Supporting your empowered birth process while helping your partner (if applicable)
be most near and dear to you every step of the way is my mission.
labor support package
▽ Free Consultation - let’s get acquainted and take it from there.
▽ Two Prenatal Visits - Offered in the comfort of your home or virtually. This is an opportunity to get to know each other with your partner present (if applicable), review logistics, and to discuss specifics on how I can help you feel most supported and cared for. During the first visit we will discuss your hopes, dreams and fears in order to help you envision your birth experience. We will practice coping strategies like breathing, gentle yoga, positioning and partner support techniques based on your individual needs and orthopedic considerations. During the second visit we will reinforce initial visit concepts and dive into postpartum planning.
▽ Unlimited Communication - Phone, text and email support before and after the birth. I want to hear from you!
▽ Labor Support When You Need It - I expect you to inform me at any time you think labor is beginning so that I can make necessary accommodations. I am usually present for you during the first stage of active labor as things are progressing, but am happy to join you as soon as my presence is needed or wanted. I will offer continued physical and emotional support for 1-2 hours following delivery until you are comfortable.
▽ Postpartum Check-in - At 2 weeks in your home and at eight weeks via call to process and hold space for your experience.
BONUS - You’ll get access to self-paced “partners in birth” and “birth preparation” e-learning content.
See pricing menu for investment details; Extra sessions for education, yoga/positional guidance, hands on pregnancy or postpartum treatment upon request.
*Additional fee to be considered pending geographic proximity to central Groningen/Roden.
the birth doula’s contribution to
modern maternity care
According to a 2017 Cochrane Database Systematic Review, “Continuous support in labor may improve a number of outcomes for both mother and baby, and no adverse outcomes have been identified. Continuous support from a person who is present solely to provide support, is not a member of the woman’s own network, is experienced in providing labor support, and has at least a modest amount of training (such as a doula), appears beneficial.”
Research shows that women who use a birth doula are:
▽ more likely to have spontaneous vaginal birth
▽ more likely to have a shorter duration of labour
▽ less likely to have a cesarean birth
▽ less likely to require any pain medication
▽ more likely to rate their childbirth experience positively
Roos van der Wiel Fotografie
love notes
“Rita introduced herself to everyone, was very warm, helped to state my wishes to nurses during the birth. She helped my mom to step in and feel more included as well. [My partner] felt very comfortable with her and Rita gave so much space for [my partner] to provide primary support.
Rita added special thoughtful touches during the last stretch of the pregnancy, especially when I was getting worried about passing my due date. She offered a special sitz spray that was soothing during the first few days postpartum. These touches were so appreciated and we really liked that Rita helped us practice positions and encouraged us to shape her role in the birth.”
“My husband and I worked with Rita to help us prepare for the birth of our first baby and we are so happy to have had her support! Rita is not only a doula, but a physiotherapist and movement educator, which makes her teachings well-rounded, insightful and thoughtful. She fully encmopasses the mind-body connection. Having had our virtual birth prep class a month out from giving birth helped us gain the confidence that we were looking for. There is so much unknown with your first and Rita put us at ease and gave us the tools we needed - we especially loved the recommended positions for laboring which we were able to practice a bunch beforehand. Going through pregnancy and birth can make the partner feel a bit removed. Rita’s teachings involved the both of us and educated my partner on what I was going through and what to expect going forward. ”
“It was so sweet of you to gift us with your love and knowledge. What a wild and intense experience! I’m surviving on fumes right now but had to text you. Thank you for all your advice and wisdom, it all helped me get through this.”
“Rita brings a warm and positive energy that helped ground us during the preparation for and the actual birth. She asked great questions that led me and my partner to be more emotionally prepared as well as logistically. She prioritized my preferences and responded quickly in the moment during the birth. She also offered information postpartum that was incredibly helpful.”
