Birth is a Rite of Passage
“Let choice whisper in your ear and love murmur in your heart. Be ready. Here comes life.” — Maya Angelou
A Rite of Passage is an event marking an important phase of one’s life. We are observing Rites of Passage when we gather for birthdays, graduations, weddings, baby showers, retirements & funerals. Each unique life has unique Rites.
Birth is a Rite of Passage, a transformative life event worthy of safeguarding. Current realities warrant change. Care ideally covers the entire experience: before, during & after.
What is a Doula?
A trained attendant who provides continuous, non-medical care during all types of birth. The word “doula” has become popular recently, but the role is ancient.
We provide physical, informational & emotional support before, during & after the birth experience. This support complements the vital roles of dads, partners, family, friends and community.
Why Hire a Doula?
Because everyone is worthy of reassuring care before, during & after birth.
Because unfortunately, our current medical system is not primarily serving the needs of women, birth-givers and newborns. Current realities warrant change.
Because evidence shows that doulas facilitate healthier outcomes for both the birthing person & the newborn:
increases likelihood of vaginal birth
decreases need for pain medication
decreases length of labor
increases birthgivers’ satisfaction
increases baby’s APGAR scores
increases infant feeding success
decreases anxiety & depression
Because those with social support during the postpartum period, especially the first 6-12 weeks, have a smoother adjustment with more breast/chest feeding success and less postpartum depression.
Because this is one of the most transformative times in many peoples’ lives, especially this baby’s & their family’s. The power of this time, this story radiates out to forever impact the lives of siblings, grandparents & communities.
Why NOT hire a doula?
You can do this.
You are doing this.
You are NOT alone.
Available Services
Postpartum Care
available phone/email support
in-home postpartum planning session
belly binding services: in-home session with supplies & instruction
in-home care: arranging & supporting sleep, preparing & serving food, refilling bedside station, infant feeding & care support, basic house chores and a supportive adult presence with an open ear & nurturing touch.
postpartum warming service: fulfilled within hours. options include: herbal bath, meditation, yoga, belly binding, a walk, art, ritual, childcare, etc etc
access to lending library, community resources & professional referrals
daytime care rates
30hrs or less @ $40/hr
30-60hrs @ $35/hr
60hrs or more @ $30/hr
Resource Birth Package - $1900
available phone/email support
two in-person appointments, 2-3hrs before 37weeks
on-call 24/7 starting at 37 weeks
available back-up support on-call 24/7 starting at 37 weeks
continuous labor support through immediate postpartum
three postpartum appointments, 1-2hrs within first 3months postpartum
belly binding services: in-home session with supplies & instruction
access to lending library, community resources & professional referrals
postpartum warming service: fulfilled within hours. options include: herbal bath, meditation, yoga, belly binding, a walk, art, ritual, childcare, etc etc
a homecooked meal, my treat (I'll bring groceries & cook at client’s place)
Standard Birth Package - $2700
Resource Package+
30hrs in-home daytime postpartum care, divided into 5-7hr chunks,
fulfilled before 6months postpartumoption for three movement sessions (walks, hikes, yoga, dance, meditation, swim, stretching at the beach, etc etc) during hours
another home cooked meal, my treat
Deluxe Birth Package - $3600
Standard Package+
30 additional hours daytime postpartum care, divided into 5-7hr chunks, fulfilled before 9months postpartum
option for three additional 60min movement sessions during hours
another homecooked meal, my treat
Sibling Doula Package - $1300
in-home family planning session
3hrs childcare before 37weeks
on-call 24/7 starting at 37 weeks
continuous childcare support
during & immediately after birth experiencein-home family debrief and/or warming session
3hrs childcare within 3months postpartum
Reach out for a consult with questions about availability, care & pricing.
Ways to Afford a Doula
Highlight Doula Services on Registry
Save by finding used items
The Baby Exchange, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp…Apply Flex Spending/Health Savings Accounts or Cafeteria Plans
Reallocate budget for vacations, big purchases & non-essentials
Use a credit card
Set up a Payment Plan
Use your Tax Refund
Cancel the Gender Reveal
Sell things you don’t use
Barter goods and/or services
Reach out to Free/Low-Cost Community Doula Groups
Operation Doula, For the Village, UCSD Hearts & Hands, Doula Match
