Initial Meeting:
When you are considering hiring a doula or have already decided that you would like one, you can call or email me to schedule an initial meeting. At this time, we will decide if we are a good fit for each other and discuss any initial thoughts or questions you have about the birth. We can conduct this meeting wherever you desire: at your home, in a coffee shop, etc. Call me at 614-726-5262 or email me at jjkoucoi@gmail.com.
PRENATAL SUPPORT
Prenatal Visits:
Around 36 and 38 weeks of pregnancy (or earlier if you desire), I will come to your home to discuss the following: basic health history, an outline of your birth preferences (optional), labor and delivery options, comfort measures and position changes during labor, what to expect in your desired birth setting, what to expect in the immediate postpartum, and any other questions or concerns you may have. Each prenatal visit will last about 2.5 hours.
Care Provider Visit:
I am willing to join you for a prenatal visit to your primary care provider if you prefer (in addition to our prenatal visits).
Informational Support:
I am available to you by phone or email if any questions or concerns arise. I am willing to discuss birth options and resources, reactions to prenatal visits with your care provider, and refer you to other perinatal services. Please understand that I will distinguish between medical concerns that should be addressed by your care provider and concerns that we can discuss.
On-Call Labor Support:
Beginning at 38 weeks, I am on-call for you. I will provide you with my cell phone number, and I welcome your call whenever you think you may be in labor. You can ask me to join you at whatever point in labor that you decide, whether that be at your home or at a hospital. I will stay with you from that point until after the birth of your baby.
LABOR SUPPORT
Comfort Measures:
During labor, I will provide continual informational, emotional, and physical support. I will provide or suggest different positions, relaxing touch, counter-pressure, the use of a birth ball, and sensory stimulation.
Support for your Partner:
I serve your partner as well! If he or she needs to take a walk, grab a meal, or tend to another child, I will be able to stay with you and allow him or her to take a break knowing that you are fully supported. I also support your partner prenatally by addressing any questions or concerns he or she may wish to discuss with me directly.
Advocate:
No matter the birth setting, at times you may need reminders about your preferences, encouragement to stick to them, or clarification on certain procedures or medications. I will never impose my own views on your birth; rather, I will assist you in adhering to your own preferences or determining new ones, if need be.
Documentation:
If you would like pictures or video taken, I will do that with your camera. Depending on the pace of labor, I am typically able to take detailed notes during birth, and I would be happy to provide you with a more comprehensive writeup at our postpartum visit.
POSTPARTUM SUPPORT
Immediate Postpartum Support:
I will stay with you after the birth of your baby for up to two hours (this is flexible depending on the circumstances) or until you determine that I should go to give room for family bonding time. I am able to give initial breastfeeding support, if desired.
Postpartum Visit:
We will schedule a 1-hour postpartum visit between 1 and 6 weeks after the birth of your baby. We will review your birth and discuss any questions that you may have. I may request an evaluation from you at this time, which you can complete at your convenience.
Continuing Resources:
You can contact me after the birth up to 14 weeks after your birth for referrals or resources.
Please contact me regarding fees.