In the days of COVID-19, doula support has morphed into a new way of providing services to clients. Since March with the Safer at Home orders, I’ve been conducting all prenatal visits via Zoom. We’re fortunate to live in an era when we have access to excellent technology to allow us to meet “face-to-face” yet be safe.

Here is what my living room looks like after a visit. Prior to the visit, I’ve delivered a packet to the client with all the handouts that we are going to review. All the information is also available in my online Resource Library for those who prefer to see it that way. The client is in their living room and I’m in mine and together we review the packet of childbirth education materials, practice comfort measures and laboring positions and answer questions. Some clients are actually preferring the virtual support as they don’t have to get childcare, and, it gives the supporting partner or husband a greater hands on role.

As a bonus, my Birth Plans now include much of the Postpartum Preparation that I offered as a separate contract prior to the pandemic. That makes the Birth Plans a great value and more comprehensive. Since many parents are not having the previously expected support of family and friends coming into the home once baby arrives, intentionally and carefully creating a postpartum plan is even more essential now. We review preparedness for baby’ care and mom’s recovery, discuss plans for sleeping, feeding, diapering, and household needs.

“The way hospitals, OB’s, and nurses are set up there is very little coaching or support during the labor and even delivery until your wife/parter is ready to push. Then the whole team comes rushing in ready to catch the baby. Having a doula (especially Jo Ann) to support us through the whole process (even virtually) helped ensure a more positive outcome not only in physical health for mom and baby but in mental and emotional health as well. This is something every woman should strive for and be able to achieve. Being that JoAnn now has virtual options (thanks to the pandemic) no matter where you are located, she is able to support you, so give her a call and see if she is the right fit for you. “

Testimonial from virtual support father 2020

If you are wondering if virtual birth doula support is for you, please give a call and we can see if it (and I) are the right fit to support you during this very important time of your life (414) 301-7729. Because doulas are part of the non-medical support team of your pregnancy, we are not issued PPE as are medical staff in the hospital and minimizing the number of people in a delivery room is strongly recommended to keep everyone safe, virtual doula support is an excellent option for those who still want the expertise of an experienced, certified doula but not the added risk and contagian of in-person contact.