Once we sign a contract, I become your doula. From that point until our first prenatal meeting, I will mostly rely upon you to contact me. At a minimum, I ask that you either call, text, or email after each of your prenatal appointments with your care provider to check in and let me know how things are going.

After 37 weeks, please call or send me a note to let me know of any possible prelabor signs (losing mucous plug, more than average Braxton-Hicks contractions, contractions that start and stop, regular cramping, loose stools, etc.). While none of these are sure signs that labor is imminent, knowing what’s happening with you will help me better prepare. If this is not your first baby or if you are known to have precipitous (very fast) labors, it is especially important to let me know of these signs.

If your water breaks at any time, whether or not labor has started, call me.

If You Think You Are in Labor or Are in Labor

Call me. Even if it’s 2:00 a.m. Don’t text me — call. Remember that I will need up to an hour plus travel time to get to you, which is why it’s important not to wait until the last minute. My number is 843-779-2778. Load it into your cell phone and ask your partner to do the same so it’s handy. If you call and I don’t answer on the first try, skip voicemail, hang up, and call again.  If for some reason you cannot reach me after two calls, leave a voicemail and then call on my back-up line at 843-957-0879. If you do not hear from me within 30 minutes, call your back-up doula, which will be arranged at least one month prior to your due date.

Need help figuring out whether or not you are in labor? Take this short quiz (developed by an experienced doula, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, and mother to 8 children).

When I Will Join You

When you call, I will talk to you over the phone to try and assess where you are with your labor. If you would like for me to join you at home before heading to your place of birth, I will head to your house. If you would like for me to meet you at your place of birth, I will make arrangements to meet you there. If I am en route to your home and you leave for your place of birth, please call upon leaving to let me know.