Wholesome Beginnings
Supporting families in the Washington DC Metro Area through Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum
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Birth Support
Doulas are trained to provide physical support, emotional care and information during this time. Doulas help to facilitate communication between you, your partner and the medical staff. Her presence helps a laboring person feel safe and confident throughout labor, delivery and the immediate postpartum period.
Doulas help with birth preparation teaching comfort measures, relaxation, breathing, massage, pain coping tools and positioning which allows the birthing partner to actively support with more confidence.
In 2017, Bohren et al.published a Cochrane review on the use of continuous support for women during childbirth. They combined the results of 26 trials that included more than 15,000 people. Labors with the continuous presences of a Doula:
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39 percent less likely to have a cesarean birth
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35 percent less likely to have a negative birth experience
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15 percent more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth
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10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
Maven's research is the first-ever study tracking the impact of virtual doulas on birth outcomes. Drawing on data from nearly 9,000 Maven members, the findings include:
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Attending two or more doula appointments reduced the odds of C-section by nearly 20%.
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For members who have had a prior C-section, the odds were reduced by more than 60%.
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Among Black members, attending two or more virtual doula appointments was associated with a nearly 60% decreased odds of C-section.
Virtual Doula Support
4-6 hours of education over 3 virtual sessions, one per trimester
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Topics covered during visits:
Covered topics: childbirth education, infant feeding, comfort measures, postpartum and birth planning
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Virtual support via phone/video during birth and first 1 hours post-birth
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​2 video chat support sessions during the first 3 weeks postpartum covering: infant feeding, processing of your birth
Birth Doula Support
7-8 hours of tailored education over 4 sessions (last visit is in-person)
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Covered topics: childbirth education, infant feeding, comfort measures, postpartum and birth planning
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Email/phone support throughout pregnancy
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On-call 24/7 from 38 weeks until your baby is born
Continuous in-person support during active labor until 1 hour after birth
In-person postnatal follow up within 10 days to process your birth, and provide resources, observe nursing/pumping and guidance.
C-Section Support
5-6 hours of education over 3 virtual sessions
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Topics covered during visits:
Covered topics: childbirth education, infant feeding, comfort measures, postpartum and birth planning
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Birthday support: Virtual support via phone/video prior to giving birth
1-2 hours in-person post-birth support (as allowed by hospital)
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​1 video/phone chat support session during around first 3 weeks (at your request)
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1.5 hour postpartum check-in within first week
Below is a list of locations that I work supporting
birthing people:
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Inova Fairfax & Fair Oaks *Case by Case
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Shady Grove Hospital
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Home births
Private Education
How do I care for my Baby?
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Procedures following the baby’s birth
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Understanding normal newborn characteristics
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Bathing, diapering, burping, and holding
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Infant soothing techniques
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Infant safety and nursery equipment
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How to get more sleep
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Protect your mental health
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When to reach out to your pediatrician
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2 hours of education
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Help I need a Birth Plan!​
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Discussing your desires for your birth
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Distinguish labor stages/signs
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Learn to advocate for your desires
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How to manage pain
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How to adjust to changes during your birth
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Understanding interventions
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Hospital Policy vs your preference
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Review questions to ask your provider
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Review positions beneficial for labor progression
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90 Minutes of Education