Birth Doula Services
“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”
I am Natalee Hines
I serve as a birth doula for Tampa, Florida, including the surrounding military hospitals. My passion is helping parents have a successful and memorable birth experience as they welcome their new baby into the world. I especially enjoy helping those parents who may be away from their family, as I know how hard it can be to journey through pregnancy and birth separated from your typical support system. My goal is to help mothers let go of controlling their labor while remaining in control of their birth.
Image Source: birthbecomesher.com
“Natalee was professional, caring, and knowledgeable. I would absolutely recommend her!”
Service Details
Let’s meet for a no cost interview!
This allows us to get acquainted and come to a decision as to if you and I are a good fit. We can discuss anything at this visit while we learn what you are looking for in a doula and what your goals are for the upcoming birth. We can meet at a coffee shop, your local library, or your preferred place to relax.
Standard services include
- 2 prenatal visits
- On call support
- Labor and birth support
- 1 postpartum visit
- Photos during birth
$1,200
Custom Services
I can customize services to fit you! I can include more or less support according to your desires, but must include one prenatal visit to ensure I have all the information I need to support you effectively during your labor and birth.
Payment plans are available.
Q: What can you expect from me as your birth doula?
Before Labor
We will meet to discuss your pregnancy and your birth priorities to see if we are a match. When we decide to work together you can contact me via phone, text, or email anytime you have a question! I prefer to meet with you twice before labor begins – sometimes the baby has other plans! Our first meeting is mainly to get to know each other better and chat about how your pregnancy is going – if you have any fears or concerns regarding your birth this is when we would discuss them. I provide a short questionnaire to get additional information so we can customize my support to fit exactly what you need and provide you with information to start your birth plan. Our second meeting is closer to the end of your pregnancy and is to check in on you and how you are feeling. If you still haven’t finalized your birth plan, we will at this time, as well as discuss where you prefer I meet you when you go into labor.
During Labor
Leading up to labor you will keep me up-to-date via text message. When you think you are in labor you should call me, even if you think it is just early labor and you don’t need me yet. We can work out the details of our communications in our prenatal visits. We will discuss how you are coping with your contractions and when you anticipate needing support. I will meet with you where we planned unless you tell me otherwise. I will remain with you during labor, supporting you and your partner in whatever way helps you the most. I will provide physical comfort, emotional support, and information you may need. Together we will determine the most comfortable positions to labor in and help with relaxation and pain management.
I work for you and will always advocate for you. If needed I can help you initiate conversations with care providers, but you will need to continue the conversation with them as it is your birth and your needs they are attending to – not mine.
Postpartum
I will remain with you after the birth to provide you with support as you begin to navigate caring for a newborn. If you desire support I will help with the first breastfeeding. I will help you advocate for the care of your newborn and help you with the transition to the recovery room (if you must change rooms). If your baby must go to the NICU, I will stay with you, the mother, as long as needed to help you through the transition and make sure your needs are met quickly so you can get to the NICU as soon as possible. A few days or weeks after the birth I will visit you at home to see how you are adjusting. I can answer any questions you have about breastfeeding, newborn care, or postpartum care. We can also discuss your birth and address any questions you may have about your birth experience at this time. If you wish, I can offer you any birth notes I have from your delivery to help you elaborate on your story.
“Deciding to have a Doula was a difficult decision but it was so worth it! ”
What is a doula?
Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and birth while respecting your decisions.
Doulas cultivate their relationship with you so you are comfortable asking for the support you need.
They help you determine what is important for you to have on your birth plan.
Doulas suggest comfort measures, pain relieving techniques, and labor positions.
Using a doula can reduce the length of labor by 25%.
Doulas help you have an empowering and safe birth, whether it is unmedicated, cesarean, or in between.
Doulas increase satisfaction in the overall birth experience.
Doulas support the mother and partner.
What doulas do not do...
Doulas do not perform clinical tasks such as vaginal exams, fetal heart checks, or taking vital signs.
Doulas do not diagnose, give medical advice, or make decisions for you.
They do not take over the partner’s role.
They do not catch the baby.
Dads & Doulas
Doulas do not take over the partner’s job but provide them with guidance and support suggestions.
Doulas work with the partner to help mom achieve the birth they envision.
Doulas help to take stress and pressure off the partner.
Doulas provide the partner a chance to take breaks, use the bathroom, or grab a bite to eat.
Doulas can reassure the partner what is normal for the mother to experience during labor.
Doulas help teach the partner skills and can boost their confidence to better support the mother.
Doulas + partners = great team!