Sibling doula support is typically something used for a home birth or birth center setting (but can be utilized at a hospital birth as well) when the birthing family would like to have their other children present for the arrival but they are worried about how it will go. It’s important that the parents are able to focus on the labor and delivery and don’t have to be worried about taking care of restless kids that may become bored or scared during the experience. A sibling doula is able to intuitively gauge what the situation calls for, knowing whether the birthing mom is calmed by the presence and involvement of her other children or if she is becoming distracted by it. We will meet together before the expected delivery window to learn about the plans and desires for this experience, get to know the children and their personalities, offer age appropriate childbirth education, learn the routine and needs of the children, and get them comfortable with the doula. Because each situation is unique it is best to meet for a consultation to discuss rates but they will generally be around $800. The price will vary based on whether you want the doula to step into a birth doula role at any point, if you want pictures taken, if you want a birth timeline keepsake, etc. Let’s chat about what your needs are!