Birth Doulas, Childbirth Educators now offer Virtual Services

While many local families are scrambling to create the most ideal birth possible under less than idea circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many local doulas, hospitals and independent childbirth educators have already stepped up with virtual and online offerings. From virtual birth doula support to online hospital tours and classes, many of the services one typically thinks of as being an in-person proposition are now available in a remote format.

A few things to consider if you or a loved one is pregnant and navigating some of the interesting bumps in the road:

• You don't need to go it alone! Local virtual doula services range from $200-2000 and up, so even in the most restrictive birth settings, you can still have contact via text, phone, email and/or video conferencing platforms with a highly skilled, experienced doula. Plan to interview at least three to find one with a good personality fit, someone who fully supports your birth goals, and is in good standing with their certifying organization or can demonstrate sufficient education related to the birth you're hoping to have.
• Birth educators are offering many options from pre-recorded and online classes (think google classroom at the low end and something like Blackboard learning management systems on the higher end, much like a college class would be) to synchronous instruction using props, videos and virtual "face-to-face" instruction. This includes traditional "prepared birth" and Lamaze type classes, as well as Hypnosis programs like GentleBirth, Evidence Based Birth(R) and offerings using [m]otherboard resources (the hip, newer, inclusive, trauma-informed organization).
• Many homebirth midwives are accepting new clients later in pregnancy than they normally would to help accommodate those who are low risk and good candidates for safe homebirth.
• Many local hospitals have online tours ready to go, several, such as Yale New Haven Hospital and Eastern Connecticut Health Network have online classes as well.
• Birth professionals who face cancelled events can join Evidence Based Birth(R) virtual seminars and workshops for contact hours, as well as non-CEU type webinars from [m]otherboard and other organizations.
• Several postpartum doulas are offering packages for weekly check-ins, video classes on postpartum preparation and baby care.
• Local lactation consultants and IBCLCs are offering telehealth consultations to help with any breastfeeding issues and to offer classes ahead of time.

Today, I took the opportunity to connect with Autumn, one of my own former clients and herself a doula and founder of Parentechnique, a local Connecticut company offering consultations. She has an upcoming video series on the importance of childbirth education (CBE)and other important birth topics. Speaking on the benefits of virtual childbirth education, she says, "Amidst the business of our work and family schedules and now, a pandemic, virtual comprehensive childbirth education is a life saver for birthing people. I do not use the term "life saver" lightly. As a doula, I am aware of the health benefits of participating in such a class, and with the current pandemic it is even more imperative that birthing people are aware of all of their options and the evidence behind them. My husband and I completed a 6 week Zoom CBE class with Maura Jo, and it was no doubt the best decision we made! We had a completely satisfying and healthy birth and my husband felt confident in the entire process." She also mentions pregnant folk and their families can visit her @parentechnique on FaceBook to stay tuned and obtain current info on all things pregnancy, birth, and parenting.

Many birth professionals such as myself and Autumn are ready to serve families during this challenging time. If you have any questions, I welcome you to email me mj@CenterSong.com. Wishing all pregnant families the best.