Our very own Liz Libby provides our birth doula services for clients with scheduled cesarean births.  

It is never too early or late to inquire about our birth support. 

We recognize that each family has a unique vision regarding their birth, and at Rising Tide Women's Whole Life Wellness, we honor your individuality and support your informed decisions.

Why a doula for a cesarean birth?

The role of the labor doula is to complement the birthing team as a physical and spiritual presence, providing the family with emotional support and non-medical, evidence-based guidance and continuity of care.  This is especially crucial in a scheduled cesarean birth where the birthing parent may feel nervous about how things are going to go and want to make sure their wishes will be heard.  There is a large body of evidence suggesting that doula support improves both long-term and short-term health outcomes; some can be found here.

What does the birth doula package include?

The support begins well before you head to the hospital. 

In person interview:  After our initial phone conversation, should you want to meet with me face to face, I would be happy to work with your schedule to arrange such a meeting.  This allows you to get to know me on a more personal level and is, of course, complimentary.

Two prenatal visits:   After we are in agreement, I am happy to visit you in your home where you can feel most relaxed to talk about your pregnancy and birth wishes.  I will also provide non-biased education about the labor and birth experience, comfort techniques, plus what to expect immediately postpartum and once you are home.  These visits typically last 1-2 hour(s).

*New!* Lactation care:  We know that questions about breastfeeding can come up even before baby is born, so you have access to Liz not only as your doula but also as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), for information and support to help you get off on the right start with breastfeeding.  (What if I don't plan to breastfeed?)

Text or phone call availability:  I understand that questions can pop into one’s mind at any moment, and I want to be available to you.  Connecting with you is very important to me and helps us build a foundation of trust, respect, and safety.  Feel free to call, text, or email me.  I will respond to you as promptly as possible.  If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact your care provider or dial 9-1-1 first.   

On-call Labor Support:  Once we are in agreement, I am on-call for you.  My cell phone will be at my side from our signing until you meet your baby.  I will plan to be with you from the moment you arrive at the hospital (unless you wish otherwise) to guide you through preparing for surgery and helping to make the experience a peaceful and gentle one.   In the rare event that you go into labor earlier than your planned date and I cannot be with you , I will have a back-up doula available and you are free to meet together or talk on the phone.  

Once the birth day arrives: 

Birth Support:  Once I arrive to the hospital with you, I plan to be there with you continuously for as long as you need me. I will help to make sure that your physical AND emotional needs are met without you having to do a lot of asking. I will check in with you and help you get your questions answered, no matter how strange or small or big they may feel. If the anesthesiologist permits it and you wish it (we will talk at length about this ahead of time), I will be next to your head during the surgery giving you encouragement and explaining what is going on. I will help to facilitate skin to skin contact with your baby in the operating room (again, if you wish it and we've discussed ahead of time with your care providers). 

Postpartum Visit:   This is done at your home within a week or two postpartum where you can relax and feel safe to express your feelings as a new parent.  You can discuss any questions and concerns you are experiencing.  It is a time to process your birth experience and reflect upon the journey.  If you need any additional resources, you will be referred to very skilled professionals from a trusted and carefully selected network.  This visit typically lasts 1-2 hours.  Should you desire additional postpartum visits (day or overnight), arrangements can be made.  Please check out our Postpartum Doula services for more info.

*New!* Lactation Care:  Each and every one of our doula packages includes a follow-up lactation visit in your home. Whether you're nursing your babe or not, you will have questions about caring for your changing breasts and feeding your baby, and I am  here to answer them in a kind, compassionate, nonjudgmental way.  I will come visit you in your home where you are relaxed and comfortable, check in with you about your nursing goals, your questions, and any difficulties you might be having.  I'll meet you where you're at and work with you to create a plan to meet your goals around breastfeeding.  (What if I don't plan to breastfeed?)

Between the two of us, we've helped thousands of families to have the best birth and post-birth experiences that they can.  You will carry these experiences with you for the rest of your life; why not feel supported through them?  

Birth Doula Package $2000 (Payment plans always available, please inquire)