Birth Services

Placenta encapsulation is a process where the placenta, which is the organ that develops during pregnancy to provide nutrients and oxygen to the fetus, is steamed (sometimes), dehydrated, ground into a fine powder, and then encapsulated into pills or tablets for the mother to consume. This practice is rooted in the belief that consuming the placenta in this processed form can offer various health benefits to the mother during the postpartum period. 

The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Collection: The placenta is collected shortly after childbirth, usually within a few hours after delivery.
2. Preparation: The placenta may be rinsed, and then optionally steamed with herbs believed to enhance its benefits, though practices can vary.
3. Dehydration: After preparation, the placenta is dehydrated at low temperatures to preserve its nutrients.
4. Grinding: Once dehydrated, the placenta is ground into a fine powder.
5. Encapsulation: The powdered placenta is then encapsulated into vegetarian capsules.

Proponents of placenta encapsulation claim that it can provide several potential benefits for the mother, including:

• Hormonal balance: Helping to regulate hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which can fluctuate significantly postpartum.
• Increased energy levels: Replenishing nutrients lost during childbirth and supporting overall energy levels.
• Reduced postpartum depression: Some believe that placenta encapsulation can help alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression or baby blues.
• Enhanced milk production: Supporting lactation and milk supply for breastfeeding mothers.

This is a great option for moms who want guidance throughout their pregnancy to prepare for birth and want text support during labor but may not want a doula present at their birth. This is also a great option for those looking for a lesser financial commitment than in-person birth support. As a birth work client you will receive $10 off prenatal and postpartum (6-months) massages. 

A pregnancy coach, also known as a prenatal coach or birth coach, is a professional who provides guidance, support, and education to individuals or couples throughout their pregnancy journey. Their role is to empower expectant parents with knowledge and resources to navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood confidently. Here are some common tasks and responsibilities of a pregnancy coach:

1. Education and Information: Pregnancy coaches educate expectant parents about prenatal care, nutrition, fetal development, childbirth options, and postpartum recovery. They provide evidence-based information to help parents make informed decisions about their pregnancy and birth preferences.
2. Emotional Support: Pregnancy coaches offer emotional support and encouragement during the ups and downs of pregnancy. They provide a listening ear and help clients navigate anxieties, fears, and uncertainties related to pregnancy and childbirth.
3. Birth Planning: Coaches assist in creating a birth plan that outlines preferences for labor and delivery, such as pain management options, birth environment preferences, and communication with healthcare providers. They help clients understand their options so they can advocate for their preferences.
4. Physical Preparation: Pregnancy coaches provide guidance on physical preparation for childbirth, including exercises and techniques to strengthen the body for labor, manage discomfort, and promote optimal positioning of the baby.
5. Partner Involvement: Coaches often involve partners in the process, providing education on how they can support the pregnant person during pregnancy, labor, and beyond. They may offer tips for communication, coping strategies, and involvement in prenatal care.
6. Postpartum Planning: Pregnancy coaches may assist in preparing for the postpartum period, including recovery from childbirth, newborn care basics, breastfeeding support, and emotional adjustment to parenthood.
7. Advocacy and Communication: Coaches empower clients to advocate for their preferences and communicate effectively with healthcare providers. They encourage open dialogue and informed decision-making throughout the pregnancy and birth journey.
8. Resource Referrals: Pregnancy coaches may connect clients with additional resources and community support groups.

Overall, pregnancy coaches aim to enhance the overall pregnancy experience by providing personalized support and education tailored to the needs and preferences of expectant parents. Their goal is to empower clients to approach pregnancy and childbirth with confidence, knowledge, and readiness.

This doula package covers support during pregnancy, and attendance of your home or hospital birth for up to 12 hours and 2 hours postpartum, $15/hr for each additional hour. My goal as your prenatal, birth and postpartum advocate is to nurture you in the way that's appropriate to your individual needs through emotional, spiritual, and educational consultations leading up to your birth and beyond. As a birth work client you will receive $10 off prenatal and postpartum(6 months) massages. 

A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to individuals and couples before, during, and after childbirth. The role of a doula is to complement the care provided by medical professionals and to support the birthing person and their partner in achieving a positive birth experience. Here are some key aspects of what a doula does:

1. Emotional Support: Doulas offer continuous emotional support throughout labor and birth. They provide reassurance, encouragement, and comfort measures to help the birthing person feel more relaxed and confident during the process.
2. Physical Support: Doulas use various techniques to support physical comfort during labor, such as massage, positioning suggestions, breathing techniques, and using comfort tools like birth balls or hot/cold packs. They may also assist with relaxation techniques and help create a calming birth environment.
3. Informational Support: Doulas provide evidence-based information and education about childbirth options, procedures, and interventions. They help clients understand their choices, navigate decision-making during labor, and advocate for their preferences.
4. Advocacy: Doulas advocate for the birthing person’s wishes and preferences with healthcare providers. They help facilitate communication between the birthing person, their partner, and medical staff to ensure their voices are heard and respected.
5. Continuous Presence: Doulas typically remain with the birthing person throughout labor and birth, providing continuous support. This presence can help reduce anxiety, enhance feelings of security, and foster a sense of empowerment during the birthing process.
6. Postpartum Support: Some doulas offer support immediately after birth, assisting with initial breastfeeding, providing emotional support, and helping the family transition into the early postpartum period. They may also offer postpartum visits to provide additional support and guidance.
7. Partner Support: Doulas also support partners by offering guidance on how they can best support the birthing person during labor and birth. They help partners feel more confident in their role and provide breaks as needed.

It's important to note that doulas do not provide medical care or perform clinical tasks (such as fetal monitoring or administering medications). Instead, they focus on providing holistic support that complements the medical care provided by doctors, midwives, and nurses. Research suggests that having a doula present during labor and birth can lead to shorter labors, reduced need for interventions, increased satisfaction with the birth experience, and improved outcomes for both the birthing person and their baby.