Website: www.birthingmothers.com Phone: (207) 236-4766 Type of Practice: Solo practice Clients per Month: to 2 births and to 2 postpartum families Birth and Postpartum Doula Birth Doula Experience: 5 years and 14 births attended Postpartum Doula Experience: 2 years and 3 families served Area of practice: Camden, ME Travel range: 75 miles Travel comments/restrictions: If you are a VBAC Mom and find yourself outside my stated radius, please call. I am willing to make exceptions for exceptional situations. Languages spoken: English
Specific certifications for the above:
Childbirth Educator Certifications
ALACE (Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators)
Lamaze International
Specialized training or previous experience:
Teens
VBAC
Home Birth
Multiples
Twins
High risk
Cesarean birth
Waterbirth
Special services available:
Mother blessing celebrations
Cloth diapering education
Parenting consulting
Babywearing education
Pregnancy, birth and/or newborn photography
Attends hospital births? All Hospitals I have had very positive hospital experiences and work to develop positive relationships with the medical staff. Both of my older children were born in hospitals and I am quite comfortable in this setting. My goal is to create a safe and warm space for the mother to birth despite the often sterile surroundings. Attends birth center births? All Birth Centers There are not currently any birth centers in our area, though I would be willing to attend a birth center birth if one existed. Attends home births? Any Home Birth Having given birth to my youngest child at home, I am quite comfortable with both the theory and reality of birthing at home.
Birth doula fee: $350 Postpartum doula hourly rate: $20 Fee details: While I have a set rate for both birth and postpartum work, I strongly believe that every women deserves support. As such, I am willing to discuss a sliding scale as well as bartering and trade options. If you are interested in my services yet feel my fees are out of reach for you and your family, please call or e-mail me to discuss the options.
Client Testimonials for Leah Kohlstrom
Jamie Ravelli
Leah’s calm nature, warm heart and passion for childbirth were few of the many reasons why we chose her to be our birth Doula. Having three children of her own, she has a vast knowledge of pregnancy, labor and birth. During pregnancy, Leah diplomatically discussed birth options as we created a birth plan, without imposing her own itinerary. With her knowledge and wisdom, Leah assisted in alleviating our anxieties about the birth process. She instilled feelings of confidence, joy and anticipation.
Leah was a tremendous help before, during and after labor. During labor, she was with me the entire time, holding my hand, providing soothing massage techniques, ensuring I was well hydrated, and coaching me on timing and force of breathing. In addition to providing comfort measures during the labor, she was able to communicate my desires with the medical staff. This allowed me to fully focus on birthing my bundle of joy! She was as much help to me as she was to my husband, working to encourage him as my primary coach and support.
Leah provided a post-natal visit, assisting me with swaddling and baby wearing techniques. She even brought us a meal and washed our dishes! Following the birth, she has been a strong resource and source of encouragement for me with breastfeeding. Leah superseded our expectations of her role as a Doula, and we would highly recommend her services. She is not only an amazing person, but an incredible Doula!
Leah’s calm nature, warm heart and passion for childbirth were few of the many reasons why we chose her to be our birth Doula. Having three children of her own, she has a vast knowledge of pregnancy, labor and birth. During pregnancy, Leah diplomatically discussed birth options as we created a birth plan, without imposing her own itinerary. With her knowledge and wisdom, Leah assisted in alleviating our anxieties about the birth process. She instilled feelings of confidence, joy and anticipation.
Leah was a tremendous help before, during and after labor. During labor, she was with me the entire time, holding my hand, providing soothing massage techniques, ensuring I was well hydrated, and coaching me on timing and force of breathing. In addition to providing comfort measures during the labor, she was able to communicate my desires with the medical staff. This allowed me to fully focus on birthing my bundle of joy! She was as much help to me as she was to my husband, working to encourage him as my primary coach and support.
Leah provided a post-natal visit, assisting me with swaddling and baby wearing techniques. She even brought us a meal and washed our dishes! Following the birth, she has been a strong resource and source of encouragement for me with breastfeeding. Leah superseded our expectations of her role as a Doula, and we would highly recommend her services. She is not only an amazing person, but an incredible Doula!