What Is Life Coaching?

Co-active coaching is a unique alliance in which coach and client work together as equals to meet the needs of the client. A coach helps you find clarity and direction in your life and supports you in a non-judgmental way to take actions needed to reach your goals.

What Is Pregnancy Coaching?

Pregnancy coaching focuses on positive outcomes for each individual in creating what she wants for her pregnancy and birth experience. The client will obtain the support, information, and clarity needed to have the best experience possible. With the support of her coach she will gain the confidence necessary to transform her experience into what it should truly be; the most empowering time of her life!

What Are The Benefits Of Pregnancy Coaching?

Through pregnancy coaching you will:

v     Get support where ever you are in your experience.

v     Gain clarity about the type of birth experience you want to have.

v     Create a birth plan that is right for you.

v     Get resources to move you forward in decision making.

v     Set goals and gain support in reaching them.

v     Gain confidence in your ability to give birth.

Why Would I Hire a Coach?

Justine’s ideal clients are those who really want to feel empowered and take responsibility for their experience. Justine wants to work with you if any of the following apply:

v     You want to educate yourself as to all your options and make informed decisions.

v     You want to understand the birthing process and feel good about it.

v     You want to play an active role in the decision making process and not feel helpless.

v     You want to take responsibility for the type of birth experience you will have.

v     You want to create a positive environment for your birth experience to occur.

v     You want your experience to be unique and powerful in its own right.

v     You want this to be the most empowering experience of your life!

How Does Group Coaching Work?

Coaching groups meet once a week for 8 weeks. Each week you will participate in discussions, assignments and fun activities. Participation is completely voluntary and you will get out as much as you put in. At times you will be challenged but always in a supportive, loving way. While the group focuses on a common goal; to have the best possible pregnancy and birth experience, the way in which those goals are met may be different for each individual. With that in mind, the groups are designed to meet the specific needs of each participant. For those who prefer one-to-one sessions, individual coaching is also available.

How Does Individual Coaching Work?

Individual coaching occurs either in person or more commonly by phone. There are typically 3 sessions per month lasting 45 minutes each. However, this is flexible and can be designed jointly with coach and client when necessary. There is also unlimited email contact in between sessions. Individual coaching may be more suitable for those who have specific needs they would like to address, or for those who are limited by time constraints or geographical location.

How Much Does Coaching Cost?

Group coaching is $150 for 8 weeks. Individual coaching ranges from $200 to $300 per month with a 3 month minimum. Ask about the referral program and other discounts.

What Is a Doula?

Doula originates from the greek work “servant”. A Doula, also known as a labor assistant, provides continuous care for the laboring woman and her partner, and help them participate fully in their experience by offering physical and emotional support and information about the birth process. A Doula typically meets with the woman or couple prenatally, accompanies them throughout the labor and birth, and does a follow-up visit during the postpartum period.

How Can a Doula Help Me?    

A doula can help a couple in numerous ways. She is trained to offer comfort measures and suggestions for helping labor progress in a normal way. According to research, benefits of having a doula include:

v     50% decrease in cesarean sections

v     25% decrease in the length of labor

v     40% decrease in the use of oxytocin

v     60% decrease in the use of epidurals

v     30% decrease in the use of forceps

Long-term benefits of doula care include:

v     Improved mother-child interaction

v     Decreased postpartum depression

v     Improved breastfeeding

Statistics from: Mothering the Mother by M. Klaus, J. Kennell, and P. Klaus. Addison Wesley Publishing, 1993.

Do I Need a Doula If I’m Giving Birth In a Hospital?

Yes. It is especially important to have support in a hospital setting. Nurses are busy and cannot provide continuous, personalized care to the laboring couple. A Doula is there specifically for the couple and can advocate on behalf of them if necessary.

Do I Need a Doula Even If I’m Giving Birth at Home or in a Birth Center ?

Yes, everyone can benefit from a Doula. Midwives and  Birth Assistants have important work to do and don’t always have the time or ability to tend to all the needs of a laboring woman and her partner. A Doula can help with that. She can assist with duties that will enable the Midwife and Assistants to do their jobs best. The Doula can provide ongoing attention and care to the laboring couple. Further, if there is need to transport to a hospital, the Doula will be there to support you in such an unexpected situation. She can communicate with the medical staff and advocate on your behalf.

How Do I Choose The Right Doula?

Doulas vary by personality, training, experience, and professionalism. You should interview Doulas before making your selection. You might want to ask them about their birth philosophy, their training, experience, fees, backup care, and what is included with their services. You may also want to get references. The Doula should be flexible and be willing to meet YOUR needs. It’s best to know up front what to expect and not find out after the fact. You should feel comfortable with your choice in a Doula.

How Much Does a Doula Cost?

Doula fees are $700. Special rates apply if combined with Bradley Method® Childbirth Classes and/or Life Coaching services**. Doula fees include 1-3 prenatal visits, as necessary, continuous support throughout the entire labor and birth, 1 to 2 hours of support after the baby is born, 1 postpartum visit to your house.  Personalized care is given, including but not limited to: assistance with birth plan, relaxation and visualization techniques, massage, labor and birth positions, nutrition & exercise, life coaching, encouragement, and 24 hour phone and email assistance with questions and other matters. 

What Is The Bradley Method?

The Bradley Method of childbirth was founded by Dr. Robert Bradley and is based on the observation of mammals in labor. Mammals are able to give birth normally and naturally without the use of interventions and medications. In most cases, humans are able to do the same. It is the safest way to give birth. The Bradley Method also known as husband coached childbirth trains the baby’s father to coach his partner through her pregnancy and birth. It empowers him as a father and you as a couple. You will gain the necessary information to make informed choices about your birth experience. Classes are small and last for 12 weeks in order to give adequate time and attention to all the aspects of preparing you for birth. You will learn about nutrition, pregnancy exercises to help you give birth easier, pain coping techniques,  relaxation techniques, coaching tips, physiology, and what to expect, along with other relevant topics to address your needs.

How Much Do Bradley Classes Cost?

The 12 week series includes a workbook, lending library, videos to watch, handouts, and phone and email support. The cost is $295. Private classes in your home or mine are available for $395.

**Bradley Method® Classes alone are $295, Life Coaching is $250 per month (minimum of 3 months recommended), and Doula services are $700. Bradley Classes and Doula fees will be $800 total.  For 3 months Life Coaching, Childbirth Classes and Doula services, fees will be $ 1,100 total (an exceptional value). Other options are available, please inquire.