Doula Service
About Doulas
The term “doula” is an ancient Greek word meaning woman servant, presently it refers to a woman trained and experienced in childbirth. The role of the doula is to provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the expectant mother and her partner during labor, delivery and the immediate postpartum period. The wisdom and emotional support provided by experienced women during labor and birth is not a new idea. In nearly every culture throughout history; women have been surrounded and cared for by other women during childbirth. It is an ancient tradition.
Studies show that when Doulas are present at birth, women have shorter labors, fewer medical interventions, fewer cesareans and healthier babies. These studies also suggested that when a Doula provides labor support, women are more satisfied with their overall birth experience and their relationship with their infant and partner is greatly enhanced. With a doula present, Fathers tend to stay more involved with their partners and feel better able to support them.
About Jacqui
My goal is to fully support you through pregnancy and childbirth by providing information, physical comfort and encouragement in a nurturing, guiding way. By doing so, I hope to help you have the most positive and memorable birth experience possible. As a doula I offer help and advice on comfort measures such as relaxation, movement, positioning and breathing techniques. I also assist mother and father in discovering their options and preparing for the birth. Most of all I provide continuous emotional support, reassurance and comfort.
I am a mother of 2 children and live in Alameda. I am a Certified Massage Therapist and Reflexologist. I teach Infant massage at “Smart Healthy Babies” in Alameda, and also attend Mom’s groups to pamper the new mom with aromatherapy and reflexology.
Learn more about Jacqui
Doula Packages
Birth Package: $900
- Birth Preparation Support
- After the initial interview where I will meet with you and your partner to discuss my role within your birth experience, I will be available to you at any time by telephone or email, for questions, information or just to be there to talk to.
- I will meet with you for 2-3 prenatal visits to discuss:
- Birth Plans
- Relaxation Techniques
- Comfort measures – birth ball, massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, music Exercise
- Referral Service
- Labor Support
- I will be on call for you as your due date approaches. I will meet you at your house or hospital when you feel the time is right for me to be at your side. I will give you continuing support through out your labor and will stay at your side till you have established the first breastfeeding and you are ready to bond as a family (usually up to 2 hrs after the birth)
- Postnatal Visit
- A postnatal visit usually takes place within 2 weeks after the birth at the mothers request. We will discuss the wonders of your birth experience and the amazing journey into motherhood. I will assist with breastfeeding and answer any concerns or questions you may have as a new mother. I will also teach both you and your partner infant massage.
Princess Package - $1140
- Includes all of the Birth Package, plus:
- Pre-natal massage
- Three - One Hour nurturing massage sessions, where I combine my knowledge of reflexology and prenatal massage techniques with Reiki, to help you relax as you prepare for birth. Read more about pre-natal massage.
- Post-natal massage
- One - Postnatal massage or reflexology session, to help bring flow back into your body and aid sleep and relaxation.
Goddess Package - $1320
- Includes all of the Birth Package, plus:
Mama Pamper- On your due date I will come and pamper you with aromatherapy foot soaks and scrubs and a mini reflexology session. (If you give birth before your due date I will pamper you after our postnatal visit)
- Pre-natal Massage
- Four - One Hour nurturing massage sessions, where I combine my knowledge of reflexology and prenatal massage techniques with Reiki, to help you relax as you prepare for birth.
- Post-natal Massage
- Two - Postnatal massage or reflexology sessions, to help bring flow back into your body and aid sleep and relaxation.
