Mother and newborn baby resting, Birth Doula

DOULAS MAKE BIRTH BETTER

BIRTH DOULAS HELP FAMILIES NAVIGATE THE CHOICES OF MODERN CHILDBIRTH. We are your go-to for evidence-based answers to your questions and concerns in pregnancy and birth. At our prenatal visits we will get to know each other and help you devise a birth plan tailored to your birth vision. During labor we are your constant companions from when you decide you want in-person support until after the birth of your babe. By working as a team with your family and care providers we offer non-medical, non-judgmental support and encouragement, breathing and focusing exercises, positioning techniques for labor progress, and comfort measures such as massage and hot stone therapy to keep you as relaxed and comfortable as possible. WE ARE SHOULDERS TO LEAN ON, ARMS TO HOLD, EARS TO LISTEN, HEARTS TO UNDERSTAND, AND AN EXTRA SET OF HANDS. We are years of experience, training, practice and your partner’s trusty labor encyclopedia. We are comfort and familiarity by your side for the entire journey.

“A DOULA IS AN EMPTY VESSEL. WHATEVER IS REQUIRED OF US, WE ARE PRESENT —  FOR THE MOTHER, FOR THE FATHER, FOR THE FAMILY.” – Erykah Badu

Unconditional Support

Labor Support

In-person labor support including education, encouragement, breathing and focusing exercises, massage, positioning techniques and comfort measures.

24/7 On Call

We are on call for you 24 hours a day 7 days a week until your babe is born. Our shared call schedule means that you always have a rested doula ready to support you.

Prenatal Meetings

At least one prenatal meeting with both your doulas — you get to know us and we get to know you! No need to travel, we come to you.

Unbiased Information

We are a wealth of knowledge about all things birth and baby, including the latest information on evidence-based practices. We are always available to answer questions or be your sounding board.

Birth Plan Prep

Our prenatals visits are built around our Two Rivers Workbook: your compass for navigating modern childbirth, and everything you need to write the best birth plan for your family.

Postpartum Support

Includes at least one postpartum follow-up visit in your home to answer questions about the birth, breastfeeding and parenting. More postpartum doula hours are available for any bumps along the way.

LET'S CONNECT

Our Offerings

Laurel // $1,380


Best for those who want a doula + private birth class
  • Two Rivers Workbook + full class homework
  • Five 2.5 hour private in-home childbirth education classes
  • Phone/text/email support
  • 24/7 on-call from signing
  • In-person labor support through the first hours after birth
  • Two in-person postpartum check-in visits
  • Safe Babywearing 101
  • Resources + education
  • Invitation to the Two Rivers Village

Willow // $1,125

Best for first-time families + new clients
  • Two Rivers Workbook + online resources
  • Two 2.5 hour pre-birth meetings with your doula team
  • Phone/text/email support
  • 24/7 on-call from signing
  • In-person labor support through the first hours after birth
  • Two in-person postpartum check-in visits
  • Safe Babywearing 101
  • Resources + education
  • Invitation to the Two Rivers Village

Olive // $975

Good for second-time families + repeat clients
  • Two Rivers Workbook + online resources
  • One 2.5 hour pre-birth meeting with your doula team
  • Phone/text/email support
  • 24/7 on-call from signing
  • In-person labor support through the first hours after birth
  • One in-person postpartum check-in visit
  • Safe Babywearing 101
  • Resources + education
  • Invitation to the Two Rivers Village

Stand-alone Birth Consults

$185 // 2.5 Hour Private Consultation

We know that not every birth needs a doula, but all births need loving support! For families who want help planning and understanding their birth options we introduce our stand-alone birth consults. You have access to one of our experienced doulas for 2.5 hours. You can get all your questions answered as we walk with you through identifying and communicating your priorities and goals, sharpening the the skills to ask the best questions and preparing for the  birth YOU want.

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Asked + Answered

What DON'T doulas do?

  • Doulas are a non-medical part of your birth team so we DON’T perform any clinical tasks like vaginal exams, blood pressure checks, listening to the baby’s heart rate or dispensing medications.
  • We DONT make any decisions for you, but we WILL help you make the best informed decisions for your family.
  • We DON’T drive you in our cars, but we WILL help you make arrangements to get to the hospital and follow right behind.
  • We DON’T judge. Any choice. Ever. But we WILL help you make decisions that make you feel safe and confident.

How far do you travel?

We serve families in the following counties:

VIRGINIA:

  • Loudoun
  • Clarke
  • Frederick *Unavailable in 2020

WEST VIRGINIA:

  • Jefferson
  • Berkeley
  • Eastern Morgan *Unavailable in 2020

MARYLAND:

  • Frederick
  • Washington
  • Western Montgomery
  • Western Carroll

If you have questions about your particular location please ask!

Do you serve my hospital?

We serve and have experience at the following hospitals:

And we serve the following birth centers:

Do you have experience with....?

We’ve served a wide range of families and we have experience in:

  • First pregnancies
  • Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth pregnancies
  • Hospital, Birth Center and Homebirth
  • Unmedicated birth
  • Epidural + spinal analgesia
  • Inductions
  • Planned + emergency Cesarean births
  • VBAC + TOLAC
  • Advanced maternal age
  • NICU stays
  • Multiples
  • High-risk birth + low-risk birth
  • Rainbow babies + birth after loss
  • Adoption

Do all three doulas come to my birth?

Probably not! We work in two-doula teams decided by your location. Both doulas attend all our prenatal visits together and both are available for questions. One doula is your Primary doula and will plan to attend your birth. But, should LIFE happen and your primary doula is unavailable your Secondary doula, who already knows and loves you, will attend instead. We try hard to make it a seamless experience for our clients.

Also, when births are very long, we may swap out attendance. While we try never to interrupt the flow of birth, sometimes a fresh doula with new energy can make a difference for everyone.

What's the research say about doula support?

What a freaking great question! Doulas make birth better but don’t take my word for it, go check out what the research says at EVIDENCE BASED BIRTH

What are the next steps in the hiring process?

I’m so glad you asked. Everything you need to know is HERE

I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS

Our Clients Say

  • “I was fortunate enough to be cared for by doulas Bergen and Julie during my pregnancy. This was my first baby and was quite a long and challenging labor process. I really don’t know how I could have made it through without their care, support, and guidance.”
    Freya R.
  • “Bergen attended the home birth of my second child and was a fantastic doula. She knew just what to do, and when to do it. When I went into premature labor with my third child, the birth went too fast for Bergen to make it on time. She did however come to the hospital in the middle of the night, and stayed for several hours after the birth to provide emotional support. I would highly recommend Two Rivers Childbirth.”
    Amii F.
  • “Bergen recently attended my HBAC and I know there is no way I would have managed without her. She was available for questions and concerns throughout my pregnancy. She knew how to help in labor, how to help my husband help me, and knew what I needed even when I didn’t. The home birth class was also a huge help for us!”
    Paige D.