Anna Hurty

Doula

What do Doulas do?   |   A birth doula is a woman with special training in the art of labor and birth support. She attends births at home, birth center, or hospital. She is part of a the birth "team" working alongside midwives and doctors to provide the necessary components of a safe and satisfying birth day. She is a consistent presence who accompanies you and offers calm, non-judgmental encouragement and education as you move through one of the most powerful and miraculous experiences of your life.

She knows you and you trust her.   |   Women report a greater sense of preparedness, satisfaction and confidence when a doula is part of the birth team. Studies have shown that her presence and knowledge lead to a decrease in cesarean and epidural rates, and overall length of labor.

My doula services include at least two prenatal visits in your home. These visits provide time for getting to know each other, ideas on creating a calm and comfortable environment where you can picture yourself in early labor, brush-up childbirth reminders, formulation of "birth desires" ideas that you may wish to take with you to your practitioner, and practical suggestions regarding labor/birth preparations. I offer unlimited phone/email contact while you are pregnant and after your baby is born. Once your labor begins, I will remind you of breathing, labor massage, and positions for maximum comfort by phone. I will join you in your home when you feel you'd like me to be there. I will continue support in your home during active labor and will make suggestions on timing for transfer to hospital/birth center where I provide continuous support, education and reminders of birth options throughout your labor and delivery. I will remain with you for 1-2 hours after your baby is born, assist with breastfeeding if you wish, follow-up with you in your home within three days, and again after the first week.

“You reinforced my sense of inner strength and power and grace. You guided me when I felt lost.” — Devi

“Whenever we think of an angel, your name comes to mind! You have our greatest admiration...Thank you.” — Clive

“I sing your praises to all of my friends!” — Michael

“You were 100% present, focused, and calm in the long hours of labor. I could not have done it without you.” — Sarah

Fee: $1,000.00
50% due upon signing of contract
50% due two weeks before your due date

Fee schedule may be adjusted to accommodate ease of payment.

Private Prenatal Education

Tight for time?
Confined to bedrest for the remainder of your pregnancy?
Too tired to go out again after a long day’s work?
Interested in taking small group classes with friends in the comfort of your home?

I offer private or small group prenatal education in your home, on your schedule. Your life is busy and your time is precious. Sometimes having an educator come to you will work best with your life needs.

I have an eclectic non-judgmental style of teaching “what to expect” based on what I have seen work at the over 350 births I have attended as a doula. Classes cover basic anatomy and physiology, pre-labor signs, and how to make decisions that will allow you to follow your own path to birth in your unique way. You will learn how to make your home a peaceful “laboring space” as we practice comfort measures, massage options, labor positions, partner support, breathing and sound techniques. Decision-making, variations, medications, complications and technology will also be discussed, as well as the creation and use of a birth plan should you wish to create one to share with your practitioners. Books and videos/DVDs available for loan. Classes are suitable for those birthing at home, in hospital or birth center.

Private classes are held either in three meetings of approximately 2-2½ hours each, or two classes of approximately 3-3½ hours each, depending on your schedule and mine. Classes with more than one couple should plan to add a little more time each session for discussion and questions. Length of classes is approximate, as my work is not complete until your questions are answered and you feel inspired, confident and ready for labor!

Private prenatal series in your home: $225
Two or more couples: $200/couple

Fees are due in full at the first class session.
I suggest classes be scheduled your seventh or early in your eighth month of pregnancy. To allow you to choose the best dates to suit you, please contact me in your sixth month of pregnancy at the latest.

Experience

I have been a doula and childbirth educator for almost 20 years and I am the founder and former director of Blossom Birth Services in Palo Alto. Having supported over 350 women and their partners, I still feel honored to be a part of each miraculous birth. I believe that my unconditional support for women and their partners can make a significant difference towards creating a calm, safe environment that enhances confidence and creates a more relaxed atmosphere for optimum clarity and comfort.

I have trained dozens of Bay Area doulas through my DONA certified doula trainings offered at Blossom Birth Services.