Tender Roots - Services

🌿Every birth and postpartum journey is unique. My care is built to empower you with knowledge, comfort, and confidence, whether you're planning an epidural in a hospital, an unmedicated birth at home, or navigating the wild, tender ride of the fourth trimester.

MCC Doulas provide 5 total prenatal/postpartum visits (at least 1 in-person prenatal and 1 in-person postpartum), including lactation and emotional support until 3 months postpartum.

🪻 Prenatal Support (3 Visits)

Trust-building, education, and personalized preparation.

Visit 1: Foundations & Connection

Discuss your pregnancy journey, hopes, and concerns.
Review medical history and your relationship with your care provider.
Explore your birth philosophy (unmedicated, epidural, cesarean, etc.) and informed consent.
Share resources: hydration, nutrition, comfort measures, and trusted books/podcasts.

Visit 2: Birth Plan & Pain Coping

Craft a flexible birth plan (lighting, delayed cord clamping, etc.).
Practice labor positions (hands-and-knees, squatting) and breathing techniques.
Teach partners hands-on support (hip squeezes, advocacy role-play).

Visit 3: Final Prep & Lactation Basics

Packing lists, hospital protocols, and when to call me.
Breastfeeding/chestfeeding basics: latch, golden hour, hand expression.
Postpartum prep: "Fourth trimester" expectations and support planning.

✨Labor & Birth Support: Your Day, Your Way

When the big day arrives, you’ll have unwavering support.

MCC Doulas provide 24/7 on-call support from 2 weeks before your due date until 2 weeks after.

Close to Due Date

From 38 weeks: Call me for active labor signs / Text for early labor questions
Early labor help: Knowing when to go, comfort tips, and coping techniques

Active Labor & Delivery

Physical Support: Hip squeezes, position changes, counterpressure.
Emotional Support: Encouragement, breathwork, calming presence.
Advocacy: Navigating interventions with you ("What are the risks/benefits?").

After Birth

Golden hour bonding, first feed support, honoring your preferences.

For Partners:

Partners matter deeply. I’ll quietly guide them with real-time tips, so they can support you with confidence.

🌷 Postpartum Support (2 Visits)

Recovery, feeding, and emotional wellbeing.

MCC’s postpartum support includes education and lactation help but excludes overnight care, chores, or babysitting

Visit 1 (0–2 Weeks): Survival Mode

Physical healing check: perineum/incision care, bleeding, pain.
Feeding support: latch help, sore nipples, milk supply.
Emotional processing: debrief your birth story and normalize early challenges.

Visit 1 (2–4 Weeks): Transitioning & Planning

Feeding progress: tongue tie, pumping, or bottle-feeding tips.
Screen for PPD/PPA and discuss pelvic floor health/intimacy.
Reflect on your journey and connect you with long-term resources.

❓ Common Questions

Q. When should I hire a doula?

A: Anytime that feels right for you. Most clients book by their second trimester to make sure we have time to connect, plan, and build trust—but I’ve jumped in later, too. Whether you’re 10 weeks or 38, if I have room in my calendar, I’m happy to walk this path with you.

Q. What is the cost?

A: Thanks to the incredible support of Maternity Care Coalition, I’m currently able to offer my doula services at no cost to families in our community. This program exists to make sure compassionate, personalized birth support is available to everyone, no matter their financial situation.

Your income should never be the reason you don’t feel supported during birth.

Q. What's your service area?

A: I currently serve Reading, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding Berks County area. If you’re outside Berks—like in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, or Philly—I’d be glad to connect you with another amazing doula through the Maternity Care Coalition network.

Every family deserves compassionate, community-rooted support. If I can’t be there with you, I’ll help make sure someone great can.

Q. Will you judge me if I get an epidural (or other interventions)?

A: Never. I’m not here to push an agenda—I’m here to support your choices. Whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth, an epidural the minute it’s on the menu, or a scheduled cesarean, my job is to walk beside you, not steer the ship. I’ll help you understand your options, ask the right questions, and stay rooted in your own power. Your autonomy isn’t just respected—it’s sacred.

Q. Were your own births medicated?

A: Yep, both of my births included epidurals. I’m happy to share more about them if it’s helpful, but only if you ask. My role is to support your experience, not center my own. Every birth is different, and every choice is valid. If you want to swap stories, I’m all in. If not, I’ll be right there holding space for yours.

Q. Are you certified?

A: I’m a trained doula and lactation counselor currently working toward Pennsylvania certification. That process includes three client evaluations, so by hiring me, you’re literally helping me cross the finish line.

I also bring over 20 years of experience in sexual health education and bodily autonomy advocacy—work that shapes my support as deeply as any credential ever could.

P.S. I’m certified in infant and adult CPR, because safety isn’t optional.

Q. Can I text you with urgent questions before/after birth?

A: Heck yes, you can text me! I’m here to support you through the swirl of pre- and post-birth questions -- big feelings, leaky boobs, random “is this normal?” stuff, and everything in between. I aim to respond within 4–6 hours during the day.

That said, I do have a full-time job (not birth-related), so I might not reply right away if I’m knee-deep in spreadsheets or teaching. But you are not bothering me -- send the text. I’ll always answer as soon as I can. If it’s a true emergency, skip me and call your provider or 911. (I love you, but I’m not a paramedic.)

Q. Do you have a back-up doula?

A: Yes! I partner with trusted, like-minded doulas to ensure you’re never unsupported. You’ll meet them prenatally and they will have access to your birth plan.

Q. What if I deliver early or go past 40 weeks?

A: I’m on call 24/7 from 2 weeks before/after your due date. Outside that window, my backup doula (who you’ll meet prenatally) may need to step in to provide in-person support. You’ll still get all 5 visits, even if baby arrives early! As someone who's navigated the NICU journey myself, I know unexpected arrivals need extra care.

Full transparency: If labor starts during my work hours, it may take me up to 3 hours to arrive. Either way, we’ll plan ahead so you’re never without support -- whether from me, my backup, or virtual guidance.

MCC Doulas guarantee backup support if your birth falls outside the 38–42 week window.

Q. How do you support partners during birth?

A: I support whoever you choose to have by your side—whether that’s a spouse, a best friend, your mom, your queerplatonic ride-or-die, or anyone else who feels like family. Some support folks want to be hands-on, learning hip squeezes and comfort techniques. Others need a break or a quiet word of encouragement. I meet them where they are, just like I do for you.

Birth is about community, not just couples. I’m here to help your whole team feel steady, seen, and ready.

Q. Do you attend home births/hospital births/birth center births?

A: I support births in all settings except home births MCC Doulas do not attend home births (assisted or unassisted).

Q. What’s your stance on vaccines, circumcision, and other hot topics?

A: Short version: I believe in evidence-based care and radical respect for bodily autonomy. That means I support vaccines, I’m anti-routine infant circumcision, and I believe every family deserves clear, judgment-free info to make their own choices.

If you’re weighing decisions and want research, I’m happy to point you toward trusted sources—not TikToks or fearmongering. Your child, your body, your values. Always.

Q. Are there any service restrictions with MCC?

A: MCC Doulas focus on education and emotional support—overnight care, household tasks, and errands are not included. Services align with MCC’s scope of practice and exclude home births.

Ready to feel empowered?

Let’s connect!

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse