I get it. I really do. While hiring a doula is incredibly beneficial, it's still a luxury. Unfortunately, not many insurance companies in the US cover the expense of a doula. (If you have a FSA, HSA, or HRA, you may be able to get reimbursed after you've paid for your doula services. You can read more about that here.) So, if you understand the benefit and want to tap into all that a doula offers but are already on a tight budget, how are you to afford one? 

Before we start talking about how to afford one, let's establish how much a doula typically costs. To do this, you're going to have to do a little research to determine how much a doula charges in your area as it varies greatly. Generally, if your cost of living is higher, the cost of a doula in your area will also be higher and vise versa.

Also, when comparing prices, take into account that, just like in any profession, you can expect to pay more for a person with more experience and/or training than someone who has less. A doula just starting out may have a reduce rate while they are certifying whereas the doula who has been in business for ten years and has five additional certifications is going to charge more, and rightfully so.

One great place to scope out the cost range in your area is on Doula Match. Simply enter your due date and zip code to find doulas and other birth professionals in your area. You'll be able to see their general prices listed and be able to contact them directly from the Doula Match website. 

​Over the last 30 years, water immersion for labor and birth has been growing in popularity as a means of reducing pain and stress during childbirth. The term “water immersion” is usually reserved to mean laboring in water during the first stage of labor and getting out of the water for the second and third stages of labor. The term “waterbirth” better describes what happens when the birthing person remains in the water during the second stage of birth, when baby is born. In this article, the two will be addressed as one. Keep in mind, however, that when and how much you use any time of water during labor and birth is up to you and should be talked over with your care provider.

​Herbs can be an excellent alternative to pharmaceutical drugs for pain relief and comfort during labor. Herbal teas for pregnancy and breastfeeding have become popular. And certainly, teas are an excellent way to ingest herbs. However, there are multiple ways to take herbs and a tea might not be the most convenient way during labor. Tinctures, which can be prepared in advance, might be.

​Of the three stages of labor, the third one is the most often overlooked. Stage one, otherwise known as “labor,” can be intense and preparation is of course needed. The second stage, the pushing stage, might be an odd sensation and something difficult to describe to the first-time mother making it a big unknown needing a lot of research and understanding. The first two stages of birth get a lot of well-deserved attention. Yet, birth has a third stage, the placental delivery, worth paying close attention to as well. What kind of care you receive during the third stage has just as much impact on your experience, your health, and your baby’s health. Therefore, it is beneficial to be familiar with your choices and options.

Nausea and/or vomiting is a common pregnancy symptom that effects 50-70% of pregnant women. So called "morning" sickness gets it's name because for some women they are most nauseated or even only nauseated in the early morning. However, "morning" sickness can actually take place at any time during the day or night, or may even last all day.
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On average, nausea starts before 9 weeks of pregnancy and has often resided by 14 weeks. But, of course, this is just the average so for some women it may last longer, possibly the entire pregnancy. 

​3% of women develop hyperemesis gravidarum, the most severe form of nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy. This condition may need medical treatment as it increases your risk of dehydration. If you are concerned about your level of nausea and vomiting, please consult with your care provider.

by: Renee Basham, Birth Doula of Hope's Embrace

Here it is. Are you ready? Babywearing. Yep, that’s it. Babywearing. It doesn’t matter what you use to wear your baby (there are a bunch of different carriers and it can be overwhelming to choose one!) Your baby just wants to be close to you. Babywearing is a traditional practice that is used in many cultures to keep your baby or toddler close to you while you conduct your daily activities. ​

​Pre-labor and early labor are important parts of labor where the cervix moves forward and begins to thin. You're between 0 and 6 centimeters dilated. Pre-labor contractions maybe be irregular or start and stop. Early labor contractions may start out 10-15 minutes apart and only lasting 30 seconds, getting closer together and longer as you progress.

Laboring at home as long as possible during this time has many benefits. You can often be more comfortable at home during early labor than you would be in the hospital or birth center. It also increases your chances of having a low-intervention birth. Plan on staying home as long as possible throughout early labor and use these tips to make it the best experience for you.

Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular. You might know someone who uses and/or sells them. But what are they? How do they work? And why did I mention "aromatherapy?" This short blog is going to give you the basics as it applies to pregnancy, birth and postpartum/breastfeeding.

​As always, please consult with your care provider before using aromatherapy or essential oils. It's also really important that you make sure you're getting your information and oils from someone who know what they're talking about. Look for a certified aromatherapist and ask questions. I am not a certified aromatherapist. I'm a well-read amateur who can give you basics and help you find information and professions.

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Just as we prepare ourselves for birth, we should also prepare ourselves for postpartum. When you hire me as your postpartum doula while you're still pregnant, I'll help you make a "postpartum plan" which works much like a birth plan. It helps you start thinking about what your postpartum experience will be like and preparing you for caring for your new family as a whole and as individuals.

But today, I just want to talk about the material goods for you, Mama. The "goodies" that you can stock up on before hand or even ask for on your baby registry for your own needs and care postpartum.