The emotional and physical awe and intensity of labor requires a woman to be intently focused on herself and her baby. She may not be able to communicate her needs during labor because she is so centered and in touch with her body opening up and her baby descending. This is where I come in! I will be watching and listening to Momma for any visual or verbal cues and attending to her as needed. Whether it be a position change, a sip of juice, sacral pressure, filling up your birth tub, cold or hot stone therapy, or just a reassuring, "You're doing wonderfully," it is my job to make you feel as comfortable and peaceful as possible during this beautiful time in your life.
My knowledge as a doula and midwife's assistant allows me to monitor your health and your spirit and answer any questions you or your partner, mother, friend, etc may have. I will be a beacon of positive energy and assistance in any way you need it.
Early Labor
During early labor, you will be mentally and physically preparing yourself for the amazing changes you and your family are about to experience. I will be available (via phone or txt message) to answer any of your questions, time contractions over the phone, help you make arrangements (baby sitter, food, etc). Whether you want to call/txt me after every contraction or be left alone during early labor, it is your choice.
Active Labor
By this time, you will have called me to come to your home or to the hospital to assist you during the more intense part of your labor. I will make sure you stay hydrated and well-nourished, help you time contractions, tidy up the birth area, get the birth pool ready (if you're having a waterbirth), and assist you in any ways you need me. During active labor, I like to help Mommas walk around and do squats to ease the baby down into the pelvic floor. I also like to facilitate visualization of Momma's body opening up and baby coming down, smoothly and beautifully. Upon your request, I will do sacral pressure, relaxation massage, or hot/cold stone therapy. I will be as hands-on or hands-off as you need me to be, it's all up to you!
Pushing
As you are working hard to push your baby out, I will be right by your side, ready to carry out any request you may have. You may be in what I call "labor land," (a heightened sense of consciousness that will allow you to focus only on you and your baby), and may be unable to clearly communicate your wants and needs to your partner, midwife, doctor, etc. I will be watching for visual cues that allow me to take care of you without you even having to ask. After every contraction, I will help you re-hydrate as to keep up your energy. During every push, I will be gently coaching you and complimenting you on the amazing work you are doing. If you are a second-time Mom or prefer a hands-off approach, coaching may not be necessary. I will also be attending to the needs of your partner, as he/she will be very intent on you and the baby.
Postpartum
In the immediate postpartum period, I will be ready with any request you or your partner may have: Food, water, pillows, towels, recieving blankets... anything you need, you will have! I will also aid you in establishing good breastfeeding habits; even though breastfeeding is the natural way to feed your baby, it does take practice! I will assist in preparing a nutritious meal for you, and after you have finished eating, I will prepare your shower for you and aid you in walking to the bathroom as needed. After you are fed and freshly-showered, I will see to it that you and your partner get some private bonding time with your new baby. When you are ready for me to depart, I will leave you with a postpartum goodie bag, which contains many items that will help you relax during your healing process.
I will visit you at three days postpartum to check in on you, your partner, and your baby and see if there is anything I can do to make life easier for the family. I can run errands, do housework, draw herbal baths for Momma, aid in breastfeeding issues, cook a nutritious meal for the family, or anything else you may need me to do. My goal is to allow you, as the mother of a newborn, to relax and focus on your health and your baby.
Early Labor
During early labor, you will be mentally and physically preparing yourself for the amazing changes you and your family are about to experience. I will be available (via phone or txt message) to answer any of your questions, time contractions over the phone, help you make arrangements (baby sitter, food, etc). Whether you want to call/txt me after every contraction or be left alone during early labor, it is your choice.
Active Labor
By this time, you will have called me to come to your home or to the hospital to assist you during the more intense part of your labor. I will make sure you stay hydrated and well-nourished, help you time contractions, tidy up the birth area, get the birth pool ready (if you're having a waterbirth), and assist you in any ways you need me. During active labor, I like to help Mommas walk around and do squats to ease the baby down into the pelvic floor. I also like to facilitate visualization of Momma's body opening up and baby coming down, smoothly and beautifully. Upon your request, I will do sacral pressure, relaxation massage, or hot/cold stone therapy. I will be as hands-on or hands-off as you need me to be, it's all up to you!
Pushing
As you are working hard to push your baby out, I will be right by your side, ready to carry out any request you may have. You may be in what I call "labor land," (a heightened sense of consciousness that will allow you to focus only on you and your baby), and may be unable to clearly communicate your wants and needs to your partner, midwife, doctor, etc. I will be watching for visual cues that allow me to take care of you without you even having to ask. After every contraction, I will help you re-hydrate as to keep up your energy. During every push, I will be gently coaching you and complimenting you on the amazing work you are doing. If you are a second-time Mom or prefer a hands-off approach, coaching may not be necessary. I will also be attending to the needs of your partner, as he/she will be very intent on you and the baby.
Postpartum
In the immediate postpartum period, I will be ready with any request you or your partner may have: Food, water, pillows, towels, recieving blankets... anything you need, you will have! I will also aid you in establishing good breastfeeding habits; even though breastfeeding is the natural way to feed your baby, it does take practice! I will assist in preparing a nutritious meal for you, and after you have finished eating, I will prepare your shower for you and aid you in walking to the bathroom as needed. After you are fed and freshly-showered, I will see to it that you and your partner get some private bonding time with your new baby. When you are ready for me to depart, I will leave you with a postpartum goodie bag, which contains many items that will help you relax during your healing process.
I will visit you at three days postpartum to check in on you, your partner, and your baby and see if there is anything I can do to make life easier for the family. I can run errands, do housework, draw herbal baths for Momma, aid in breastfeeding issues, cook a nutritious meal for the family, or anything else you may need me to do. My goal is to allow you, as the mother of a newborn, to relax and focus on your health and your baby.
I would love to help you have a happy, healthy pregnancy and a beautiful birth!
Meg Savage
207-615-2927 (cell)
813-381-4585 (work 9-3)
