How I Support My Clients: A Doula's Guide to Personalized Care
Ash Lowe -The Traverse City Doula and Birth Photographer
Bringing a baby into the world is an incredible journey, and having the right support can make all the difference. As a doula, my role is to provide continuous emotional, physical, and educational support to my clients during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Every birthing experience is unique, which is why my support is tailored to fit individual needs. Here’s a deeper look at what working together looks like and how we navigate this transformative time.
Prenatal Support
The journey begins long before labor starts. During pregnancy, we work together to help you feel prepared, informed, and confident in your choices. Prenatal support includes ongoing communication to answer questions and provide reassurance anytime you need it. Education is a key part of this process, as we explore evidence-based information on childbirth, labor stages, interventions, and what to expect. This helps you make informed decisions that align with your birth preferences.
Comfort and movement are also important, so we practice positioning techniques, counter-pressure, and labor movements that can aid in a smoother experience. We also discuss birth space planning, ensuring that your environment, whether at home or in a hospital, feels calming and supportive. When the time comes, I bring a well-stocked doula bag with tools for comfort, including mood lighting, a diffuser, a TENS machine, massage tools, birthing hammock, affirmation cards, and snacks to keep up energy levels.
Labor Support
When labor begins, I focus on providing individualized support, ensuring you feel safe, heard, and empowered. I remain by your side throughout labor, offering emotional, physical, and advocacy support. Through massage, movement, and guided breathing, I help manage discomfort and encourage progress. Every labor is different, and we adjust to meet your needs, whether you prefer a hands-on approach or a quiet, reassuring presence. In addition to supporting you, I also support your partner or any friends and family on your birth team. We can help guide them in ways to support you effectively and ensure they are also cared for throughout the labor process.
Postpartum Support
The transition into postpartum can be just as intense as labor itself. My role doesn’t end once the baby arrives; support continues through recovery and adjustment. In the immediate postpartum period, I assist with physical healing, including perineal care, cesarean scar healing, and overall postpartum recovery. If breastfeeding is part of your plan, I provide guidance on nursing, pumping, or bottle feeding to help ease the learning curve. Practical support is also available, from light household tasks to meal preparation, so you can focus on healing and bonding with your baby. Tailored postpartum visits are designed to meet your specific needs, whether that’s emotional support, newborn care tips, or simply having someone to listen and provide encouragement. Before every visit we discuss your options and goals to ensure you are getting the support you need!
What to Expect When Working Together
To create a smooth and supportive experience, our time together follows a structured outline. We begin with at least two prenatal visits to go over birth preferences, practice comfort measures, and prepare for the postpartum period. As your due window approaches, I provide on-call support starting at 38 weeks, making sure I’m available whenever labor begins. Whether you’re birthing at home or in a hospital, I stay with you throughout labor and the immediate postpartum period, offering continuous guidance and care. After birth, we schedule postpartum visits based on your needs, offering continued support as you settle into this new phase of life.
Optional Add-Ons
For those looking for additional ways to document and enhance their birth experience, I offer services such as birth photography, capturing candid and raw moments of your journey. Placenta prints are also available as a one-of-a-kind keepsake, and for added postpartum healing, I provide handcrafted herbal care packages designed to promote recovery and comfort.
You Deserve Support!
Every birth is unique, and my goal is to provide the support you need so that you feel confident, informed, and empowered every step of the way. Whether through education, hands-on labor support, or postpartum care, I am honored to be part of your birth journey. If you’re looking for personalized, compassionate support, let’s connect and walk this path together.
