Oklahoma Birth & Postpartum Doula Support
Dear expecting family,
A well-crafted support team is one of the most important tools you can use to have the most satisfying pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum experience. I am honored that you're considering making me a part of that team and I look forward to hearing more about the plans you are making for your new little one's arrival. It has been my experience that someone's birth and breastfeeding stories become a permanent and critical part of who they are. My goal is to help families fulfill their birthing desires while feeling confident and self-empowered to birth as they wish, as everyone deserves to feel! Our stories are yet to be written, but I have learned firsthand that with a truly supportive team surrounding you and your baby, your personal story can be something you will be proud to tell again and again with confidence and strength. I am wishing you the birth and breastfeeding experience of your dreams! - JESSICA CHEATWOOD, IBCLC, RLC, HBCE |
WHAT IS A BIRTH DOULA AND WHY DO I NEED ONE?
A birth doula is a vital part of the prenatal, birth, and postpartum season of parenthood. Consider your doula as your family’s go-to person for information, resources, physical support during labor and birth, and emotional support from the beginning of your pregnancy to your final postpartum visit. Your personal sherpa for those never-ending questions and decisions you encounter throughout your pregnancy, labor, and postpartum stages. They are committed to providing you with excellent care, so you feel pampered, supported, and nurtured as you prepare to welcome your little one.
During Your Pregnancy
During Your Labor
During Your Postpartum
As an added benefit, your primary support person can rest assured should they need a break from the labor space knowing that you are being well provided for by your doula. Furthermore, studies overwhelmingly prove the valuable asset a doula can be to the expectant family. Doula-attended births are commonly associated with a more satisfying birth experience, less need for interventions, decreased requests for pain relief, reduced number of C-sections, decreased length of labor, and a positive breastfeeding experience.
During Your Pregnancy
- Provide education and resources for accomplishing your unique birth goals.
- Provide support by text and/or phone as questions arise.
During Your Labor
- Available for communication in early labor.
- Come to you either in your home or at your place of birth.
- Help you decide when you travel to your birth location or call your birth team.
- Provide reminders of eating, drinking, and resting for both you and your partner.
- Provide emotional and physical comfort measures as birth unfolds.
- Provide support during pushing and birth.
During Your Postpartum
- Available to help with initial infant feeding and bonding.
- Ensure you have had multiple opportunities to feed your baby with support, typically.
- Help coordinate an initial post birth meal if necessary.
- Provide support by text and/or phone as questions arise for 2 weeks postpartum.
- Visit you in your home in the first week postpartum to discuss how you are healing, feeling, and feeding.
As an added benefit, your primary support person can rest assured should they need a break from the labor space knowing that you are being well provided for by your doula. Furthermore, studies overwhelmingly prove the valuable asset a doula can be to the expectant family. Doula-attended births are commonly associated with a more satisfying birth experience, less need for interventions, decreased requests for pain relief, reduced number of C-sections, decreased length of labor, and a positive breastfeeding experience.
I WAS CONSIDERING HAVING A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER BE MY BIRTH DOULA, WHY SHOULD I HIRE A PROFESSIONAL?
Although having family members present during such a memorable occasion can be a tremendous blessing and addition to the birth process, I recommend having a professional fill the role of a birth doula. A birth doula has specialized training that equips them in the areas of comfort measures, relaxation techniques, massage, pain management, positioning, and more, which sets them apart from the support offered by a family member. Furthermore, although highly invested in your labor and birth, a professional birth doula doesn’t have the emotional connection to you that a family member does, thus making them the ideal support person able to assist you throughout the entire undertaking.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BIRTH DOULA AND A MIDWIFE?
A doula is a non-medical support person who focuses on caring for you emotionally and physically while keeping you informed and empowered. While they often have similar approaches, a midwife differs from a doula substantially. 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 offering comfort measures, 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 your baby's vital signs are stable, assessing you and your baby, completing a variety of exams when needed, administering medication if necessary, and assisting you with receiving the baby you are birthing.
WHEN SHOULD I HIRE A BIRTH DOULA?
The earlier, the better. Typically, the beginning of your second trimester is a good time to have your doula secured. It is recommended that you start your search in your first trimester, talk to and interview a couple of doulas, and determine who is the best fit for you. You deserve someone you feel an easy connection with and someone you think fits your personality and needs.
HOW FAR DO YOU TRAVEL?
I am able to travel to hospitals and homes in Oklahoma County, the surrounding cities, and Stillwater.
HOW MUCH IS THE INVESTMENT FOR BIRTH DOULA SERVICES?
Birth Center Support $1200
Home Birth Support $1200
Hospital Birth Support $1650
Birth Doula Services Includes:
A $600 deposit is due at contract signing to secure your spot in my calendar.
The remaining balance is due by the end of your 36th week of pregnancy.
At this time I am only accepting new clients birthing with a midwife.
Call or send me a text at 405-963-3381 to book an initial meet and greet call!
Home Birth Support $1200
Hospital Birth Support $1650
Birth Doula Services Includes:
- A 30 minute phone or video initial meet and greet.
- One 2 hour prenatal doula consult in your home.
- On-call labor and birth support.
- Initial feeding support at your birth location.
- One 2 hour postpartum doula consult in your home.
A $600 deposit is due at contract signing to secure your spot in my calendar.
The remaining balance is due by the end of your 36th week of pregnancy.
At this time I am only accepting new clients birthing with a midwife.
Call or send me a text at 405-963-3381 to book an initial meet and greet call!
WHAT ARE POSTPARTUM DOULA SERVICES?
Birth Center Support $650
Home Birth Support $650
Hospital Birth Support $650
Postpartum Doula Services Includes:
A $450 deposit is due at contract signing to secure your spot in my calendar.
The remaining balance is due by the end of your 36th week of pregnancy.
Call or send me a text at 405-963-3381 to book an initial meet and greet call!
Home Birth Support $650
Hospital Birth Support $650
Postpartum Doula Services Includes:
- Arrival at your location within 2 hours of being notified that your baby has been born and 4 hours together after my arrival.
- Assistance with establishing infant feeding at the breast or bottle.
- Help coordinating an initial post birth meal if necessary.
- Provide support by text and/or phone as questions may arise for 2 weeks postpartum.
A $450 deposit is due at contract signing to secure your spot in my calendar.
The remaining balance is due by the end of your 36th week of pregnancy.
Call or send me a text at 405-963-3381 to book an initial meet and greet call!