What does it look like to hire me? (Training/experience is detailed on my about page.) You can’t be any better supported than having the skillset and expertise of a certified doula/photographer/massage therapist, the ULTIMATE trifecta! I have curated a full-service package based on my several years of experience with the elements that I feel give my clients the most benefit and preparation for their labor. I offer a 30-minute complimentary consultation to see if we are a good match. If we decide to move forward your support begins immediately. I will listen to your concerns and goals, and give you unbiased, judgment-free, evidence-based information throughout all four trimesters (to 12 weeks postpartum.) We will have three in-person meetings before the birth and one postpartum visit, as well as three prenatal/postpartum massages in my Heber bodywork practice. The package includes birth photography when possible, a borrow bag of tools and supplies, and several other perks. I will help you understand the value and relevance of what I teach you so you know why it matters and how to apply it to your journey. Whether you are planning an unmedicated home birth, an elective c-section, or anything in between, I doula that!
My birth doula, photography, and massage therapy services include:
Three Prenatal Appointments-These appointments are for us to get to know each other, for me to find out about your learning styles, how you cope with stress or challenges, go over previous pregnancy and birth experiences, address any fears or concerns, discuss what your goals and desires are for this birth, what your current birth education is and what you’d still like to learn, and to begin creating a coping plan, labor plan, and postpartum plan. If your partner has any concerns that hiring a doula will kick them out of the picture, this is a great time for me to show you both how I can help your partner become the center of your team, complimenting the irreplaceable connection they have with you, without them feeling any invasion from having one more person in the room. I prefer to do the first appointment as soon as possible after I’m hired. The earlier on in your pregnancy…the more support you have throughout and the longer you have to absorb and process the information we go over, giving you the time you need to make informed decisions.
We also get physical! I will teach you and your partner how to use counter-pressure and other comfort measures that will help you during labor. We practice different laboring and birthing positions. We discuss optimal fetal position and how it can impact your labor. We practice techniques to encourage an open, loose pelvis for delivery. We learn hypnosis methods, affirmations, breathing techniques, and other positive reinforcements for coping. We will talk about nutrition and fitness, pelvic floor/core support, setting up your birth environment, and creating a labor ritual. We review the plans made in the first prenatal and get ready to finalize your birth preferences sheet (example).
Borrow Bags: Throughout your pregnancy you will have access to a variety of valuable items. This amazing perk is something I have put together to help you utilize the tools and techniques I teach you at the prenatal appointments, without the expense of having to purchase all these items that will only be used for a short time. This includes a birth ball with a pump and cover, a labor-specific TENS unit, a fetal doppler, a Rebozo and instructions for use, a labor gown (when requested), a PureWave massager, pregnancy pillows, books and DVDs from my collection, and more! (Agreement to return all items in good condition is required for use of Borrow Bags.)
Other Perks: My clients can opt-in to receive a weekly affirmation text with quick tips, a variety of handouts and teaching aids, they can join our Friday 10:00 a.m. pregnancy/postpartum/parenting support group, receive 20% off any group childbirth or new parent classes, they get two free books from Plumtree Baby (“Preparing for Birth” and “Settling in with Baby,”) an introductory adjustment with Webster Certified Chiropractor James Beadle at Sound Corrections, and clients also receive 10% off my massage therapy services at P3BW.
Pregnancy Support: As your doula I am here for you throughout your journey. I’m most easily available via text but phone calls and emails are also welcome. If you have a question, concern, need someone to vent to, or just want a good laugh, I am here! I do sleep, so I ask that non-emergencies be kept between the 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. hours, and understand that while I can usually respond quickly, every now and then I’m in a meeting or with a client and will respond as soon as possible. Emergencies and labor are replied to immediately and you will be matched with a highly qualified back-up doula for the extremely rare off chance that I’m not available (which hasn’t happened yet but I like to be prepared).
Three massages are included: You choose whether all three are prenatal, two prenatal, one postpartum, etc. Additional appointments with my bodywork office P3BW are 10% off for clients and their partners during their 4 trimesters. Enjoy the luxurious extras such as a jetted foot bath, face-down pregnancy cushions, steamed towels, aromatherapy, a post-massage shower, Zero gravity chair, our signature line of products, and dessert! Massage is highly beneficial for anyone, but especially during pregnancy while the body is going through rapid changes.
(Photography by Andrea Alba Photo)
Birth-I am ready to attend your birth, with an official “on-call” timeframe of 38-42 weeks but generally can attend it even if you deliver early. I will come to your home, birth center, or hospital when you are ready for my support, and I stay until about 1-2 hours after delivery depending on your needs. I always take care of myself so you will be getting the best of me. My service also includes birth photography when possible. Doula work is the priority; if birth photography is particularly important to you I definitely suggest hiring a separate professional photographer. In most circumstances I can at least sneak in around 30-50 pictures of your birth, and I edit about two dozen of the best images and put them onto a slideshow for you. Feel free to ask for examples of my work. I always have a professional back-up doula arrangement to cover any rare unforeseen circumstances, such as if I were to get sick or have an emergency.
Postpartum-My service includes one postpartum visit when you are ready, usually around 5-10 days after delivery. Together we will review your labor and birth experience, and we will discuss feeding, sleeping, healing, and maternal mental health as needed. This a valuable appointment where I can help your family adjust to the new baby in a way that reduces stress and increases bonds. I will also present you with a USB stick of your birth photos and slideshow, and a keepsake birth timeline and commentary from your team. This is when I pick up the Borrow Bag items and end the appointment with a hand and foot massage. Your text support continues through three months after delivery. Additional postpartum care is available as needed.
My full package fee is $2500.* Service area is Wasatch and Summit County. (Possible availability for Salt Lake and Utah County depending on the due timeframe, a travel fee will be added.) $800 retainer required to secure your due date timeframe, remainder of fee is due by 37 weeks. Looking for a doula trained or mentored by me that is at another price point or in a different service area? Check them out here: Preferred Doula List
*This is the fee for my inclusive package. I do not discount my services at this level but if you are looking for different options please contact me to discuss it. I do offer special prices for repeat clients, doula-to-doula services, and scheduled c-sections. If you are willing to have a mentoring student attend your birth experience you will receive a $150 credit on your birth package. (This option is not available for hospital births if visitor restrictions don’t allow an additional person present.)