My Birth Doula Services

Free Initial Consultation:

I offer a free, no-obligation consultation for anyone who is interested in hiring a birth doula. This visit is really for you to “feel it out” and decide if I am the right doula for you. We can meet at your home, my office, or any other place you feel comfortable!

We will discuss what you are wanting for your birth, what a doula is, what my services are, and any questions you may have for me.

I love to meet both the mother and the birth partner if possible! Please call me (Elizabeth Shumaker, CD(DONA), at (406) 860-4207 to set up this appointment, or you may also schedule this session online! Just click the "schedule online now" button on the menu to the left of this page)!

Prenatal Care:

If you should decide to hire me as your doula, you can also put a down-payment of $150 to secure me as your doula. Your prenatal care will include:

• 1-2 prenatal visits to discuss your birth visions and decide how we will work together to achieve your goals (You may call me, at (406) 860-4207 to set up this appointment, or you may also schedule this session online! Just click the "schedule online now" button on the menu to the left of this page)!
• I will provide evidence based information so that you can make your own informed decisions
• Unlimited phone and email contact before, during, and after birth
• Assistance in creating your birth plan
• Emotional, physical, and informational support
• Reassurance of a back up doula if necessary
• I will be on call for you 24/7 beginning 3 weeks before your due date and continuing until your baby's birth day
• Access to my lending library of books and handouts.

Birth Care:

During you birth, I will be there the entire way through to help you however I can. I encourage you to call me as soon as you think you are in labor, even if you do not feel you need my support yet. I strive to be with you as soon as possible, within an hour and a half (usually it’s sooner, however).

Birth is a very intuitive process, so I work to be with you literally and mentally every moment. I will provide:

• Continuous labor support at home and/or hospital
• Help with positioning (including birth ball positions)
• Emotional support and encouragement.
• Breathing techniques
• Various relaxation techniques including: visualizations, guided imagery, and other focusing techniques
• Since I am a certified massage therapist and bodyworker, I am able to utilize massage techniques, craniosacral therapy, acupressure, reflexology, Reiki, and aromatherapy, if desired.
• Sound Therapy
• Hot/ cold therapy
• Other comfort suggestions and strategies
• Help you create a harmonious birthing atmosphere
• Assistance with breastfeeding and baby positioning if needed
• Pictures if you choose to have them taken by me sent digitally or on a disk
• And more!

Postpartum Visit

Here we can meet again to discuss your birth and how it went, at your convenience. I can also provide you with breastfeeding advice throughout your postpartum period.

What I WON’T do-

• I do not perform any clinical tasks such as blood pressure, vaginal exams, or fetal heart tones
• I will not make any decisions for you
• I will not speak to medical personnel on your behalf
• I will not interfere with dad/partner during labor and birth

Fees

My total fee for all of the above is $550**

$150 is due when you retain my services and this will secure your due date.

The remainder of $400 is due by 37 weeks when I begin the on call period.

**I believe in your right to birth your baby the way you want to and I want to help you. Please do not let cost be your only reason for not hiring a Doula. Payment plans may be available.

Also, Insurance billing and coverage may be available to you. Please inquire within. (406) 860-4207

My Training/ Experience

I am an active doula, in Billings, MT. I have been trained and certified through the premier doula organization, DONA (Doulas of North America).

I have been a doula for about 4 years now and I love it! I feel that it is one of the most rewarding careers. I truly believe that everyone who wants a doula or labor support should be able to get it!

Testimonials

“Elizabeth was the perfect complement to my birthing team. Her quiet, gentle nature contributed to a calm setting and helped me keep focused and relaxed during labor.”

-Kelly Smith

"Elizabeth was very instrumental in helping us come up with a birth plan that we were comfortable using. During my labor, she was a very welcome presence, never intrusive but always there when we needed her. She has a very calm demeanor that was welcome during my long labor. It seemed as if there were no place that she would rather be, there supporting me and my husband during a stressful but glorious time in our lives. I recommend her highly.

-Janet Martin