beforebeyondbirth@gmail.com

515-988-1700

Before & Beyond

Birth Education and Doula Services

Education Services

Services

Postpartum Doula

A doula provides continuous hands on support, emotional support, and if desired, suggestions for comfort measures and positions during labor

Benefits of having a Doula include:

• Shorter labors
• 50% reduction in c-section births
• Higher breastfeeding rates
• Less pain medication used

What is a doula?

My goal is to help you to have a positive birth experience through education, hands on support, and compassion. Every laboring person is unique and deserves to be cared for, supported, and presented with all options available to them. I want to work alongside your partner, support people, and care provider to help you have a fearless, empowered birth.

What is my role?

Birth is one of the most sensitive, vulnerable times in life. Due to the nature of pregnancy and birth, I build my practice upon the foundations of trauma informed care for all pregnant individuals:

Safety: I want you to feel safe and secure in your pregnancy and labor. I am available to you by phone or text at any point after signing a contract with me.

Choice: While I will not make medical decision for you, I will help you talk through your options so you are comfortable with the path your pregnancy and labor are taking.

Collaboration: I want to work with you, your partner (if applicable), your care provider, and the nurses attending your delivery.

Trustworthiness : As a lifelong learner, I keep up to date on current research and the best evidence based practices. I am someone in your corner to support you, listen to you, and give feedback if and when appropriate.

Empowerment: Through education, support, and conversation, I want you to feel confident when you are asking yourself "what happens next"?

How do I

work with

you?

I've had the honor of working with pregnant and parenting individuals for over six years. I strive to ensure that every parent feels comforted, supported, and empowered to make the best choices for themselves and their babies in a space free of judgement.

My goal is to create a positive birth environment for you. I am here to listen, support, and assist you and your birth support team when navigating all the changes that come with birth and your postpartum life.

Joanna

Hello!

Education Services

Prenatal Classes

Group classes: $30/couple

Private classes: $60

These classes are structured around preparing for labor by using positions, stretching, and mindfulness. A brief overview of physiological labor and birth is provided, but the primary focus of this course is hands on preparation. for labor, writing your birth plan, and creating a postpartum plan.

Refresher Course:

$45/couple

Have some background knowledge? Already been through labor?

Join me for a personalized two hour session focusing on movement during labor, writing your birth plan, and focusing on specific questions or concerns you have.

Partner Preparation

$80 for materials and a ninety minute training on labor coaching, support methods, meditation guides, and massage techniques. Ideal for couples who would like their doula to be there for support, but would like more intensive, hands on practice prior to labor

Doula Services

Each labor is unique and each laboring individuals needs are different. I offer various levels of support throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

Initial Consultation: Complimentary

It is very important that you and your partner are comfortable with me and with my role in the birth. If you or your partner decide that we do not fit well I will be happy to refer you to a list of local Doulas. Meeting together does not mean you are committed to using me as your doula. My goal is for you to have a supported, empowering birth.

Option One: Doula Services-$725

We will meet twice for approximately an hour or two each meeting prior to your labor beginning to write or review your birth plan, practice hands on techniques and comfort measures, and address any questions you may have prior to labor. I will be available to you by phone, video chat, or text throughout your pregnancy. We will discuss your desired birth environment, plan early labor, and I will meet you either at your home or birth location once active labor has begun. I will stay with your through labor and delivery, and generally will continue to stay with you through the first hour after birth. Postpartum visit: I will schedule a visit with you 4-6 days after delivery to celebrate your new baby, help with breastfeeding, and assist with any transition concerns. I am available by text, call, or email for 8 weeks postpartum. If additional at home visits are requested in this 8 week period, I will do my best to accommodate you.

Option Two: Doula Support and Education-$775

This service includes all components of option one with private prenatal classes with you, your partner, and any support people you desire to have attend. Understanding that each person comes into birth and pregnancy with their own knowledge and strengths, we can alter the schedule to accommodate your needs. These meetings can be done in person or virtually.

Option Three: Doula Support and Education + Postpartum Support-$900

All services provided above plus five additional hours of postpartum support. During the visits, I can provide: breastfeeding support, baby care tips, referrals to community resources, laundry and cleaning help, holding baby while you sleep/shower/run an errand, child development education, postpartum depression and anxiety screenings, meal preparation help, and a chance to discuss your birth experience.

Additional postpartum doula hours can be discussed as needed.