What I offer as your birth doula:

• An initial interview to see if we're a match, something that I recognize is that I'm not the right doula for everyone. You want to hire someone that makes you feel comfortable and at peace. A person who you consider knowledgable and trustworthy. Qualities that I confidently feel in myself. 
  
• One to two prenatal appointments to cover: 
  

             *Questions            
    
             *Help you create a birth plan
             
             *Practice relaxation techniques
             
             *Practice positions for labor and birth
            
             *Discuss comfort measures that you have found helpful in your life
            
             *Discuss any concerns/fears about the process and the adventure ahead
                          
             *Discover how everyone on the birth team husband, sister, mother, aunt, friend,   
             doula, or anyone else you choose to have at the birth will be working together as   
             a fully supportive member of a team dedicated to you! 

• Constant email/phone contact 
  
• On call from 38 weeks, with backup always available in  case of emergency
• Once in labor continuous non-medical labor support from the moment you need me through the birth of your baby until everyone is settled in and ready to rest.

• Initial breastfeeding assistance
  
• And one postpartum visit to:
  

           *Process your overall birth experience
           
            *Support you with continued breastfeeding information and tips
       
            *Answer questions about newborn care 


             *Provide you with information and resources for anything you need during      
             your postpartum recovery. 

              *l am a huge advocate of baby-wearing and will happily share my knowledge    
              with anyone interested!

Blessingway Facilitation

  




















 A blessingway is an ancient ritual for an expectant mother to be honored and supported during her transition into motherhood. Surrounded by family and friends she is showered with blessings of love and given encouragement that is so needed during this incredible journey. 

A good friend at a blessingway told a beautiful story to illustrate what is created in the circle of a mother blessing: 
 
   With our children we had taken a trip to the aquarium where we were thrilled to find out that one of the dolphins had just given birth. Rather than having a dolphin show you were allowed to sit quietly in the auditorium and watch the mother with her new baby. They showed a video and shared with us the special way dolphins help one another during the most critical moments after birth. Once the calf is delivered a group of female dolphins help the mother get her baby up above water for its first breath. It is crucial for them to have this help. During a blessingway a woman is being shown how her family and friends will be there no matter what to help her rise up and feel always supported. 

No two blessingways are the same. I will talk with you and find out the most important things for you to include. I can lead the blessingway or help guide a friend or family member in the process. 

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Sunshine Salutations Birth Doula
Baltimore, MD
(443) 824-8142