Birth Support Offerings

Birth isn’t one size fits all, neither is our support. Packages thoughtfully designed to fit your needs.

All of our labor packages include comprehensive and individualized support during your pregnancy, labor and immediate postpartum. At Raw Roots Doula Services we know birth is more than just physical. We aim to support you both physically and emotionally throughout your journey.

Our support is deeply rooted in love, empathy, and respect. As a client you will be supported in your choices free from judgement. We believe in informed consent and autonomy. As your doula I will support you whether you birth at home or in a hospital, by vaginal delivery or cesarean, and whether you choose to breastfeed or formula feed. I care that you feel informed, safe and respected. When birth doesn’t go as planned I will be by your side as you navigate the unknown. I want you to feel empowered and own your birth experience.

All of our packages include unlimited phone support, 1-2 prenatal visits, help building your birth plan, attendance at your birth including the first 1-2 hours post-delivery, help establishing breastfeeding (if desired), and a 1 hour postpartum follow up visit within the first 10 days of delivery. For details, including information about pricing, contact me. I am currently servicing areas within 1 hour of New Castle, PA for in person labor support.

Doula Support Packages

What is a doula?

A doula is a knowledgeable professional who offers non-medical support and guidance to parents during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. Doulas provide continuous physical and emotional support during your labor, and have been shown to decrease the rate of cesarean, and increase the likelihood of having a positive birth experience. Doulas support all types of birth, and encourage parents to advocate for themselves and their birth goals.

The American Pregnancy Association has an article sharing some of the many benefits of having a doula on your birth team.

FAQs

  • Prenatal visits are a great opportunity to get to know your doula better, and discuss any fears you have related to labor and birth. Your doula can also provide support with building a birth plan, and answer common labor, breastfeeding, and newborn care questions. We will discuss signs and stages of labor, as well as when to call your doula to request support. Our second prenatal visit involves ample time for hands on practice of support techniques as well as a tour of our 'doula bag' and tools available to you during your labor. We strongly urge partners to be present for these sessions when possible.

  • Your doula will visit you in your home soon after the birth of your baby to debrief your birth experience, offer support with infant feeding, share any photos from your labor, and help with babywearing or basic newborn care if desired.

    If you would like to extend your initial postpartum visit to 2-3 hours please let us know when purchasing your support package. An extended visit will allow time for your doula to assist with baby while you rest, shower, or enjoy time with your partner or other children; or your doula can focus on light housekeeping while you spend uninterrupted time with baby.

  • Absolutely NOT! Doulas provide support to both you and you partner. Your doula will assist your partner in identifying the best support techniques to offer during each stage of labor, and provide both of you with reassurance during the labor process. Your doula will also be by your side to navigate any variations in your labor, and remind you to eat, drink, change positions, or empty your bladder. Support and guidance from your doula will allow your partner to remain more present with you.

  • We strongly encourage all parents to take a childbirth education class regardless of whether they hire a doula.

    Knowledge of the birth process and common interventions, as well as how to cope during each stage is crucial when preparing for a satisfying birth experience. When you enter your birth space equipped with knowledge you will better be able to participate in true informed decision making with your providers.

    If you are interested in adding classes to your package, we offer a 10% discount to labor doula clients.