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~ I knew she was there and she just melted into the action, whispering in my ear, reminding me at every turn how strong I was and simply that I could do it. ~New Mother, of her Doula
BEFORE LABOR We’ll meet together prenatally so I can familiarize myself with the kind of birth experience you wish to have, defining your plans and hopes, discussing your options, concerns, questions, and preferences. I can use my experience to prepare you for labor, sharing pain coping techniques, positions for labor progress and relaxation comfort measures. If you have questions or concerns about the many options available to you for your birth, I will provide you with as much objective information as possible, and will support you in whatever decisions you make. Should any thoughts or questions arise between the times we meet in person, I am always available via phone or email, and can also accompany you on prenatal visits to your care provider.
DURING LABOR Once you believe you are in labor, you’ll call me and we will see how you are feeling and assess when and where I should meet you. Once there, I will remain with you throughout the labor, providing continuous support to you and your partner, making suggestions for progress and comfort, supporting your confidence and encouraging your body’s own natural ability toward deep relaxation. As we work together I will support you and your partner in trusting the birth to happen with as much ease as possible as it unfolds.
POSTPARTUM Once your baby has been born, I will assist you with initial breast feeding, and will remain with you and your new family until you feel settled and ready for quiet time together. In the days following the birth I will come to visit, check-in on how you are feeling, and answer any questions. We’ll make a plan for a convenient time to meet for our final postpartum visit, sometime within the first week following your birth. The postpartum visits are a chance to reflect upon your experience, clarify details of events that took place around you, explore your birth notes and timeline, discuss challenges and milestones of your transition to parenthood, and admire your baby and celebrate.
I am honored to prepare your placenta, even if you are not a birth doula client. Congratulations on your new arrival!

Rebecca Shepherd offers Seattle doula services, Capitol Hill doula services, Queen Anne doula services, Ballard doula services, West Seattle doula services, Bellevue doula services, Redmond doula services, Seattle childbirth classes, as well as service to all area neighborhoods and suburbs of the greater Puget Sound.  Whether you are searching for a birth doula or Birthing From Within childbirth classes, I look forward to being with you on the journey! 

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BIRTH DOULA SERVICES Complimentary Meet and Greet Click to Schedule Two prenatal meetings in your home Complimentary provider visit with your Midwife or OB 24-hour phone and email support Resource materials (your to keep), including unique articles, local resources, postpartum preparation, and more Personalized help in preparing and honoring your birth plan Lending library including books and DVDs Labor support at your home before departing to place of birth, (unless planning to birth at home) Continuous presence throughout birth, providing physical, emotional, and informational support throughout TENS Unit for use with back labor Birth photography and/or video (optional) Handwritten birth notes and timeline Hands-on support with breastfeeding Continuous presence and assistance in the immediate postpartum period 1-2 postpartum visits On Call Back-Up Doula $1500 After interviewing and deciding to hire me as your doula, I ask a retainer fee of $500, due at the time of hire. The remaining balance is due at our final postpartum visit. Click here to learn more about what comprises a Doula’s fees. I aim to support all women and families, regardless of ability to pay, and accept sliding scale and payment plan arrangements. If I am unavailable to serve you, I may refer you to other qualified doulas in the community who can. http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dG5uakFValNyWnFmckg3eU9qRjgwWHc6MADoulas_Fees.htmlshapeimage_27_link_0shapeimage_27_link_1
PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION & HOMEOPATHIC Most mammals consume the placenta after giving birth, and humans have also done so for ages. There are scores of healthful benefits to ingesting the placenta, and I have received training in how to prepare and encapsulate the placenta for postpartum use. Placenta Encapsulation benefits are noted to be: Increased milk production Decrease in incidence or severity of postpartum depression Hormonal and energy rebalancing Improvement in the mother’s recovery period Can be ingested by both mother and child if experiencing separation anxiety, or major changes such as weaning, teething, learning to walk Placenta Homeopathic Tincture is prepared primarily as a homeopathic to be used by the child, as it is the constitutional remedy for the duration of his or her life. The tincture’s gift is in creating balance where there is imbalance - in times of illness, shock, change, anxiety, or upset. Because the placenta contains stem cells, the remedy is also useful for boosting the immune system. Placenta Encapsulation daily postpartum supplement $200 Placenta Homeopathic Tincture your baby’s unique constitutional remedy $100
PRINTS
“The Tree of Life” Your unique placenta traces the path of your first family tree, marking the winding and often artful pathways by which your baby has grown. The umbilical cord stems downward from the tree, forging the first connection between you and your baby. Printed upon acid-free fine printmaking paper, this visual memory of your pregnancy is an absolute treasure. $25