Things are different. But we are still here!
As doulas, we provide a primary support system for pregnant, birthing and postpartum families. We are used to being by your side to offer not only physical comfort but emotional balance and comprehensive knowledge to help you make the most informed decisions for YOUR birth, and YOUR well being with your individual needs, values and priorities in mind. While we’re being challenged in these times by not being able to physically be with many of our clients, we still have the desire and willingness to offer the other critical pillars of doula support, emotional and informational. As a birthing person during the Covid-19 pandemic, you can still receive support from a knowledgeable, compassionate and reliable doula.
Your Doula is in your pocket.
When you think of hiring a doula, you are often looking for someone to simply be there for you, providing a listening ear, a calming presence, and reassuring perspective, no matter what.
With our virtual services, we absolutely are still there for you in the capacity you need.
*Please take note that we will continue to update this post as needed to keep all the best information in one location!*
Virtual Labor Support
We offer a variety of packages to serve birthing people ranging from Birth Planning Basics to Full Virtual Labor Support Packages.
Birth Planning Basics
- Virtual Birth Planning Session (90 minutes): Meet with one of our experienced Labor Doulas for an in depth Birth Planning Session. During this time we will discuss comfort measures, provider communication, routine medical procedures, pain coping strategies, medical decision making & more. This session will help emotionally and physically prepare you and your partner (if applicable) for labor & birth.
- We will provide you with a comprehensive Birth Preference document, based on the concerns, desires and preferences you express during the session. This is a document you can edit, and adjust over time, so that it accurately reflects your preferences as your pregnancy progresses. We recommend that you take it with you to a prenatal appointment to discuss with your provider communication, as well as printing copies for the staff who will be caring for you in labor.
- Follow-Up Session (30 minutes): We will meet again to discuss any additional questions that arise after you review your birth plan with your provider, assisting with any edits to your written Birth Preferences document.
- Also included is access to our Understanding Birth Mobile App, which is full of birth stories, videos, printable resources and more.
Virtual Labor Support Package
With our Virtual Labor Support Package you will have 24/7 unlimited virtual access to your experienced Doula Pairing from the time of hire through your first month after birth. We are offering a variety of options to meet the needs of all circumstances.
Prenatal Support
- Birth Planning Session (90 Minutes): Together with your doulas you will discuss your birth preferences, pain relief options, and plans for medical decision making in labor. Your doulas will provide you with an individualized written birth preference document for your review. This document is a great tool to share with your provider in prenatal visits and during your labor.
- Interactive Labor Strategy Session (2 hours): During this session we share and demonstrate comfort measures, coping techniques, labor positions and specific strategies for managing each stage of the labor process in a way that is customized to your needs, priorities and concerns.
- Get access to our Understanding Birth Mobile App.
Labor Support
- During your labor & birth your doulas are available for unlimited virtual labor support through text, phone and video chat.
- Your doulas are ready at a moment’s notice to provide feedback and suggestions in each stage of labor. We provide real-time support with provider communication and medical decision making, as well as troubleshooting and guidance with labor coping strategies. Your doulas are here for you throughout your labor with helpful reminders and suggestion, and emotional support anytime you feel like you could use a pep talk, a calming presence, or a listening ear.
Postpartum Support
- After the birth of your baby, we are a phone call away.
- In the first 3-10 days your doulas will check in with you for a postpartum virtual visit to address maternal recovery, infant feeding, newborn care, and establishing sleep and feeding routines.
- For the first month you will continue to have email, text and phone support from your doulas for postpartum check ins.
To learn more, or to schedule a virtual interview with your doulas, please contact us today.
Virtual Postpartum Support
We believe strongly in Postpartum Support, and know that we can offer the compassionate support and guidance that our clients have come to count on, even when we can’t physically be in your home. So, while holding your baby while you have a chance to shower may or may not be something we can help with right now, we can be there for you to answer the million questions a new family encounters, sit with you during a feed to offer confidence boosting words, and be your sounding board and fount of knowledge to navigate that 2 am feed.
Our experienced postpartum doulas and newborn care specialists are dedicated to you, with the ability to ease your mind and help you build your confidence as a new mother, new father, new family. With our virtual postpartum packages you have your postpartum doula available to you for unlimited text and email support and video check ins to navigate everything from newborn behaviors, to feeding guidance, and setting up an efficient routine for the whole family to make sure the entire family is taken care of.
Please contact us to learn more and discuss your needs with one of our experienced doulas.
Virtual Classes
Our popular classes have moved to a virtual format with a combination of self-paced modules and virtual class room time for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
This course is perfect for expecting families to gain evidence-based childbirth education from the comfort and safety of your own home. Upon registration, you will receive access to a set of comprehensive online learning modules that you can complete at your own pace. The modules are combined with a 2.5 hour real-time virtual classroom experience with one of our knowledgeable and experienced instructors.
Upcoming Virtual Classroom Sessions:
April 25th, 2020 from 9:30am-12:00pm
May 16th, 2020 from 9:30am-12:00pm
Register today to get access to your complete Virtual Condensed Childbirth Education course.
Welcome Baby! Newborn and Breastfeeding Class addresses life after the baby arrives! The class covers the most vital and comprehensive information available for easing your transition to parenthood. This comprehensive 2.5 hour class covers breastfeeding, newborn care, whole family wellness, and practical strategies for thriving during the transition to parenthood.
Upcoming Virtual Classroom Sessions:
May 23rd from 9:30am-2:00pm
June 20th from 9am-1pm
Register today to get access to your complete Welcome Baby! course.
Prenatal and postnatal yoga classes with Ann Arbor Birth & Family are an opportunity to cultivate community, even in our Zoom/virtual setting. During the classes, enjoy a vital self-care practice that will nourish and support your well-being in every stage of pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Lisa Norgren leads a comprehensive practices that includes breathing for relaxation and focus, postures that adjust to the needs of your changing body, preparation for labor, and opportunities to connect with your baby.
These classes run every Sunday at 10:00am – 11:15am (Postnatal) and 11:30am – 12:45 pm (Prenatal) via Zoom. Please Pre-Register to reserve your spot and receive virtual-studio information.
Are you seeking movement, peace, and a chance to connect with yourself? Please join us for Hatha Yoga, led by the amazing instructor, Lisa Norgren.
This class will meet every Wednesday at 6 pm via Zoom. Please Pre-Register to reserve your spot.
This class is open to everyone no matter your locations, all gender or age!