we’ve already talked about and keep those decisions in the forefront of my mind to advocate for you and your baby on the day of your delivery.
Partner Support
- Helping your partner feel like a part of the birth process, as they can often feel intimidated or helpless.
- Giving them tips and tricks to help ease your discomfort and really be part of the process. They play a major role!
- Giving them permission to take care of themselves so they can show up as their best self for you and your baby.
Immediate Postpartum Support
- I will be here for you and your family in the first couple hours after delivery to assist with anything you desire, including breastfeeding support and connecting with your baby.
Birth Doula Package
Starting at $1,200
Complimentary consultation to ensure we’re a good fit.
90 Minute Initial Appointment—introductions, birth preferences/planning, etc.
Up to two 60 Minute Prenatal Visits—understanding fears, birth education, position and comfort measures practice.
Support and education via phone, text, or email, and 24/7 on-call window beginning at 38 weeks until delivery.
Continuous labor & delivery support, including one-two hours during immediate postpartum.
Up to two postpartum visits, depending on your needs and desires.
Payment plans available
We can create a package that’s right for you! If you feel we need more (or less) time, either prenatally or during the postpartum period, we can add on or find what works best for you.
Insurance
I am covered by insurance (Medi-Cal, Kaiser, Community Health Group, & Healthnet). I am partnered with Loula who handles the billing side of things, so you don’t have to worry about any billing issues and we can solely focus on the care you need. I am willing to work together to get coverage and find something that works for both of us.
Shannon was a calming presence from the moment she stepped into my delivery room.
Every time I started to doubt my abilities to continue through an unmedicated labor, she reminded me how capable I was. She knew exactly what I needed before I ever had to say anything, and she is one of the only reasons my VBAC was possible. I can’t sing her praises enough!
-Shelby
Shannon was an awesome support before, during, and after the birth of our son.
She seamlessly transitioned the type of support I needed during labor despite it being completely different from what I had anticipated.
- Annie
