Getting the Process Started

Are you ready to get started? Before we begin, let me explain a little bit about how this works.

First, you’ll need a general idea of the package and services you think you’ll need. You may contact me through the phone number or contact form on this website to start the process. Our to-do list will look something like this:

• We will set up any in-person appointments you may need with me (prenatals, consultatations, etc.).
• You will start receiving periodic texts from me to check in, along with emails approximately every two weeks, starting around 30 weeks gestation in your pregnancy. These emails will address things you may be experiencing, tips and advice for your stage of pregnancy, important reminders and notes for you regarding your upcoming appointments, contact info, etc. These will be essential for you, and our communication, so please be sure to read these once you receive them. And if you do not see these emails in your inbox by 34 weeks gestation, check your spam folder and notify me.
• For Birth Doula services, we will have a couple prenatal appointments in your 3rd trimester.
• When you hit 37 weeks gestation, I will begin my “on-call” time for you, where I am available basically 24/7, until baby arrives. This means that I do not travel out of the DFW area for any personal reasons, unless emergent. I will block off my schedule as much as possible. I will be completely devoted to making sure I am there for you when you need me on your baby’s birth day. If I have an appointment, family function, or another birth or photoshoot during your on-call time, I will always try to give you a heads up, so that you can give me plenty of notice to leave if I need to.

Here are a couple things to keep in mind during your pregnancy:

• If you receive a scheduled induction date, please inform me as soon as possible. It will be up to you to inform me should you go into labor before your induction date. If that happens, have someone CALL me with what is going on, along with the hospital or birth center room information. I will meet you there for the birth.
• Doula labor support involves me arriving at your hospital labor room, home (for home birth), or birth center once you are in labor (we will discuss a pre-determined time).
• I do request a 2 hour window from the time you notify me until I am expected to be by your side. Once you start having symptoms of active labor, please CALL OR TEXT ME immediately! Let me know what’s going on. Usually you’ll have some time while you are timing your contractions and getting things together before heading to your birth location or preparing for the midwife to come to your home. This gives adequate time for me to get my things together, get my kids squared away, and travel to your location without risking missing the birth.
• Your past labor experiences and our prior conversations will help determine at exactly what point we should aim for me to try to arrive.
• My goal obviously, is not to miss the birth of your child, however there are certain situations that may not allow for this. This includes but is not limited to, an unexpectedly fast delivery, delivery outside of the birthing facility (in the car), traffic or accidents on my way to the hospital/birth center/home birth delaying my arrival, personal family emergency for me at the time of labor, or emergency situations resulting in me not being allowed in the delivery room or operating room (OR) when delivery takes place.

What if something unexpected does happen?

• If one of these unexpected situations does occur and I miss the birth, I will stay to support your first hours with baby. I will be there to ensure you have all of the care you need in those immediate postpartum hours. I can also offer additional postpartum support to help ensure that your baby has every opportunity for a healthy start.
• Unfortunately, I am unable to give refunds for these unexpected situations. I do this because I will still be on-call for your delivery, provide support throughout your pregnancy, and offer postpartum services.

Birth is just too intimate of an event not to have a tiny and probably forever bond with each client of mine. So, if I shed a tear or two, don’t mind me…. I get fully engulfed in the experience. But honestly, that’s my favorite part of this job and I think that is what makes it so powerful and meaningful to those who I have worked with.

I love sharing motherhood with other women, I love talking through the tough stuff, and cherishing the beautiful pieces of this chaotic journey together.

A Doula’s job is to help provide a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience!