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 he/she feels 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 doula training 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, then help you create the conditions and strategies most aligned with your preferences. 

The combination of HypnoBirthing and Doula support is powerful. Our clients 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 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%

* Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can HelpYou Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993). 

To accommodate the different needs of our clients, we offer multiple doula service packages.

• One prenatal visit to learn your expectations, desires and fears
• Help creating your birthing preferences and a birth plan
• Phone and email support throughout pregnancy
• On-call two weeks before and two weeks after your due date (or sooner in the event of a scheduled birth)
• Continuous support throughout your birth and early postpartum for up to 24 hours (additional fee applies after 24 hours)
• Use of our TENS Unit
• Initial breastfeeding support immediately after birth
• Birth notes
• Photos with your camera, if you choose
• A postpartum visit to review your birth and check in on your adjustment
• Unlimited text, email, and phone support for two weeks after your birth
• Referrals (lactation, craniosacral therapy, massage, acupuncture, midwives and obstetricians, etc.)

Designed for mothers planning to experience labor or a planned cesarean for the first time, this package includes all of the services in the Basic Labor Support package above, plus:

• A second prenantal appointment to prepare you for your birthing day

All of the services in the Deluxe Labor Support package above, plus:

• Five-Week Group HypnoBirthing tuition

Sunflowers doulas attend births in homes, birth centers, and hospitals in most of DC, Northern Virginia, and parts of Prince George’s County. Please inquire to see if service is provided to your area. 

Because attending your birth is important, our doulas will only accept 1-2 families per month. 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.

Lindsey is currently accepting new clients with due dates in May 2018 and beyond; she is always available for returning clients. Katia is currently accepting clients with due dates in February 2018 and beyond.

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.