Birth Doula Services
When you’re preparing for birth, you should have peace of mind knowing that you’ll be heard, supported, and cared for along the way.
With a doula, you can feel more confident and empowered throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum because you have someone by your side to help you through it all. My goal as your doula is to help you love your experience, be confident in your choices, and never feel alone.
If you’re not sure what doula support would look like for you, send me a message to book a free consultation. We can talk about what services are right for you and see if I’m a good fit to support you on your journey!
Birth Package
$900
Free consultation
Meet in-person or via Zoom to make sure we are a good fit.
Two prenatal visits
We’ll discuss your choices, relaxation techniques, comfort measures, partner support, positioning, postpartum recovery, etc.
Phone support throughout pregnancy
My evidence-based knowledge base in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is a text or phone call away.
On call from 37 weeks to birth
Whether you go into labor at 2 am or 2 pm, I’ll be available 24/7 to support you by phone and in person when you’re ready.
Unlimited birth support
No matter how long your labor, I’ll be there to support you. Positioning, comfort measures, helping you understand your options, guiding your partner, and gently reminding you to care for yourself are all ways I can help.
One postpartum visit
We can debrief your birth story if you wish, talk about postpartum healing, newborn care, sleep, nutrition, breastfeeding, or whatever is on your mind. I’m here to “mother the mother” as you adjust to life with your baby.
Prenatal Package
$400
Free consultation
Meet in-person or via Zoom to make sure we are a good fit.
Two prenatal visits
We’ll discuss your choices, relaxation techniques, comfort measures, partner support, positioning, postpartum recovery, etc.
Phone support throughout pregnancy
My evidence-based knowledge base in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is a text or phone call away.
Phone support during birth
If you want added knowledge and support during your labor but don’t want another person in the delivery room, I can support you by phone or text throughout your labor.
One postpartum visit
We can debrief your birth story if you wish, talk about postpartum healing, newborn care, sleep, nutrition, breastfeeding, or whatever is on your mind. I’m here to “mother the mother” as you adjust to life with your baby.
Relaxation Class
$89
Perfect if you want to use relaxation as your primary comfort measure during labor. In this private class with you and your partner, you’ll learn a toolkit of techniques and practice them in a comfortable environment. Includes customizable relaxation scripts to use during pregnancy and labor.
Virtual Birth Coaching Session
$59
Bring your questions and concerns about labor and birth to a virtual one-on-one coaching session. This time is tailored to your needs. We can focus on what to expect throughout labor, comfort measures, partner support, interventions, guided relaxation, or any other aspect of your upcoming birth.
Birth Mapping Session
$59
This one-on-one consultation is a great option if you are feeling anxious about labor, have risk factors or want to learn more about all of your options for avoiding interventions, having a VBAC, etc.
I will help you walk through all your options for labor, birth, and procedures immediately after baby is born. Includes a custom, editable birth map for you to take to your birth.
Postpartum Support
$300
8 hours of support tailored to your needs. This can be spread over 2, 3, or 4 visits. Support can include emotional support, birth debriefing and reflection exercises, basic breastfeeding support, light housework, help with infant care, help with older children, and more.
Looking for more comprehensive support? Ask me about adding on to the base postpartum package.
some parents ask
Why invest in a doula?
Hiring a doula is a significant investment in one of the most pivotal times in your life. By investing in continuous support for yourself and your family, you are choosing to have a pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience that is less stressed, more informed, and more positive.
You are devoting a year of your life to the incredible task of bringing new life into the world. You deserve to be nurtured and supported along the journey.
Proven benefits of doula support
39%
Fewer Cesareans
34%
Decrease in negative birth experience
41
minutes shorter labor
15%
increase in spontaneous vaginal birth
38%
decrease in low APGAR scores
34%
higher rate of breastfeeding
SOURCE: Bohren MA, et al., Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, Issue 7.
FAQ
What does a birth doula do?
Doulas are trained support people who provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to parents before, during, and after childbirth. A doula can answer your questions during pregnancy, help prepare you for labor, help guide your partner or other support people, and help you make informed choices.
Above all, a doula nurtures and cares for the mother, helping you stay calm in tense situations, encouraging you, and protecting your mental, emotional, and physical space.
Do doulas only support unmedicated births?
A doula can support any kind of birth and in any setting. A doula’s job is not to tell you how to have your baby, but to support you in whatever you decide.
In an unmedicated labor, I can help you with breathing, suggest positions to make labor easier, and help you stay motivated.
With a medicated birth, I can help you find comfortable positions and potentially shorten your labor. If you have a cesarean birth, I can be in the room to provide emotional support and help keep you and your partner or support person calm.
Having a doula as an information resource throughout pregnancy is a great benefit regardless of what choices you make about your birth.
Are doulas only for first-time parents?
Every pregnancy and birth experience is unique. Having the experience of a doula to guide you allows you to go through the journey with more confidence and calm. It can also allow your partner or support person to feel more calm and present with you.
If you are processing trauma from a previous birth experience, a doula can help you move on from past negative experiences and process the different choices you want to make this time.
I have a partner supporting me. Do I need a doula?
Your partner can be more involved in the birth experience when they have a doula there to guide them on how to best support you! It’s difficult for partners and even family and friends to know how best to help you during labor and birth. Seeing you in labor can also make your partner or family feel anxious! As your doula, I not only reassure and comfort you, but also your partner. I can offer calm, knowledgeable reassurance and suggestions while your partner supports you in ways that feel best for you. During a long labor, a doula also reminds your partner to eat, drink water, and get rest when they can. As I help keep you and your partner calm and reassured, I help protect your positive birthing space.
How is a doula different from a midwife?
While they often have similar approaches to birth, a midwife differs from a doula in a very large way. A midwife is a medical professional, meaning that the primary focus of their care is on the health and safety of you and your baby. Both doulas and midwives work with you prenatally, support you throughout the birth and follow up with you postpartum.
Specifically at a birth, doulas are often found doing hip squeezes, refilling your water bottle, providing guidance and reassurance (to you and your partner), and repeating affirmations that empower you.
At a birth, midwives may be found doing similar things to a doula, but their top priorities include: ensuring that you and baby’s vital signs are stable, assessing you and your baby, completing cervical exams when needed, administering medication if necessary, and catching the baby you are birthing.
SOURCE: Holistic Birth & Beyond
When should I hire a birth doula?
The earlier the better! Typically, the beginning of your third trimester is a good time to have secured your doula. It can be helpful to start your search in your second trimester, talk to and interview doulas, and find someone who is the best fit for you. Your doula should be someone you feel an easy connection with and someone who you feel fits your personality and needs.
If you consider yourself a planner or someone who experiences anxiety more often, hiring a doula earlier in your pregnancy might be beneficial. This allows you to form a trusting relationship and feel unconditionally supported as you navigate the emotional and mental ups and downs.
SOURCE: Holistic Birth & Beyond
I have family and friends. Do I need a postpartum doula?
A doula can provide support and guidance that friends and family may not be able to offer. While family and friends often mean well, they may lack the necessary experience and unbiased advice that a doula can provide. It’s common for loved ones to share their opinions and ideas, but it’s important to remember that every family’s journey is unique. With the help of a doula, you can find your own way and better communicate your needs and preferences to your family.
Do you have any certifications?
I am a certified birth doula through Childbirth International. If you are using a reimbursement program, I can provide you with a copy of my certification and any other information you need.
I am also working toward a certification in childbirth education with CBI and currently offer quarterly childbirth workshops in Bridgeport, WV.
What Others are Saying
“Kelly is one of those women that overflows with grace and love for those she’s with—without losing her steady core of strength and wisdom. She keeps me grounded, listens to my fears, and provides counsel and hope while leaving the power in my hands.”
Jenni
“Kelly is kind, supportive, and a great listener. Anyone who hires her as their doula, is not only going to get a knowledgeable and loving person during the most important day/s of their life, but is also gaining a friend, a confidant, and a truly wonderful spirit.”
Cassie
“Kelly has been a warm, sweet presence since the day I met her. Kelly makes me feel comfortable and confident in myself by asking simple questions and listening with a genuine heart.”
Lindsey
Book a free consultation today.
Let’s chat and see if birth doula services are right for you and your birth.