In today's technological world it is easy to forget how to nurture a laboring woman. We know birth gives the deepest, most intense physical sensations and the widest range of emotions experienced in a day! We also know that a woman will remember her birth vividly, poignantly and accurately and the care a woman receives has more impact than the physical events of labor. This places her support person in a difficult and stressful role as someone who is responsible for understanding these sensations and emotions, knowing the intricacies of birth, comfort measures, which labor and pushing positions to use; all while communicating with healthcare providers and being a memory keeper -- a tough job for anyone not fully trained! This is where hiring a certified doula is invaluable!
A Doula...
Certified Birth Doula Service
The Cochran Review found 23 trials involving 15,061 women that demonstrated those who had continuous labor support were more likely to give birth spontaneously without forceps, vaccum or cesarean, to have a satisfying experience and to have a slightly shorter labor. They were less likely have pain medicine or have a baby with a low 5 minue APGAR. No adverse effects were identified. They concluded that all women should have continuous support during labor. Continuous support from a person who is present solely to provide support, is not a member of the woman's social circle, is experienced in providing labor support and has at least a modest amount of training, appears to be most beneficial.
And now during this Corona pandemic supporting laboring persons and their families is even more crucial. Hospital policies are changing daily. Currently only the partner may accompany the birthing person in labor and must stay the entire time or abide by visiting hours. We know many US hospitals that are overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients and have restricted all visitors including a laboring persons support person. Clearly these policies are not done in haste and the gravity of the situation is clear to everyone. As your doulas we are in communication with our area hospitals and providers so we can best to support you and your family. And while virtual support is not the same as in person support we know the benefits far out weigh the risks of leaving a person alone and unsupported during this incredible time of their life. We want you to know we are here for you and have put strategies in place to help you and your partner navigate the best and safest way to birth your sweet baby into the world. We will help you sort through choices and decisions you never thought you would been making. We believe in you. We know your strength. We know your resilience. We know you can do hard things. And we will be there to help you every step of the way, however we can. Stay Safe. Shelter In. Flatten the curve. Enjoy those little (and not so little) bumps and kicks! Your baby will have one heck of a birth story to tell one day!
Vanessa Flood
Hi There!
We are two friends each with 3 kids, 1 dog and a love for doula-ing! I trained Alli as a birth doula 4 years ago and we became fast friends. As a photographer she shot my brother's wedding, both my daughter's senior photos and their homecoming! She loves all things birth but with a professional photography business she cannot take on a full private practice. So we backed each other up. And it worked well. Then my mom got sick and Allison came to my rescue. She supported my clients while I supported my mom. And all my repeat clients sang the same praise--- "Alli is wonderful! You guys are so similar. She said all the same things you do! We were in great hands." At that point we knew we had something special. I am still primary doula for all my clients, as she is for hers. But we back each other up, provide support for each other's clients. I teach and provide lactation support for her clients and she provides ah.maz.ing photography for my clients with outstanding doula support. It has allowed us to be more present with our families. We know if something unexpected happens our clients will be well supported. Working together at the end of a labor where I am supporting and she is documenting all the fresh moments or doubling up our postpartum visits with doula support, lactation help and fresh newborn/family photos feels all the feels. We love this work. And are so happy to be a part of your BIRTHday!
Allison Flemming
Virtural Birth Doula Services
Pregnancy SUpport
Unlimited pregnancy support for all the "I feel silly calling the nurse or I don't want to wait until my next appointment" questions.
Virtual Lamaze childbirth education class or refresher class
Access to Evidence Based Birth library
Includes 3 interactive childbirth, newborn care and breastfeeding books.
pep and prep Birth Planning
Making a game plan for birth
Prep and Pep Virtual meeting for preparing support person for labor
Navigating any unexpected changes
Making sure everyone is on the same page
virtual realtime labor support
Virtual support via phone, text and video from early labor through baby's birth.
Assistance on when to go to the hospital.
Position and comfort measure ideas for each stage of labor
Speaker phone to talk out any next step decisions together
Ideas on how to keep birthing person calm, breathing well and relaxed
postpartum support
Unlimited virtual postpartum support via phone, text and email
regarding:
Physical Recovery
Postpartum Adustments
Board Certified Breastfeeding Support/Bottling Support
Newborn Care
Transitioning back to work or school
pricing
Certified Virtual Doula Service $475
Add on In Person Support (if desired/available/both parties agree)
New Client $350
Repeat Client $100
Add on newborn photos (socially distanced): $350
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Chiropractor a Doctor?
Yes. The Doctor of Chiropractic is required by law to have a minimum of six years’ study. The first two years of study at a college or university are pre-chiropractic science courses. Chiropractic college consists of four years’ study, with the last two years including out-patient clinic where he/she will treat patients with various conditions on a daily basis
After completing his/her studies, the Doctor of Chiropractic must pass a State Board of Examiners examination in the basic sciences. This is the same type of basic sciences examination that other doctors, including medical doctors need to undergo. The Doctor of Chiropractic also has to pass an examination by the state Board of Chiropractic before he receives a license to practice.
The Doctor of Chiropractic continues to study throughout his/her career. In order to maintain a license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Chiropractor must complete credit courses every year. This is a good thing because it keeps Chiropractors up on the latest studies and techniques available.
Do Chiropractors take X-Rays?
Yes, Chiropractors will take x-rays when necessary. After an examination, the chiropractor may decide that he needs additional diagnostic information. Chiropractors may take x-rays to rule out problems and to determine if the patient is actually a chiropractic case. X-rays can help the Chiropractor determine the best possible treatment technique and plan for you. X-rays are not always necessary or advisable. If you have had recent x-rays taken elsewhere that are related to your condition your Chiropractor may be able to use them to learn more about your problem. You may feel confident that your Chiropractor has extensive training in radiology. He is licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and his x-ray equipment must pass regular inspection.
Do Chiropractors prescribe drugs?
No. Drugs and medications are never used by Chiropractors. Most drugs block or mask the cause of pain and symptoms. Masking symptoms will make it more difficult to find the source of the problem. A Chiropractor looks for the cause of the problem. Knowing that only nature heals, the Chiropractor strives to remove interference to normal bodily function so that the body can heal itself.
We carry a full line of All Natural Products
Are you concerned about:
• Weight Loss
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Hyper-active children
• Allergies
Ask about our all natural, FDA regulated non-prescription products.
Questions About Chiropractic Care
What will happen when I make an appointment with a chiropractor?
- A complete health history will be taken and discussed with you.
- A physical examination to include chiropractic, orthopedic, neurological and possibly x-ray studies.
- The doctor will review your health history and examination findings. The doctor will explain the findings to you, and recommend a treatment plan. In addition to chiropractic manipulation, recommendations for other therapies such as heat, ice, ultrasound, traction, etc. may be given. A treatment plan may also include nutritional advice, exercise and suggestions on how you can help yourself by modifying your daily activities.
- When you receive your first chiropractic manipulation you may or may not hear the vertebrae move. You may feel the vertebrae move, but usually this is not painful unless there is a lot of muscle spasm and swelling in the area. In that case the chiropractor will precede the adjustment with some type of passive modalities such as hot or cold packs, or electro-muscle stimulation to relax the muscle.
Will one chiropractic treatment be enough?
Sometimes immediate relief is obtained. Usually, it will take several treatments to give the body a chance to relearn and accept the proper alignment of the spine. When a condition has existed over a period of time, muscles and ligaments will stretch or contract in an effort to compensate for the misalignment.
What will it cost?
Chiropractic is very affordable. Most insurance plans include it in their benefits. You may have a co-pay or yearly deductible. Your benefits can be easily determined by contacting your insurance company or one of trained staff.
If you treat for a work related injury, your employer's workman's compensation insurance will pay for your care.
If you have an automobile accident, your no-fault personal injury protection benefits will pay for your care.
What is a Subluxation?
Misaligned spinal vertebrae (bones of the spine) are called subluxations.
A vertebral subluxation is a spinal condition that interferes with the ability of the nervous system to function properly.
Subluxations can be caused at birth when the infant is twisted, turned, pulled or withdrawn with forceps from the birth canal.
Subluxations can be caused by some of the following: Incorrect lifting, bending, twisting, over-exercise, improper seat height at your desk, repetitive movements on the job that cause gradual and cumulative muscle spasms. Stress and substance abuse can cause subluxations.
Subluxations can be caused by minor accidents that we are likely to ignore. At a later time when symptoms appear, a minor accident might not be remembered as the possible cause.
Automobile accidents are a major cause of subluxations. Often people believe that the headache, stiffness or ache will go away by itself. These symptoms should never be taken lightly and should be checked by a chiropractor as soon as possible.
What does the cracking sound mean when the chiropractor moves the bones? Does it mean the bones are cracking?
No. Some people also think the sound comes from the bones rubbing together, but that doesn't happen either. The sound that is heard when the chiropractor manipulates the spine is caused by a release of gas from the joint. This causes the "crack" sound and is perfectly harmless.
I wonder if spinal adjustments are dangerous and whether chiropractors carry malpractice insurance like medical doctors do?
Instances of people being harmed from spinal adjustments are very low. It is possible for a bone fracture to happen with osteoporosis or some other underlying disease. The chiropractor will screen for those by x-ray and examination. Yes, Chiropractors do buy malpractice insurance. They pay a lot less than do medical doctors due to the safe nature of chiropractic treatment and the low incidence of lawsuits against chiropractors. Chiropractors pay about 5% of what most doctors pay and about 2% of what most surgeons pay.
Why do chiropractors keep their patients coming back for several treatments?
The goal of the chiropractor is to correct the cause of the problem which is subluxation. It takes time for the body to adapt to the repositioning of the vertebra. Chronic conditions may take longer to correct because over time the body has adapted to vertebra out of place, but that results in chronic pain. Let's compare that to when a medical doctor writes a prescription which is usually for several doses per day over several days, and you are instructed to complete the whole course of medication. Likewise, the chiropractor will recommend a course of treatment that should be completed in order to attain optimal correction. The advantage of chiropractic is that it can be accomplished without drugs, surgery or other invasive procedures.
Why does my chiropractor need an x-ray?
If your house was crooked, you wouldn't try to fix it by putting on a fresh coat of paint. You would want to inspect the foundation so that you could determine what structural flaws created the imbalance. At times, based on the findings of your physical examination, the chiropractor may decide that he needs to look more closely at your spine to determine the cause of your imbalance. This way he can pinpoint and correct the subluxation that may be the cause of your health problem. Furthermore, x-rays are diagnostic tools that help your chiropractor verify that you will benefit from chiropractic care. With the help of x-rays, he can rule out some underlying disease or condition that may require a referral to another kind of health care specialist
Let's Chat!
We can chat a bit on the phone--I will share what I usually do as a doula and we can see if that fits into what you were looking for. If it does we will then schedule a time to just say hello and make sure everyone is comfortable with each other. If not, I can help you find other doulas who might be a perfect match for you.