You just found out that you're expecting... Congratulations!

Now what?

As you begin to prepare for pregnancy and parenthood, there will be a long to-do list of things to organize and take care of before your baby is born. And you may be wondering where to start, especially if you are a first time parent.

One of the first tasks you may want to complete is building your birth team. Choosing the right prenatal care provider will have a direct effect on your pregnancy and birth. But even before you choose your provider, you may want to hire a doula first. Hiring a doula will give you the continuity of care you will want and need during pregnancy, birth and beyond. But they can also guide you in various ways such as helping you choose your provider and where to give birth, learning about childbirth and the stages or labor as well as how to prepare for postpartum and caring for your newborn.

Many families meet with several doulas before making a final decision. When choosing a doula you will want to be sure that they fully support your birth plan and family needs, fit your budget and align with your personal and family values. While it is important to take your time with your choice and be sure before committing to the investment of doula support, timing can also make a difference.

Three Reasons to Hire Your Doula Early

1. Availability- Many experienced and established doulas are highly sought after and that usually means that they book clients quickly. When searching for your doula, you will want to ask about their availability for your due date as well as how many clients they take per month. Starting your search early will ensure that you have ample time to meet with doulas, narrow down your choices and hire someone who can support you throughout your pregnancy and well before labor begins.
2. Continuity of Care-Continuity of care is important because it not only gives new parents peace of mind and reassurance, it can be especially beneficial for first-time parents. Knowing that you have a handpicked professional to be there for you can make the adjustment period easier. Families know what to expect ahead of time and are better prepared for new things that may arise. With plans and support people in place, families tend to thrive so much better. 
3. ​Value- Hiring your doula early ensures that you spend ample time with them and makes your investment well worth it. Imagine the difference in care and support if you hire your doula at 20 weeks instead of 30 weeks. You will receive much more education, reassurance and support in those additional weeks and that means getting the most for your money too.

Hiring a doula can have immeasurable benefits for you and your family. It is well known that doula support improves birth outcomes for both mothers and babies during labor and postpartum. One of my priorities as a doula is to ensure that my clients are heard and cared for thoroughly. Throughout pregnancy there are so many things to remember, plan and schedule. More often than not, this can be overwhelming and leave many feeling lost on where to begin. My job is to help families face the unknown head on and develop a plan. I am committed to educating and informing my clients on all of their options while building their confidence and diminishing their fears about childbirth and parenting. I am the support person they will likely see and talk to the most throughout pregnancy. And even after birth, I still provide the same level of care by checking in regularly, answering questions, providing referrals and resources and as always, a listening ear.

If you're thinking about hiring a doula, start today. It can make a big difference in your pregnancy, birth and fourth trimester. You can find more information on the right doula for you here.

It is well known that new parents, especially first-time parents, need time adjusting to parenthood. The sleepless nights, endless feedings and countless diapers can feel like one big blur during the first year. Not to mention all the other adulting and responsibilities on your plate. And with the world changing on a daily basis, it can be difficult navigating parenthood and deciding what is right for you and your family. Friends and family will come to visit and give gifts but in the long run, you may find yourself in isolation and figuring things out on your own. Doula support is one way to acquire the extra support you need and they are typically available during pregnancy, birth and the fourth trimester. But what if you need more?

​For the past several months I have been working to create a way to support more parents. After speaking with several new and expecting moms and learning more about what they really need, I have expanded my virtual care and designed a more personalized way to serve them.

Navigating the Wonder Years is personalized virtual doula support for new parents (pregnancy to 12 months postpartum) who are seeking guidance to be confident and emotionally healthy figures for their children. During pregnancy, parents will receive childbirth education and informational resources to help prepare for birth. During the postpartum period, parents will receive guidance on recovery & healing, newborn care and parenting.

An Overview
Navigating the Wonder Years is not your cookie cutter virtual doula support. It is customized parental mentorship that takes an depth assessment of what you and your family need while mapping out the best course of action to support you mentally, emotionally and spiritually by providing the appropriate resources and individualized care. We will put a plan in place that will give you the necessary time and space to take care of yourself and your family while meeting the parenting and personal goals you set. The main purpose of creating your parenting plan is to build a foundation that will prepare you for the early years of parenthood and equip you with the tools to handle the challenges that will come along with them. For most parents, the first year can prove to be the hardest due to trying to balance home life, work, relationships, health and so many other things. I will help you become a confident, self-aware parent and positive influence for your little ones.

Mental & Emotional Component
Because this program does not provide hands-on or in-person service, the care will comprise of mental and emotional support to ensure that you can be the best parent and person for your family and community. The only way to do that is to make yourself a priority and put you first. You can't pour from an empty cup and we will make sure that you have everything you need to thrive during your baby's first year of life. Remember, you are your child's first teacher and your example will make a lasting imprint on their lives. The investment you make in yourself is an investment in your children.

Spiritual Component
With a deep spiritual background, I serve all of my clients with a spiritual regard. For many of my clients, prayer, church attendance, counseling, mindfulness exercises, spiritual exploration and study help provide a sense of purpose and also guide their thoughts and actions. No matter what you believe, I will help you hone in on the best practices to increase your spirituality and be more conscious of who you are and who you want to be. Expanding your spiritual outlook will be a priority as your discover what type of parent you want to be and develop your parenting style.

Is Navigating the Wonder Years right for you?
Mentorship is available to any pregnant or parent with a children under the age of one. With a monthly membership, you will receive support through virtual check-ins, resources and referrals as well as a customized parenting plan to help you be a successful parent. If you want to be proactive in getting the extra support that provides whole person wellness care, Navigating the Wonder Years may be right for you. I can only take a limited number of virtual clients at a time so don't delay. Contact me and you will receive an email with more details on how I can support you.