Professional Pregnancy, Labor and Birth Support

"Faith is to believe what we do not yet see, the reward for this faith is to see what you believe."
–St. Augustine .

The Interview:
We can speak over the phone or by email and set up a time to meet, free of charge.
We can discuss my services and answer any questions you may have. At the end of our meeting I have many handouts to give you, as well as a list of pregnancy, birth, postpartum and breastfeeding resources. Remember, my services are not guaranteed unless you decide on me and then notify me. I will then reserve your estimated date.


During pregnancy:
Once you have chosen me, I will reserve your due month on my calendar. When I put your estimated due date on my calendar, I commit to being available 24 hours a day for the 2 week window prior to birth and until baby is born. We can set up dates for future meetings, Over the pregnacy we will discuss your goals regarding your birth and figure out the role you would like me to take. Together, we will design individualized comfort techniques and labor support ideas you wish to utilize in labor. I have an extensive lending library and videos available to you. If you desire I can help you with writing a birth wish list/plan. I am also a Childbirth and Lactation Educator as well an happiest Baby on the Block Instructor, so I have group birth classes as well as private classes available. Please know I am available for unlimited phone and email support at any time. We will also develop a postpartum care plan and I can put you in touch with a Postpartum Doula..


During labor:
During labor and delivery, I provide uninterrupted emotional, physical and informational support and comfort for you, beginning at your home and staying through delivery to help with the initial breastfeeding relationship. Couples having a first baby may imagine that I'll only spend a few hours with them during the labor and birth, but most first labors usually last longer than 16 hours. The average time I spend with a woman for her labor and birth is about 14 hours. I spend another 12 hours in prenatal and postpartum meetings. Also, I have another few hours in phone calls, emails, and research for my clients.
We can use labor projects, emotional reassurance, relaxation, massage, vocalizations, body positions, hot or cold packs, baths or showers, counter pressure, hip squeeze, relaxed breathing and attention focusing techniques to help you. I will always support and reassure your partner, supplying them with suggestions to keep you, the mother, best supported. I do NOT replace your partner in any way. If anything, the partner is brought even more into the birthing process by the presence and support I can offer. I will work to create a safe and sacred space for your newborn to enter into the world. I can take pictures, if you desire, of your labor, birth and delivery, as well as the meeting of your baby. Number of pictures are not guaranteed since my first priority is to you and your partner.

 

A doulas presence is reassuring
and comforting to women and their
partners during this miraculous time.

 

After your baby is born
I will stay with you through initial postpartum procedures and assist you with breastfeeding education & support, then I will slip out of the room and give you your personal family time. I am available for unlimited phone and email support after birth. Over the next few days, I will keep in touch and meet with you again to review your birth, answer questions & assist with breastfeeding, Of course, and to see your new baby!!I will also demonstrate how to use a baby sling, and show you the many benefits of babywearing.

Availability
I am a full time mama who cherishes every moment I have with my children, therefore I attend a very small number of births so that I may provide the best service possible to you and your family without taking too much away from my family.  It’s best to contact me early and be assured of an opening in your due month.   If I do not have an opening, I have a list of other local Doulas.

I am currently not taking clients as I have just had my newset blessing, baby Gabriel, November 26, 2004.
FIND OUT IF YOUR DATES ARE AVAILABLE

Rates
I can accept a sliding scale from $300.00 - $600.00 to meet your financial needs. I am flexible with payment arrangements and trade. We can also customize a package for you if you desire childbirth, breastfeeding or Happiest baby classes. If you have questions about my rate structure, please email me or call me at (425) 397-9757. If I am unable to help you, I can offer you referrals to other local doulas.
My fee for the services described here is to be paid as follows:
 $150.00 as a retainer fee, due when you select me as your doula
$Remaining balance due on our postpartum visit after baby is born.
 Your initial consultation is FREE!!

Contact
Marianne Ames, CD
Snohomish, WA 98290
marianne@nurturingdoula.com
(425) 397-9757 or (425) 232-1451