Seattle Birth Services: A Complete Support Package

Hiring a birth doula means you want support during labor and birth. It means you want unbiased information from an expert to assist you in making decisions that only you know are right for your and your baby. It means you have an experienced, knowledgeable friend to call any time, day or night. It's having your own personal cheerleader by your side every step of the way, encouraging you, and believing in you. 

Doula support services might look and feel different from one woman to the next. This is normal. Every woman is unique, labors and births uniquely, and calls for different support measures. We are well-equipped and prepared to adapt to your ever-evolving needs.

From start to finish, this is what birth support looks like with Mountain View Doulas:

Preparing for Labor & Birth

At this point you likely have a vision of what you would like your birth to look like. You may have articulated these ideas in a birth plan, or need guidance creating one. Sometimes we draw cards that we weren't planning on (birth, just like life, is unpredictable). I am here to help you navigate all of your options and choices to help you walk away from your birth feeling like you had a handle on every situation, every decision, the entire time. 

During Labor

I am here to answer your questions and ease your anxiety: YES! This is really (finally!) happening. You can do this. I will join you around the midway point, as you enter into the active labor phase.

You won't see me lugging around a bulky birth bag! My most-used tools are my words, hands, and experience. With just over 1000+ births and 14 years of experience, I am confident I can help you achieve your best birth. Meet the Mountain View Doulas or schedule your free meet 'n greet.

Your doula will join you and your family when you are in active labor. Up to that point, she is available by phone, text, Facebook, or however you like to communicate. She will take pictures throughout your labor and as baby is being born in between supporting you and your partner. (Not a guaranteed service. This is on the house! Tips are graciously accepted)

I am as involved (or not involved) as a family desires. Sometimes we don't know what that looks like until we get there, knee-deep in labor. You may envision a candle-lit birth space, massage, your favorite oils wafting through the room as we recite carefully chosen affirmations. But when it gets down to the nitty-gritty you may not want anyone to touch you, talk to you, or breathe in your direction. Having an experienced doula who knows how to sit on her hands and be okay with just holding a safe space is key. 
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Just as much as your doula supports you, I also support your partner in being as involved as desired.  By taking care of your partner, your partner becomes more available and ready to take care of you after your baby is born.

Laboring at Swedish First Hill with Doula Tiffany

​Both you and your partner can expect reminders to eat, hydrate, use the bathroom, and sometimes even take a brisk walk outside to help re-energize their body. Your doula takes care of herself the same way so that she too will have the stamina to see you through birth.

Your doulas job is to keep you moving, so that your baby will keep moving, which then keeps your labor progressing steadily. Often, a woman will get really comfortable in one position just as I ask that she change positions (again!). Your doula is always thinking of ways to keep you moving and keep you comfortable.

Your doula will get you as comfortable as she can and ensure you and your partner are cared for and supported until its time to either call the midwife to join you, or pack up and head to the hospital or birth center. Your doula can help you determine the right timing. This could be a few minutes, to several hours, or an entire day after labor begins.  Her job is to help open up your pelvis so baby can come down and out, which helps you have an easier, faster labor and birth so you can meet your baby that much sooner.

Just after Birth

I will stay for about 1-2 hours postpartum. That's just long enough to help with the first latch, and make sure you and your family are settled, ready for that wonderful just-born nap. That time frame could change should baby need any type of special care. In that delicate situation, your partner will go with baby while she stays with you. I will not leave your side until you are all united, or have a plan in place.