I am there to provide complete emotional support your child(ren) as they experience the birth of their new sibling. A new baby is a big transition for a child, and part of having a meaningful birth experience is knowing that the people you love are being taken care of while you are laboring and giving birth.
I am more than a babysitter - I help your child process the labor and delivery as it happens, while at the same time maintaining their normal sleep/meal/daily routine.
With over 10 years of experience as an educator and nanny, I am deeply comfortable with and empathetic to the emotional needs of young children.
My Sibling Doula fee is $1000 (on a sliding scale) and includes:
1 two-hour "get to know you" session prior to the birth at your home where I meet and spend some time with your child(ren) and become a familiar face. During this time we might read a book or two about new babies, I will help them to understand what to expect, or we might just spend time together. You as the parent can choose to be at home with us during this time or your may leave to run errands or do something for yourself.
24/7 on-call availability starting at 36 weeks of your pregnancy
Up to 48 hours of continuous care once you are in labor and giving birth. During this time, I will talk to your child about what is happening, take them somewhere out of the room if the child is feeling overwhelmed or frightened, and be overall emotional support for your child while you and your birth team do what you need to do!
1 hour-long postpartum visit within a week or two after the baby is born. I will check in with your older sibling(s) to reflect on the birth and help them start the transition to life with a new baby.