What is a doula?

The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period. Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

Birth Doula Services

As doulas, we accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. We draw on our knowledge, training and, our own experiences as birth professionals to provide emotional support, physical comfort and, as needed, advocacy to make sure you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor.  We can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other practices for comfort.  As your doula, we are working for you, not your care provider or place of birth.

As doulas, we recognize the need for families to feel empowered in their decisions and abilities. Therefore, we do not promote any one philosophy of how to give birth, nor do we make decisions medical or otherwise for you. As a birth doula we will provide supportive non-judgmental nurturing while providing you with evidence-based information to help YOU make informed decisions that feel best for you and your family.

Doula Packages

Montclair B.A.B.Y “Just The Basics” Birth Doula Support Package

• Great option for those families who just want extra support during labor.
• One private virtual or phone meeting to discuss birth preferences and history 
• Guaranteed back-up doula services 
• One virtual Postpartum visit
• 24 hour on-call availability beginning at 37 weeks
• Continuous labor support in active labor at place of birth
• 15% off Individual Services
• $250 Gift card to New Moon Photography (specializes in beautiful photos for the whole family. To be used within one year of birth)

Individual Services

• Half-Day Holistic Lamaze Group Childbirth Education Class – $250
• Four -week Holistic Lamaze Group Childbirth Ed Class – $350
• Private Childbirth Class – 3Hrs Private instruction in Person – $350
•  Lactation Visit and Assessment in Person with a Certified Lactation Counselor with CLC – $200
• Private Prenatal Breastfeeding Class -2Hrs Private Class – $200
• One-hour Prenatal or Postpartum Massage – $150
• Postpartum Welcome Home Package Breastfeeding & Newborn Care – $300  
• Additional Postpartum Doula Support (price depending on amount of hours)

The Role of the Postpartum Doula

The Postpartum Doula fills the gap in our modern maternity care practices by prolonging the continuity of care women typically receive prenatally and during delivery to also encompass the precious 3 months after birth. Postpartum (meaning “after the birth”) is a time of profound physical and emotional changes for the mother. The Doula is knowledgeable in postpartum recovery and can help answer questions you may have as your body and your hormones are seeking balance and restoration. She is also very experienced in newborn care and normal newborn development.

The Postpartum Doula’s intention is to support and nurture the mother, the family and the home with the purpose of empowering parents as they adjust to their new roles. Everything the Doula does is to create an atmosphere of calm, loving support while encouraging vital parent/infant bonding. She strives to help the new parents feel rested and supported but also confident with a wealth of knowledge, understanding, and resources.

Doula support is also valuable for other members of the family, as well. The Doula provides the baby’s father/mother’s partner with outstanding support during a time when he/she often feels that mom and baby are getting the lion’s share of attention. Grandparents, too, want so much to help and often just aren’t sure what to do. The doula can help the partner/father/grandparents find ways to bond with baby and enjoy this precious time.

In addition to supporting the family with resources and guidance, the doula may help with laundry, sterilization of bottles/preparation of pump equipment, will help keep the kitchen tidy, may provide meal preparation, will prepare healthy snacks for you, may see to errands, and more. The doula will support your chosen method to feed your baby, whether that is at the breast, breastmilk in a bottle, formula, or a combination. She will provide compassionate guidance and education as you learn about the needs of your growing baby.

Even if you are blessed to have extended family around to help after the birth, hiring a doula is a lovely way to ease some of the responsibilities in the home, allowing space for all members of the family to truly experience and bond with the baby.

Consider hiring a doula to help care for you while you care for your new baby.

For further information and rates please contact: (973) 370-0765