Sibling support
When you are planning your home birth and you have other children, it can be hard to figure out who will take care of them while you labor. Often times you’ll be wanting and needing the support of your partner, which then means they won’t be able to attend your child(ren)’s every need. Having a family member come in is not always a possibility or even a good fit. Let me take on the responsibility of making sure your children are well cared for, so that you may focus on the job at hand.
it’s a big deal
so how to we ensure your kiddo is comfortable with me?
- Bring your kid(s) along to our consultation. You’ll be able to observe their response to me and our rapport before making a decision.
- We have one planning session together. I want to learn about your child’s routines/flow, their temperament and how you expect they will feel most supported.
- We have one in-home ‘play date’ before you hit 37 weeks. Engaging in play with children is the best way to build connection and trust- I have found.
The ‘play date’ and planning session may be scheduled separately or back-to-back.
So how does it work?
When you go into labor, you or your partner let me know. When it starts to pick up and you’re going into active labor, I come over. I stay throughout the duration of your labor -however long that is. After you’ve given birth, I stay for approximately 1-2 hours to make sure your older child(ren) is settled. Should you wish for me to stay longer, you can book additional hours at my standard postpartum rate.
I have professionally worked with children of all ages since 2006, although I was babysitting the neighborhood kids long before that. I have experience working with children in a number of different setting, including in-home, daycare centers (including infant care), community centers, schools and women’s shelters. I have worked with children as a guidance counselor, daycare specialist, teacher, social worker and parent coach. Aside from my professional experience, I am also a mother myself. In addition to my training as a childbirth educator and professional birth doula, I also hold degrees in both social work and secondary education. As a THW doula certified through the State of Oregon, I am subject to regular background checks as a condition of my certification.
What does it cost?
Sibling support services start at $800. After your free consultation, you will receive a quote with your custom price. Pricing is customized depending on number of children, level of independence, etc. If you are not working with a(nother) THW doula, you may be able to use your OHP coverage for my sibling support. Let’s chat to see if this is an option!
Want to age-appropriately prepare your child(ren) for the birth experience? I can include a sibling lesson into private, in-home childbirth education classes!
Note: I am exclusively able to offer sibling support services in the home provided that your birth is attended by a certified medical professional, such as a Certified Professional Midwife or a Certified Nurse-Midwife. I am unable to provide this type of support to families planning a free-birth.
