Services
Nicole Johnson CD(DONA)
Birthing Right Doula Services
As a doula I accompany women and their partners during labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. I received my training and accreditation from D.O.N.A. International. I draw on my knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and, if needed, communication with the staff to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions about your medical care during labor.
I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestion for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comforting you and your partner during this wondrous journey. I also offer you the unique service of photography at you birth.
I will take pictures of your labor and birth and leave a high quality disposable camera with you. You then have the choice of when and if to process these private pictures, but you will have a recorded documentation of your birth.
I am independent and self-employed, as your doula I work for you and only you, not your caregiver or the hospital.
Prenatal Appointments: I plan to meet with you and your partner during the prenatal period to learn about your feelings, health history, and any concerns or fears you may have. I also use this time to review your birth plan, if you have one, teach comfort techniques and develop a trust relationship with you and your partner. I usually meet with you at least twice to help foster this relationship and to give you information available about pregnancy, birth and parenting.
Back-up: I am on call to you at all times myself, but in case of family emergencies or personal illness I do have back-up arrangements with other doulas. You have the choice to meet with my back up as well.
Labor: I prefer that you call me when you think you may be in labor, even if you do not need me yet at that time. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone. Together we can decide if I should come right then or wait for further change. I usually need approximately one hour to get to you from the time you ask me to come. We can also decide then where to meet- at your home or at the hospital. Except for extraordinary circumstances, my self or my back up will remain with you throughout labor and birth.
After birth: I usually remain with you for one to two hours after birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for some quiet time together. I am also trained to help you establish an initial breastfeeding relationship with your baby.
I make one post-partum visit in the first two days, usually while you are at the hospital, and again after the first two weeks to see how you are doing, to review the birth, to admire your baby and to get feedback from you about my role. I am also available by phone at any time if you have questions or concerns, about parenting, breastfeeding or just the transition in general.
What I don’t do as a doula: I do not perform any clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, and vaginal exams. I provide only physical comfort, emotional support and advocacy. I do not make decisions for you. I will help you get the information necessary to make informed decisions. I also will remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan. I do not speak to the staff instead of you regarding matters where decisions are being made. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will always speak on your behalf to the clinical staff.