Doula Care
Birth is a beautiful journey that a woman embarks on with many feelings of fear, excitement, and hope. Throughout history, and amongst cultures around the world, women have embarked on this journey surrounded by other women, who served as a support and guide. It is through the modernization of the medical world, and an increase in focusing on the physical safety of mother and baby, that the need for emotional and psychological support has increased as well. The purpose of a Doula is to serve as a guide, to nurture and support the birthing mother and her partner (if present); and assist her in connecting with her innate, primal wisdom as a mother. Doula-ing is the act of educating, loving, respecting, listening, embracing, empowering and assisting a woman prenatally, during labor, in childbirth and after.
Why Hire a Doula?
According to the findings of Hodnett’s et al meta analysis of 15 trials from North America, Europe and Africa, “Women cared for during labor by a birth doula, compared to those receiving usual care were:
26% less likely to give birth by cesarean section
41% less likely to give birth with a vacuum extractor or forceps
28% less likely to use any analgesia or anesthesia
33% less likely to be dissatisfied or negatively rate their birth experience”
Doulas & Dads:
Doulas work alongside your partner to help make the birth of your baby a memorable experience for both you and your partner. Doulas are a source of emotional support and comfort. They provide an extra set of hands around the clock whenever your partner needs a break. A doula brings her experience and knowledge of birth as a compliment to the love and comfort from your partner. Having a strong birth team will help better facilitate a lasting birth experience for the whole family.
Doula Services Provided:
· Initial Consultation
· Prenatal Meeting
· Birth Plan Review
· 24 Hour on-call availability
· On-call back up doula for all births
· Natural Pain Relief
· Support with positioning to assist in optimal positioning of baby
· Birth & Peanut Ball Positioning
· Aromatherapy support
· Massage & Acupressure
· Rebozo as a tool in labor
· Photography upon request (not professional)
· Initial lactation support – resources available for ongoing support
· Referrals to a network of Naturopaths, Chiropractors, Midwife/OBs,
Prenatal/Postnatal Massage therapists & More.
Doula Packages:
New Mama Doula Care Package:
This package will include all services listed above including:
· Initial Consultation
· Childbirth Class
· Prenatal Session
· Birth Plan Review
· 24 Hour on-call availability
· On-call back up doula for all births
· Natural Pain Relief
· Support with positioning to assist in optimal positioning of baby
· Birth & Peanut Ball Positioning
· Rebozo as a tool in labor
· Aromatherapy support
· Massage & Acupressure
· Photography upon request (not professional)
· Initial lactation support – resources available for ongoing support
· Referrals to a network of birth/postpartum professionals
· 1 Postpartum visit
Basic Doula care Package:
This package is great for experienced moms looking just for birth support! It includes the following services:
· Initial Consultation
· 24 Hour on-call availability
· On-call back up doula for all births
· Prenatal Sessions
· Birth Plan Review
· Natural Pain Relief
· Support with positioning to assist in optimal positioning of baby
· Birth & Peanut Ball Positioning
· Rebozo as a tool in labor
· Aromatherapy support
· Massage & Acupressure
· Photography upon request (not professional)
· Initial lactation support – resources available for ongoing support
· 1 Postpartum visit
· Referrals to a network of birth/postpartum professionals
Birth support Package:
This package is great for experienced moms looking just for birth support! It includes the following services:
· Initial Consultation
· 24 Hour on-call availability
· On-call back up doula for all births
· 1 Prenatal to review birth plan
· Natural Pain Relief
· Support with positioning to assist in optimal positioning of baby
· Birth & Peanut Ball Positioning
· Rebozo as a tool in labor
· Aromatherapy support
· Massage & Acupressure
· Photography upon request (not professional)
· Initial lactation support – resources available for ongoing support
· Referrals to a network of birth/postpartum professionals
Prenatal Meeting/Birth Plan Package:
· One 2-Hour Prenatal Meeting
· Printouts for childbirth information, positioning and pain management to
support labor
· Review/Create a Birth Plan
· 24/7 Access to a Doula via phone/text
· Credit towards a Doula if you decide to have one
virtual Birth Doula & Childbirth Preparation:
Contact us today for more information and pricing!
**Note: If there is a package you would like for our services offered that is not listed, please feel free to contact us! We are more than happy to come up with a package that works for you! We strongly believe that everyone deserves a doula, sliding scales are offered based on need.
Testimonials:
There are not enough words to describe how pleased my husband and I are to have chosen Afshan for the birth of our son and to express our gratitude. I dreamt of a natural birth, and I honestly can say that I would never have done it without the help of Afshan. She was close to us at every stage of childbirth to accompany us, reassure us and help me overcome the pain. She knew when to suggest new positions to facilitate the labor and ease the pain. There were moments I felt she could read my mind. She was constantly calm, kind and professional. We would have been lost if we had relied solely on the medical service; Afshan helped us to keep a cool head and trust ourselves. One of the many reasons we decided to have a Doula was to have a human experience, rather than a medical one. My childbirth was very intense and by her delicacy, her respect, her patience and her incredible know-how, she really made this moment magical. She was strong and present to welcome our little baby, while being gentle and discreet to allow us to live, my husband and I, this incredible moment in complete privacy. We both appreciated her accompaniment which allowed for a very personal approach to pregnancy and birth, taking into account our fears, desires and feelings. Her assistance went beyond our expectations on every front. We met with Afshan twice before our son’s birth and once afterwards. She also checked-in from time to time and remained available to discuss anything I was worried or concerned about. Afshan truly does her work with passion and we were privileged to have her with us for this very unique moment in our lives and that of our son.
-Manon and Claude
Having Afshan as our doula was an absolutely incredible experience. We had been on the fence for a while about whether a doula was essential to our birth experience, but as soon as we met Afshan we knew it was the right choice to work with her. Her calm, kind, warm demeanor made us feel comfortable right away, and her level of expertise, training, and experience meant we were n excellent hands. In the last months of my pregnancy, Afshan checked in and offered advice for whatever I needed - including great suggestions to help with specfic aches and pains. No question was too small or too obscure - she always had helpful thoughts to offer and made me feel heard and understood. My husband and I also did a day-long Gentle Birth training with her and it made a huge difference in feeling prepared and confident for birth. I would highly recommend the package that includes that day of training - it is so muhc more comprehensive and valuable than other childbirth classes! Some people worry that a doula will replace the role of your partner as a support person, but Afshan's guidance really helped my husband be an amazing part of the process. Both during the gentle birth training and at the birth itself, she not only supported me, but also supported him by giving him a variety of tools and techniques to help me through labor. She gave him the confidence that he was fully prepared and able to help me. On the day of the birth, Afshan was, as always, calm and positive with a perfect mix of helping me move through the experience in my own way and offering excellent guidance and suggestions from her deep well of expertise. I felt protected and supported with her there, and ended up having a totally empowering and loving birth experience. Afshan is a wonderful doula and a truly lovely person with a passion for this work. You will be so lucky to work with her as you prepare for your birth!
-Erica Nagel
My husband and I met with Afshan several weeks before our delivery. From the moment she said hello, we knew we were in the Best hands. My pregnancy had some complications (two vessel cord and the baby had a heart defect), so needless to say, we were extremely nervous about how the delivery would go. Afshan took all of our worries into consideration as well as all of our goals to make this the best birth experience. Afshan was always available by phone and willing to give me any advice and pointers on how to be more comfortable towards the end of my pregnancy. She continued to follow up with my doctor appointments to see my progression.
The day that my contractions started, Afshan had already been a part of two births. She still came to my bedside with all of the aromatherapy we had spoken about and immediately jumped in to help me through my labor. She helped keep my husband calm as well as guide me through my fears. My goal was to have a non medicated birth and because of her I was able to do that. When I didn’t think I could anymore, she helped me find strength. We cannot put into words the gratitude and love that we feel for Afshan. I will never forget her loving support.
-Elaine and John
I highly recommend Afshan Abbasi for anyone interested in hiring a Doula. Afshan starts being on call for you at 36 weeks and she always quickly responded to emails, phone calls, and text messages. She is extremely knowledgeable in the labor and delivery process and she was always able to answer any questions that I had.
During my labor process, Afshan set up the delivery room with candles and a diffuser which helped to make the room a calming environment. Her knowledge on positions to enhance labor and pain management techniques including massage and acupressure greatly helped me throughout my labor process. She was always by my side and together with my husband, Afshan was the perfect team to help me through my labor and to enhance my birthing experience.
-Kristen Faigle
Words cannot express our gratitude for your unwavering support during our fourth birthing experience. When my water broke at 37 weeks, I immediately contacted Afshan to let her know of the situation. She kept me calm and asked me questions to get a feel for what was going on. She advised I rest and checked on me frequently to see if things progressed. My husband and I reached the hospital at midnight. Moments later Afshan walked in the room with a big smile - from that moment I knew my worries were lifted. She created a relaxed ambiance with LED candles, an essential oil diffuser, and peaceful background music. She was there by my side the entire time, making sure I was comfortable and reminding me to stay hydrated to up my energy levels. She helped me relax during the contractions and advised me to change positions. Without medication, Afshan's soothing words and massages helped me mangage the pain tremendously. We will forever treasure this special birthing experience thanks to Afshan - for all her support, love and commitment! A doula is ... "one who mothers the mother," and that is exactly what Afshan did. She was truly a blessing for my family and I.
-With lots of love and sincere thanks, Ameena
Having Afshan as my doula during my labor was one of the best decisions I made. From the moment she arrives the room feels calmer. She set out some battery candles and aromatherapy which made the room feel more homey and peaceful. Because I was induced I was experiencing very strong and frequent contractions but Afshan had so much knowledge about acupressure and talking me through them. Although I eventually requested an epidural, Afshan stayed with me through getting the epidural and then massaged me through an episode of the shakes. She also recommended I use a peanut ball for the remainder of my labor and this knowledge proved to help me dilate quickly where I was pushing earlier than we thought! Having Afshan with you will only enhance your birthing experience!
-Catherine R.
I personally used this doula group and I am extremely pleased and happy I went with them. I was supported in every way possible and got the positive support and encouragement I needed during my delivery. I was also able to get the VBAC delivery I was hoping for! I definitely highly recommend!
-Khadija B
Afshan is a truly amazing doula!! My husband and I couldn't recommend anyone better. She has a wealth of knowledge and was very nurturing and supportive during labor and postpartum. I cannot stress how much we appreciated having her as we prepared to welcome our first child.
-Haya T.
Afshan came recommended to me by my midwife when I was 36 weeks pregnant. My husband and I were not sure about using a doula since we were afraid it would take away from the bonding moment we want to share as we labor and deliver our baby girl. Afshan was absolutely understanding and supportive. We decided to use her and it was one of the best decisions we made. She came to the hospital as soon as I needed her and brought a bag of items to support our natural birthing experience. Her gentle voice and words of encouragement really helped me get through the labor. My husband was happy to have her when he needed to rest and was amazed at her dedication to us. We are truly grateful to have found her and would use her again, if I am brave enough to go for a 4th baby :-)
-Simone L.