Prenatal Visits
We will meet for two prenatal visits, preferably by the time you are in your 37th week.
These visits give Birthing Mama and Partner the opportunity to explore hopes and concerns about the upcoming labour and birth experience, to ask questions, and often, if as desired by the couple, to participate in Birthing From Within processes that may address: "Pain Coping Practices" (how to cope with the intensity of labour and how to support a Birthing Mama), "The Birth Plan" and/or "Taming Birth Tigers" (i.e. fears) any of which will give you insight both into giving birth (Birthing Mama) or giving support (Partner). Ultimately, the doula services I provide are tailored specifically for you based on these prenatal meetings and how your labour unfolds at the time.
When to contact me
I encourage either Birthing Mama or Partner to call me any time you have questions or concerns, after your caregiver visits and I will be on call for you 24 hours a day once you reach 38 weeks gestation.
I would like you to call me as soon as you , Birthing Mama, know you are in labour, your water breaks or if you know you will be induced, or even if you're wondering, "Is this labour?". This allows me to make arrangements so that I may be with you when want me to be.
I will remain with you throughout your labour and birth except in extraordinary circumstances.
Because you have hired me to be your doula, I make every effort to be the doula present at your birth. I take only two to three clients per month in order to ensure this. However, sometimes births overlap and illness happens. I am thrilled to be affiliated with several amazing doulas who act as my backup and share my philospophy.
After your baby is born
I will remain with you for two or three hours after the birth and I am able to assist with initial breastfeeding if you wish.
You are welcome to call me at any time after your birth and before our post-partum visit with any questions or concerns you may have. A post-partum visit will be arranged at a mutually agreeable time, usually around the fourth or fifth day. At that time we can review your birth experience and I can answer questions, and provide assistance or information that would help you adjust to parenthood.
Contact Abby to set up an interview
"What if I need additional help after our post-partum visit?"
Heartsong Birth Abby Mikkelson Your Vancouver BC Doula Service
