Labor Support

WELCOME TO A MORE MEMORABLE, SATISFYING AND CONFIDENT BIRTH:)

I support women and their families in achieving the birth that they desire. Doulas work in homes, hospitals and birth centers. I give continuous emotional, physical, and informational support. I ensure that I am always available to look after you and your husband physically and emotionally to attain the birth memory you desire. I provide life skills building and "Proactive Parenting" support as a specialist in this area.

Doulas ...

recognize childbirth as a key life experience that the mother and father will remember all of their lives

understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor as well as the partners
assist the Mother and Father in preparing for and carrying out their CHOICES for the birth
stay by the side of the laboring couple throughout the entire labor
provide emotional support, physical comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping you get the information you need to make decisions you feel empowered by
facilitate good communication between the laboring Mother, Father, and clinical care providers.
Doulas perceive their role as nurturing and protecting the memory of your birth experience

Studies have shown that having a doula may decrease:

Epidural use by 60% Cesarean birth by 50% Pitocin use by 40% Narcotics use by 30% Forceps use by 30% Length of labor by 25%

Four Hearts Services includes;

Home visit one- 1 hour meeting to give you information and allow you to decide if I am a good match for you, as this is a very intimate time your Doula shares, it is essential that you are comfortable! This is likely to increase the "DOULA EFFECT". A list of interview questions, other Doulas, or references are provided upon request.
Home visit two- 2&1/2 hour meeting in which you go over your fears/desires/hopes for your labor and birth with a CHOICE sheet I provide to you. This tool (with over 100 choices) acts as a communications format for you and your primary care provider and as a navigational tool me to serve you fully. This sheet is a teaching tool for initialing by your healthcare provider after they have reviewed it, whom I will ask to meet and give further information. It supports continuity if your Provider is not on call or unavailable for your delivery.
Home visit three- 2&1/2 hour meeting called a "DRY RUN". What it is like to labor at home and the hospital. We will practice several comfort measures and coping skills, several pushing positions for birthing with and without an epidural. We go over when to call me and specific signs of labor and its progression.

************* Early Parenting********Home visit four*********

This is a special addition for your special addition, a class to support early parenting skills and raise confidence!

All of Labor, Delivery and 2 hours Postpartum- I remain with you from the time you think you are in labor, (even if you want to do early labor at home) transporting to the hospital with you, staying till 2 hours after your birth to insure bonding and latch on. I also call or come by the next day to visit.
24/7 phone support-I am available by phone 24/7 to check in with after visits to your healthcare provider or even if you just want to talk about how you feel, ask questions about early labor or just need support. This is for Mom & Dad!
2-3 week follow up- I write a Birthday Card addressed to the baby about the birth. This offers an opportunity for closure and discussion of your feelings about your birth.
If at that time you were happy with the services you received from me, you may pay the balance of my fee, if not it is yours to keep. If you choose to keep the remainder of my fee, I ask that you submit suggestions in writing so that I may serve the next couple more fully.
Nursing support- Besides strong initial latch on and in person nursing support, I will supply contact numbers for a LaLeche support group and leader near you and OR a Lactation Specialists in your area.
Tips and tricks-by phone for free or visits on new parenting issues, nursing issues and general postpartum recovery .