BIRTH DOULA SERVICES

I received my DONA Birth Doula training at Bastyr University Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations where I trained with renowned birth work instructors Sharon Muza and Laurie Levy.

What Makes Jason & the Evolve
​Approach Unique

Intuitive support -   My most significant priority during your labor and delivery is to make certain that you feel as safe, calm, comfortable, and relaxed as possible. As an intuitive empath, the most consistent and resounding feedback I get is my innate capacity to put people at ease and make them feel comfortable, cared for, heard, and respected. I feel profoundly grateful for the ability to not just read the physical and energetic cues from my clients, but to then effectively and compassionately adjust my support accordingly.  

Mindful approach - As a certified yoga instructor, I not only have a breadth of understanding of physiology and anatomy, but also substantial experience with mindfulness-based physical support and adjustment. Additionally, I also have training in various meditation and breathwork techniques, both of which can prove highly effective and invaluable during labor and delivery. With these tools at our fingertips, we’ll have a number of resources available to navigate whatever discomfort you might be working through, allowing you to be as comfortable and present as possible as you labor to welcome your baby into the world.

Partner engagement - One of the things I’m most excited about regarding birthwork is the recognition that we’re in a particularly beautiful and important moment in time wherein non-birthing partners, particularly new dads, are genuinely yearning to be more involved and invested in the entire pregnancy and birthing process.  It is a privilege to be in a position to help partners step into this role, not only for the tremendous support it affords the pregnant parent and baby, but because I believe that the world is in great need of more men who are strong and confident enough to be vulnerable, sensitive, tender, and compassionate.

What better gift to give our sons and daughters than a living example of what it looks like to be emotionally present, fluid, and intelligent?

Inclusivity - There are a myriad of reasons I was initially drawn to and passionate about birth work. One of the most significant was, and continues to be, reproductive justice. I believe wholeheartedly that every single individual, no matter their race, gender identity, orientation, or tax bracket should have access to the birth services that most closely align with their personal philosophy.

It is for this reason that I’m committed to providing birth support for any and all individuals who want/need it, regardless of compensation. If you feel strongly that the presence of a doula would be beneficial for you but are concerned about the cost, please reach out anyway.  I will always do my best to keep openings in my schedule for no-cost support for those who need it.

​If, for whatever reason, I’m unable to provide the services you are looking for, I will be happy to refer you to other individuals and/or resources to make sure that you are getting the support you need and desire.

Included in Evolve Birth Doula Services:

SHORT & SWEET VERSION
(For more detailed descriptions see below):

Fee: $700
  • Free consultation wherein we will discuss in detail the services that I provide, and specifically, how I can best support you in creating and working towards your ideal birth plan. Most importantly, there will be few things more important during your labor and delivery than your feeling as comfortable and relaxed as possible, so during this first meeting, we’ll want to make sure that my personality, energy, and presence are a good match for you and your needs. 
  • 24/7 support via phone, text, or email from the beginning of our relationship as your doula. 
  • Two prenatal visits: In our first meeting, we’ll work to articulate and refine your ideal birth plan. We’ll take time to discuss what tools and resources might be helpful in preparing you for this unique birth experience, including  how to navigate any and all contingencies that might happen along the way. In our second meeting, we’ll explore a number of the tools and techniques available during labor. This is a great time for your birthing partner to actively participate and get more familiar with all the ways they can be of support throughout the process. 
  • I will provide continuous, uninterrupted physical, emotional, and informational support during your labor and birth.
  • Two postpartum visits: During these visits, I will support you and your family while you settle in to new daily routines. The purpose of my visits will be to help you navigate any issues with regard to sleep, nursing, emotional struggles, transitions with older children, and general well being. In addition, I’ll provide resources and/or referrals for any immediate needs. The first visit will typically be within 3 to 5 days after returning home, and the second will be scheduled for somewhere around week six.

Included in Evolve Birth Doula Services

DETAILED VERSION:

FREE CONSULTATION: This might seem a rather routine and potentially inconsequential step, but the initial consultation is actually one of the most important.

I believe that it is not just the responsibility but the mission of the doula to do everything within their power to make sure that your memory of this experience - and the story you tell about it for years to come - is as profoundly positive and empowering as possible.

Because this positive experience will be infinitely more likely to happen if you feel safe, heard, and respected by your doula and the rest of your birth team, this is why our first meeting is so very important. It’s simply a time for us to introduce ourselves, to get to know each other a little bit, and above all else, to make certain that you feel confident that my energy, presence, and personality will be a good fit for you, your partner, and your baby.

FIRST PRENATAL: In addition to checking in about how your pregnancy is going and answering  any questions or concerns you might have, it’s during this first prenatal visit  that we will walk through the process of identifying and articulating your uniquely individual birth plan.

Whether or not you already have a clearly defined idea of what this plan might entail, there may be questions you have not yet considered. Either way, taking the time to clearly and concisely write down your birth plan will be valuable as we’ll then be able to pass it along to the OB, midwife, nurses, and the rest of your birth team so that they can better understand and support your wishes.

SECOND PRENATAL: From breathing techniques to massage, labor positions to accupressure, this second visit is a great time for us to walk through a number of different tools and resources we’ll have available when your baby decides it’s time to make their appearance. We will take time to practice some of these techniques to determine what strategies most resonate with you, and this will also be an opportunity for your partner to learn and practice a variety of techniques with which to support you throughout the labor.

ON-CALL/BIRTH: Beginning at 37 weeks, I will be on-call and available to you 24-hours a day. Once labor has begun and we’ve determined together that it’s actively progressing, I will meet you at your home, the birthing center, or the hospital to provide constant, uninterrupted support to help you most effectively navigate labor and delivery. 

In addition to physical and emotional support throughout, one of my most significant priorities will be to use my knowledge and experience to identify any circumstances wherein your birth team is considering a deviation from your original birth plan, and then advocate on your behalf to make sure you and your partner are provided the necessary information to make an informed decision as to how to best proceed.

POSTPARTUM VISITS: The first few days with a newborn can often be a bit of a rollercoaster both physically and emotionally. Not only are you transitioning into your new life as a family and navigating the challenges of nursing and sleeping, but often there can be the added stress of playing host to family and friends who’ve come to meet your baby and offer help and support.

For these reasons, we’ll often try to schedule our first postpartum visit somewhere around 3 to 5 days after you are back home. It is often around this time when houseguests are traveling back to their homes and you’re starting to have the space to transition/create some sense of normalcy and routine with your baby. In addition, about this time you may be experiencing a significant change in hormones, so it will be an important time to pay attention to your emotional mood and well being.

We’ll take this opportunity to talk through how you and your baby are doing, what’s working well, and where you might anticipate needing more support.

I’ll be available via phone and email throughout this time for any questions, concerns, or support you might need, and we’ll plan for another visit at 6-7 weeks to see how everything is going and to make sure you have all the support and resources you need moving forward!