Professional Doula Services

What is a Doula?

The word “doula” has come to refer to “a person experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the birthing person and their family unit before, during, and just after childbirth” (Mothering the Mother, by Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus). Doulas come from all walks of life and may, or may not, have had children themselves. We see this practice in many native cultures where the village community comes together to surround the birthing person in labor and provide them with comfort, food, and nurturing care while giving birth. These “labor supporters” are at all stages in their life span, from children to the elderly, proving that labor support knows no age boundaries. 

Doulas support all members of the birth family, as well as their providers at her birthing facility:

• The person giving birth needs a doula to allow them to feel nurtured, connected, and safe as they move through the various stages of labor and birth.

• Birth partners need doulas to help them relax, believe in the process, and develop confidence in their ability to support their partner in the birthing process. Birth is not a “two-person job” for just the birthing person and their partner. The hours can be long and emotionally trying. Physically supporting someone in labor can be exhausting. The partner also needs encouragement, naps, bathroom breaks, and nourishment. The doula shares the labor support role with the birth partner, to provide the uninterrupted support that the birthing person needs throughout their experience.

• Nurses, midwives, and doctors need doulas because they cannot sit with the laboring person continuously. Doulas provide the emotional and physical support so the providers can focus on the medical needs of the birthing person and keep them and their baby safe.

From RN to Doula

I have been a labor & delivery nurse and pediatric nurse since 1990 (we were the last class at the University of Pittsburgh to wear “nursing caps”). I spent the last part of my nursing career at the Sutter Davis Birthing Center, practicing patient-centered care in an evidence-based, Baby Friendly facility that supports normal birth.

In 2011, I started Birth Fusion to bring my real-life experiences and passions to families in a very personal way. I felt my experience as an RN could benefit families as I personally guide them through a process that often takes many twists and turns. I have witnessed hundreds of births as a nurse and doula, and I use these experiences to offer perspective and familiarity to an often unfamiliar experience. I do this from a clinical perspective, but also from a “best friend” and “nurturing” perspective, to allow you to feel safe and supported in the decisions you make in your journey towards parenthood.

I have seen all forms of birth, including vaginal, cesarean, water, twin, pre-term, still, and vaginal breech births, with many different family members involved, from toddler siblings to elderly grandparents and great-grandparents. I’ve witnessed unmedicated births, inductions and augmentations, as well as beautiful births with an epidural, as well as beautiful and joyful cesarean births. I have faith in this process and I know how to keep you and your support team focused on the goal of a safe and memorable birth. 

What are your rates?

My services are based on my knowledge base as an L&D nurse, childbirth educator and Evidence Based Birth® Instructor, as well the sheer volume of births that I have attended as both and RN and doula. Payment plans as well as savings for cash payments available

In-Person Doula Packages

The Standard Package

Doula Services Only

8 payments of $295/month or save $110 by paying in full with Zelle®

The Lactation Package

Doula Services + a 1hr Prenatal Breastfeeding Education Session**

Breastfeeding assessment/education session offered by Lisa Paradis, IBCLC of Davis Lactation Support

8 Payments of $315/month or save $120 by paying in full with Zelle®

**Doula clients save $50 off a Prenatal Lactation Session with Davis Lactation Support

The Education Package

Doula Services + The Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class**

8 Payments of $325/month or save $125 by paying in full with Zelle®

**Doula clients save $75-$125 off the EBB® Childbirth Class with Birth Fusion

The Deluxe Package - Perfect for New Parents!

Doula Services + Prenatal Lactation Session + the EBB® Childbirth Class

8 payments of $345/month or save $160 by paying in full with Zelle®

All Packages Include:

• Two prenatal meetings to review the following:

  • Your prenatal and medical health history

  • Your goals for your birth experience and the knowledge you need to achieve those goals.

  • The evidence on medical inductions and pain relief options as well as their non-medical alternatives. We will discuss the step-wise approach I use when considering various medical procedures

  • Your plans for managing family member’s involvement (or not) in your birth experience.

  • Labor and birth positions, work with your birth ball and identify useful labor space in your home. Any additional friends/family members who are supporting you are welcome to attend this meeting.

  • Review of prenatal stretches to optomize fetal postioning

• Option to add a Birth Photgraphy package, providing 30-50 edited, candid color images of your birth and immediate postpartum experience. This servcie is not offered without birth doula services.

• Access to my local and web-based resources for ancillary support before and after your birth

• Free admission to my Davis Prenatal Mentoring Program - a local support group meeting monthly after 20 weeks, in-person, to help you find new friends and review various childbirth education topics.

• $75-$125 Discount to any Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class offered by Birth Fusion (discount worked into packages above or a $75 gift code provided if registering later)

• Unlimited phone/text/email support throughout your pregnancy

• 24hr on-call availability starting 3 weeks before your due date

• Continuous hands-on labor support starting in your home and continuing through hospital admission, birth, and 1-2 hours after your birth.

• Experienced L&D and pediatric nurse providing you avenues for further research or ACOG Guidelines as a jumping off point with discussions with your providers. My prior history as a NICU and pediatric OR nurse can provide a unique perspective when other risk factors present themselves.

• Immediate postpartum support after the birth to assist with breastfeeding and support you in the event of a postpartum hemorrhage or a mom/baby separation

• An in-person postpartum visit in your home during your first week home to offer support as you process your birth experience, assist with breastfeeding and newborn care questions, provide referrals and resources, and discuss whatever else you’d like.

• Unlimited phone/text/email support for 2 weeks postpartum

What kind of doula are you? What sets you apart?