Birth doula: information, emotional support, and guidance before and during childbirth

A birth doula is a labor support person who attends to a birthing family’s emotional and physical needs before and during labor and birth. A birth doula does not replace your medical caregiver (midwife or doctor) or your birthing companion, but rather helps that companion become involved in the birth to the extent that they feel comfortable. 

Continuous labor support has consistently been shown to improve birth outcomes. The doulas at Sunflowers Healing and Wellness combine unique backgrounds in HypnoBirthing, management consulting, health and wellness coaching, clinical hypnotherapy, energy healing, childbirth education, and labor support to assist their clients have empowered, satisfying, safe, and joyful birthing experiences. 

Our doulas believe strongly that every family deserves to write their own birth story. Our doulas will help you understand all your birthing options, help you create the conditions and strategies most aligned with your preferences, and then provide judgement-free support of your choices and preferences. 

The combination of HypnoBirthing and doula support is powerful. Many of our clients choose to also learn HypnoBirthing with Lindsey  and enjoy shorter, easier, more comfortable labors by choosing providers aligned with their birth preferences, maintaining good prenatal health, and practicing HypnoBirthing techniques. As a result, our clients’ statistics (Sunflowers data below reflects births up through 12/2018) are notably better than national averages.

• National cesarean rate: 32.7%
  • Sunflowers Doula Clients cesarean rate: 6.5%
• National average length of labor for first time mothers (FTM): 18-24 hours
  • Sunflowers Doula Clients average length of labor for FTMs: 12-15 hours
• National rate of use of synthetic Oxytocin (pitocin) use: 36.3%
  • Sunflowers Doula Clients rate of use of synthetic Oxytocin (pitocin) use: 19.5%
• National rate of use of IV pain medication: 27.6%
  • Sunflowers Doula Clients rate of use of IV pain medication: 1.3%
• National rate of use of assisted vaginal birth (e.g., suction or forceps): 20.0%
  • Sunflowers Doula Clients  rate of use of assisted vaginal birth: 2.6%
• National rate of epidural use in labor: 76.1%
  • Sunflowers Doula Clients  rate of epidural use in labor: 23.4%

Blissful Birthing Doula Support $1700 | Virtual Only $1450

This package includes: 

• Access to our birth planning tools, MP3s, pregnancy articles, vetted complementary providers, and more
• One prenatal visit (around 36 weeks) to learn your expectations, desires, and fears, to define your birth preferences, and to demonstrate positions and comfort measures - about 2 hours
• Hypnosis recording to help you prepare for your birth with confidence
• Phone, video call, and email support throughout your pregnancy 
• On-call for your Birth Month (2 weeks before and after your estimated due date) 
• Continuous support throughout your labor (at your home initially if desired, then at your birthing destination) and early postpartum for up to 24 hours, then an Overage Fee of $35/hr applies. Time begins upon arrival during labor and concludes with the birth of the baby, not when your doula leaves. Additionally, for labors extending beyond 24 hours, a back-up doula may be called in to ensure you continue to have the best doula support possible. For scheduled cesarean births, continuous support from the time you and your doula agree upon on your birthing day until approximately 2 hours after your birth.
• Labor and/or birth photos with your camera, if you choose 
• Newborn feeding support immediately after birth 
• Unlimited phone, email and text support for the first six weeks after birth
• Referrals (lactation, pediatrics, acupuncture, chiropractic, midwives, obstetricians, etc.) 
• Optional: One postpartum visit in the first 6 weeks to review your birth and check in on your adjustment

Returning Clients $1450  |  Virtual Only $1200

Clients who previously worked with a Sunflowers doula save $250 on our fee!

HypnoBirthing 5wk Group Course | $425  | $325 for  Sunflowers Doula Clients

Sunflowers doula clients save $100 off live group instruction. Your doula will provide you with a discount code to use when you register for class. More information on our HypnoBirthing page.

Additional Services

• Placentophagy Preparation Services - Smoothie Cubes $125 (no fee for homebirth doula clients); Placenta Encapsulation $250; Placenta Tincture $25; Cord Keepsake provided complimentary for encapsulation clients
• TENS Unit Rentals - $85 | $45 for HypnoBirthing students | no fee for doula clients
• AquaDoula Birth Tub Rentals - $300/5 week rental

Sunflowers Doulas attend births in homes, birth centers, and hospitals in most of DC, Northern Virginia (Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County), and parts of Prince George’s County. Please inquire to see if service is provided to your area.  Virtual only services may be provided anywhere!

Please contact us to inquire about availability during your birthing time. Even if it’s last minute, we may still be able to help you have the birth you desire. 

We are always available for returning clients though our calendars do book for first time clients. Please inquire as early as you decide that you want a doula to ensure our availability. 

Because attending your birth is important, our doulas carefully balance on-call periods. Unless a personal/family emergency arises, you can count on your doula to be with you for your labor and birth. In those rare situations when she cannot attend, a back-up doula will be available.