Soeur Doula
Birth Doula Services
- Steamboat Springs, Colorado -
Support and Inform
to Empower.
What is a Birth Doula?
A birth doula is someone who supports a pregnant or laboring person physically, emotionally, and by providing information for this person and the partner. A doula can perform any of this support as much or as little as desired prenatally, throughout the course of labor, and in a postpartum meeting(s). The doula helps communicate with the whole birthing team (at a hospital, birthing center, or at home) and acts as another resource and constant presence for the parent(s).
Science has proven the effectiveness of birth doulas in decreasing rates of Cesarean birth (C-section), decreasing the use of pain medication, decreasing the use of a vacuum or forceps, and increasing people’s overall satisfaction with their birth experience, along with other benefits.*
Doulas are not medically trained, but they are trained in ways to bring physical comfort to the pregnant person and in strategies used to progress labor.
My goal is to support and inform you so that you feel cared for and empowered throughout your pregnancy and birth experience. Regardless of birthing circumstances, medicated or unmedicated, or how it lives up to your expectations, I want you to feel prepared, seen, and heard each step of the way.
*”Who says Three’s a Crowd? Bring the Labor Support You’ll Need!” Lamaze.org Accessed September 2021. https://www.lamaze.org/portals/0/docs/LI_316350-18_AdequateSupport_Infographic_FINAL.pdf
Meet Ginnie, CLC
A Richmond, Virginia native, Ginnie Friddell Kurtz is a DONA-certified and trained professional birth doula, as well as a Certified Lactation Consultant. After teaching and coaching for 10 years, Ginnie decided to stay home with her children. With a Master's Degree in International Human Rights concentrating in Gender and in Health, Ginnie found that this pause from the classroom and playing field allowed her to tap more into her passion for women's health, and specifically maternal health. She was inspired to be a doula because of the value she saw in the constant support one can have throughout pregnancy and postpartum, and simply because she loves the work of a doula. She believes all expecting parents deserve nonjudgmental support, information, and advocacy throughout their journey to parenthood. Ginnie says that it is a gift to her to be a part of such a miraculous and intimate experience in people’s lives.
About Soeur Doula
“Soeur Doula” carries both a personal meaning and a broader meaning in its naming. In French, “soeur” means “sister.” (Phonetically pronounced “sehr,” or something along those lines…it’s hard to capture that French accent that I wish I had even after 10 years of studying the language!) Looking back on the births of our three children, I realize how much my sister acted like my doula. As a Labor and Delivery nurse in Richmond at the time, she happened to be working when I went into labor with our first two children, and she became my husband’s and my biggest support in the delivery room. Her steady presence and direction encouraged, guided, and calmed both of us. But it wasn’t just in the delivery room that she took on the role of a doula. She supported me throughout pregnancy and postpartum, answering every question and also checking in unprompted. I remember thinking that everyone who is pregnant or in labor should have my sister. Now I see that I was actually benefiting from the constant care and information that a doula can provide.
More widely, “Soeur Doula” refers to the depth that a doula-client relationship can have, much like the depth that a sister or sibling or best friend relationship can have. A sibling or close friend sees us in our best moments and in our toughest, most vulnerable moments. They celebrate with us and also hold us accountable, knowing the strength we possess within us and challenging us to recognize and claim that strength as well, whatever form that may take.
Similarly, a doula remains loyally by your side. A doula prepares you, holds space for you, and empowers you to embody your innate strength, however your birth experience unfolds.
Soeur Doula Services Include:
$900/package**
Pre-hire meeting to get to know each other and determine whether we’d be a good fit together (no cost)
Phone/email/text communication throughout your pregnancy
Research-based data and responses to your questions and concerns
Mental and physical health and wellness tips
Help in creating your birth plan
Recommendations of resources within the community for other prenatal/postpartum services
1 prenatal meeting to review labor stages/early labor protocol
1 prenatal meeting to review birth plan and goals
Information on labor positions, counter-pressure, and breathing techniques
Physical and emotional support throughout labor
Information and support to help you make any decisions that may arise during labor
On call for you 24/7 two weeks before your due date until you give birth
Support and information for your partner if present, or other family/friends there
Remaining with you for 1-2 hours after birth to help with breastfeeding, if applicable, and answer postpartum questions
Lactation Support (additional, specific lactation sessions beyond the standard doula package are available for additional cost); Ginnie is a Certified Lactation Counselor.
One postpartum visit with you at home
My constant desire to support, inform, and empower you throughout this experience
Thanks to The Mindful Birth for helping generate this list!
**Need-based financial aid & payment plans are available. Please reach out for further details.
Connect with Ginnie.
Thank you for your interest in birth doula services. I look forward to talking with you more!