Molly is not currently taking on birth doula clients for 2024 but can refer you to others in the area. Contact Molly for recommendations.
A doula is a compassionate, non-judgmental trained professional who accompanies women and people in labor to help ensure a calmer, safe, informed, and satisfying birth experience. A doula provides emotional support, physical comfort, and, as needed, communication with medical care providers to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. Doulas provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and offer physical support with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other comfort measures. Drawing on their vast experience with pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, doulas have eyes on many aspects of your experience that may not be visible to most. Your doula not only helps you plan your preferences for your labor and birth, but discusses options and encourages a support plan for pregnancy and postpartum periods as well. Your doula works for YOU, not your caregiver or the hospital.
Molly is particularly careful to inform and educate her clients prenatally so they feel equipped when labor occurs. If her client's partner is present, Molly's goal is to team up with the partner to provide the most comprehensive care possible. Her goal is never to take the place of a partner or make their role less significant, and in fact, she supports partners in feeling confident and maximizing their potential. Molly is also able to respond to unexpected needs in labor, such as a less-than-ideal position of baby and more. She carries with her a deep training of midwifery and is happy to apply birth knowledge and experience gained from it.
Doula SERVICES PROVIDED
Two prenatal visits to discuss wellness in pregnancy, preparation for labor, education around childbirth, information on hospital procedures, desires for the birth, support needs, nutrition, breastfeeding, planning for the postpartum period, and more!
Emotional, physical, and extensive informational support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum
Postpartum and breastfeeding support for at least 1-2 hours following the birth
Nutrition recommendations, including supplements and herbs
Assistance in creating a birth preferences list (verbal and/or written)
Phone and email support, as needed, during the pregnancy, labor, and postpartum
One postpartum follow up visit following the birth (this day can be determined on a need basis)
Back-up doula services (during pregnancy and labor)
Contact information for the back up services
DURING YOUR LABOR
Molly loves tuning in during her clients’ labor, utilizing her intuition. Labor support includes emotional encouragement and advocacy, guided relaxations, physical comfort measures such as massage, suggestions to facilitate the birth process such as position changes, an objective viewpoint, assistance in accessing resources, and information necessary for informed decision-making. Molly constantly scans the room and situation to see how she can help promote relaxation and strength through the labor. She may offer you sips of water, calming words, warm compresses, essential oils, and more. Each person is unique in their needs during labor and the care from Molly is adapted and tailored to these specific needs, but no matter what Molly is always in your corner!
AFTER YOUR BIRTH
Molly will remain with you for a short while after your birth until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together. She will also help with initial breastfeeding if desired, can take pictures with your camera, assist in getting food and drinks to you, help you get comfortable, and more. Molly will be in contact with you after the birth through phone and email communication as needed.
Molly will be in touch with you during the following days and weeks and will schedule a postpartum visit with you and your baby. This is a great time to get support and information around breastfeeding, postpartum healing, newborn needs and behaviors, nutrition, and helpful tips for navigating life with a newborn.