Now Offering Virtual Doula Services!

La Bella Doula is pleased to now be able to offer Virtual Doula services!!

Why am I starting to offer virtual doula services?

To be honest, this is a service that I was interested in offering before this COVID-19 pandemic. I believe that making the leap to offering virtual doula support will allow me to reach more families and thus, afford more people the benefits of having a doula’s care. There are those in some areas who do not have doulas present, however, if they are able to have a doula on-call, they will still be able to receive the support, albeit in a different form. I am all about sharing knowledge to anybody that is open to receiving it and do not believe it should be limited to just those in the state I live in.

I offer no judgments if you choose to meet with me in the comfort of your pajamas and head scarves or baggy tees and sweatpants!

How can you benefit from virtual doula support?

While it is true that there is sometimes no comparison to having a hands-on approach during labor, sometimes that is not the best option for some individuals. Some parents may not want another person physically in their birthing space, yet still may want the reassurance and guidance. There are those who may find it a bit intrusive to have another person in such an intimate environment, which is perfectly understandable. This is a great opportunity for having a virtual doula.

With society becoming more technologically-inclined, more resources are being shared digitally. Taking advantage of that, I am able to share evidence-based articles, videos, and links that you will be able to peruse at your convenience – all by sending a text or e-mail.

I am also in the process of starting a video blog (vlog), that I will be able to send out – another way of sharing information in an engaging format! For those of the more traditional format, I will continue with my online blog, which will have the same content. Stay tuned for more information!

For more information on the benefits of a doula, click here

What services are available to you?

Most of the same services that are available from a doula in-person are still available from a virtual doula. In fact, a lot of the services can be tailored so that if you are planning to have a support person present with you in your birthing space, I can help educate your support person on how he/she can use methods to help you during labor. This includes comfort measures: ways to cope with labor sensations, how to make your environment more relaxing, and labor positions.

I am also able to provide further education on becoming an advocate for yourself (self-advocacy), so you learn how to stand up for your birthing preferences, act with informed consent, and achieve the birth that you desire. Together, we will ideally eliminate the likelihood of unnecessary medical interventions and

What is included in your online doula package?

If you are interested in booking me as your virtual doula, you can schedule a free, one-hour consultation with me on FaceTime or Zoom. This is our meet-and-greet where we will be able to see each other for the first time, you can tell me about yourself and what your plans for your birth are. You will also be able to ask any questions you may have.

My birth package includes 1-2 pre-birth sessions, held on FaceTime or Zoom. These sessions will last at least one hour, and we will work on your birth and postpartum plans. You will receive a copy of anything of anything that is done on paper/electronically. If you need two sessions, at least one of these can be held during your prenatal visits. All I ask is that you give me advance notice, so that I can coordinate my schedule. During labor, you will be able to video chat and text as needed. After the baby has been born, you will receive one postpartum visit, where we will check in to see how you are processing your birth, adjusting to life with a new baby, and address any concerns.

Once you have booked me as your doula, you have access to me 24/7, via phone or text. If you have questions about what is going on, interest in a particular topic, or concerns about your pregnancy, I will be more than happy to share my research, knowledge, and tools with you so that you are able to make informed choices. I recommend having at least two methods for being contacted, just in case there are technical difficulties.

**You are welcome and encouraged to have support persons present during your virtual meetings. However, be mindful that these meetings are mainly for you and having too many people present can lead to overcrowding, which can also lead to an emotionally charged scenario. With all that being said, be mindful of who you have present.

With the changes happening due to COVID-19, is a doula still necessary?

Absolutely! Actually, I believe even more so. With all of these changes, families need a consistent, reassuring presence. And unfortunately, there are those that are heading into birthing arenas without familial support, so a doula is a wonderful option to help keep you informed of what to anticipate once you go into labor. To help ease any anxieties you may be feeling, I as your doula work with you to help you feel more prepared for your birth, supporting your choices and still encouraging you to advocate for your best birth. One of a doula’s greatest tools is the communication and bond she has with her client. Therefore, as your doula, we will work together to help you prepare your own toolkit of resources to help you better cope with labor.

Okay, I want to book you! How does payment work?

Yay! Once you have decided to book me as your doula, I will e-mail you my Welcome documents that include: my Welcome Letter, Policies/Contract, Intake Form, Confidentiality Agreement, and a few articles to read based on your interest for your birth. Please complete them and return them to me with your initial deposit. If needed, we can schedule another session to go over any questions you may have, work out a payment plan, etc. Final payment is due at the conclusion of the postpartum visit.

I will send you an invoice that will enable you to make your payment through my website. I do/will not take payment information over the phone!

Still have more questions? Feel free to send me an e-mail at labelladoula@outlook.com