"If we are to heal the planet, we must begin by healing birthing" Agnes Sallet von Tannenberg

Birth in Harmony Doula Care $1100

• Regular Prenatal Visits
• Phone/Email Support
• On-call Continuous Support for Labour
• Back-up Doula
• Postnatal Visits for early days/weeks
• Gentle Guidance with baby care, parent-baby bonding and attachment, suggestions for sleep/settling/soothing
• Breastfeeding Support
• Birth Photography
• Client Resource Library
• Referral to other support and services as needed

Prenatal Visits

Through regular visits with you and your partner during pregnancy, we get to know each other and develop a comfortable, caring and trusting relationship.  During that time, we explore your hopes and wishes for your birth, and talk through any fears, concerns or questions you may have - plus enjoy a relaxed cuppa, yummy food and a chat!  Our prenatal visits also incorporate childbirth education, breastfeeding education, birth plan discussion, birth support ideas for your partner, labour 'tools', relaxation techniques, debriefing and clarifying any previous births, survival tips for the early weeks with a baby, taking care of your relationship after baby, nutrition and herbal advice, and so much more!

I ensure you are well-informed of your options and can work in a positive way towards the birth that feels right for you.

Additional visits:  10 to 12 hours of prenatal visits are included in the doula care service, however many women find that they would like additional visits in order to feel fully prepared for birth.  Extra visits added to an existing doula arrangement are discounted at $65 per visit.

Labour

Once you are in labour and feel you would like me with you, I come to your home, hospital or birth centre and stay with you until after your baby is born. I ensure your birth space is as quiet, calm and private as possible, helping you to feel safe and in control as this is when the natural hormones and functions of labour work best.

I encourage you to work with your body and your baby and to follow your instincts. Using my heart and hands, I keep you comfortable and focussed throughout labour (see Labour Support for more detail).  If needed, I help you to interpret any medical advice and information, seek further information and options, and provide an objective viewpoint.  I encourage and support you to communicate your preferences to your medical careproviders.

Following the birth, I remain with you: ensuring the birth space is warm, quiet and private while you get to know your baby, assisting you with the first breastfeed, helping you shower, preparing a post-birth snack and taking lots of photographs. Generally I will leave you 2-3 hours after the birth when you are comfortable and your family is ready for some quiet time together.

Postnatal Visits

The "fourth trimester," the period following birth, is often the most challenging and overlooked period in the transition to parenthood. Many parents lack the continuity of care they need following the birth of their baby, and are unprepared for the impact a new baby will have on the family.

During the early days and weeks postnatally, I am available to support you and your partner in the emotional and physical recovery from birth. I can assist you with breastfeeding, offer opportunities for you and your partner to talk about the birth experience, and provide guidance with baby care, parent-baby attachment/bonding, and baby sleep and settling.  I can help with older siblings, or take care of baby while you have a sleep or a relaxing herbal bath.  I also offer assistance with light housework, errands, and cooking a nutritious meal.  I truly honour and support the importance of the 'babymoon' time.

Additional visits:  4 to 6 hours of postnatal visits are included in the doula care service, however many women (particularly those having their first baby) find that they need additional emotional and practical support in the early weeks.  Extra visits added to an existing doula arrangement are discounted at $65 per visit.

Costs

• Doula care service: $1100 (as described above).  Discounts are available and payments are flexible. Please discuss your needs with me and we can build a package to suit.
• Single Prenatal Consultation of 2 hours: $80.  For private childbirth education, exploring birth options/alternatives, relaxation techniques and labour 'tools', birth plan discussion, birth debriefing, breastfeeding education, answering questions, addressing specific concerns etc.  Discounts are available if booking two or more consultations at a time.
• Single Postnatal Consultation of 2 hours: $80.  Post-birth support, with the focus on the woman's physical and emotional recovery from birth, and a smooth transition to parenthood.  Breastfeeding assistance, gentle guidance with baby care, parent-baby attachment and bonding, baby sleep and settling, birth debriefing, childcare, practical home-help etc.  Discounts are available if booking two or more consultations at a time.
• Prenatal or Postnatal Support Package (no birth attendance): $280.  Bundle 4 visits together for a discounted fee.

Booking in

Bookings are limited in order to provide quality care and attention.  The earlier you contact me the more time you have during your pregnancy to enjoy the benefits of doula care.  Please contact Rachel to arrange an initial consultation.

Gift Certificates

What could be a better gift for a birthing mother than the gift of woman-to-woman support?  Gift Certificates are available and are presented as an attractive card displaying an original artwork and inspirational verse.