Minneapolis + St. Paul, MN
763-363-2511
Minneapolis & Saint Paul Birth Doulas
Learn more about last minute openings for October and November 2023 below.
Minneapolis & Saint Paul Birth Doulas
Inclusive & Informed Birth Doula Services for Families who want Unparalleled Support
without Judgment or Overwhelm.
Inclusive & Informed Birth Doula Services for Families who want Unparalleled Support without Judgment or Overwhelm.
Do any of these sound familiar?
Social and reproductive justice are important to you. You want a doula who will advocate for your right to pursue the full spectrum of options related to your body, your birth, and your baby.
Whether or not you intend to use pain medication, you want to use tools like movement, breath, and relaxation to stay calm and present.
You're a planner who wishes you had time to take all the classes and read all the books, but you're doing your best to release expectation and go with the flow.
You want a doula who is mental health and trauma-informed after experiencing fertility challenges, loss, past birth trauma, anxiety, or depression.
You're just a big-feels type of person and want some additional emotional support as you navigate big decisions and big change...
Do any of these sound familiar?
- Social and reproductive justice are important to you. You want doulas who advocate for your right to pursue the full spectrum of options related to your body, your birth, and your baby.
- Whether or not you intend to use pain medication, you want to use tools like movement, breath, and relaxation to stay calm and present.
- You're a planner who wishes you had time to take all the classes and read all the books, but you're doing your best to release expectation and go with the flow.
- You want doulas who are mental health and trauma-informed after experiencing fertility treatments, loss, past birth trauma, anxiety, or depression.
- You're just a big-feels type of person and want some additional emotional support as you navigate big decisions and big change...
Welcome! I'm Jillian, and I'm so glad you're here.
My greatest desire is to support clients through life's biggest moments -- the most beautiful and the most challenging (hint: in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum they are often one and the same!)
I have a long history of supporting women and families on both personal and political levels, but I began my professional journey into the field of birthwork in 2018 where I found a home specializing in supporting clients who desire high-touch relational support. Since then, I have attended nearly 100 births with countless different locations, preferences, and outcomes.
Although it’s only one day in the long journey of parenthood, birth stories stick with us for life because they expose everything about what it means to be human. Vulnerability. Strength. Fear. Joy. Courage. Connection. Love…
Birth is a miracle every single time, no matter how it happens. And birth is hard every single time, no matter how it happens. You deserve to be held and supported fully, so that you can look back on your unique birth story with power, love, and awe; with a strengthened belief in yourself and a deeper reverence for your body, heart, and mind.
That is why supporting your decisions unconditionally is the foundational belief upon which MSP Doulas was built. We are humbled and honored to be able to do this work alongside you, and we hope to have the opportunity to talk more with you soon.
My greatest desire is to support clients through life's biggest moments -- the most beautiful and the most challenging (hint: in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum they are often one and the same!)
I have a long history of supporting women and families on both personal and political levels, but I began my professional journey into the field of birthwork in 2018 where I found a home specializing in supporting clients who desire high-touch relational support. Since then, I have attended nearly 100 births with countless different locations, preferences, and outcomes.
Although it’s only one day in the long journey of parenthood, birth stories stick with us for life because they expose everything about what it means to be human. Vulnerability. Strength. Fear. Joy. Courage. Connection. Love…
Birth is a miracle every single time, no matter how it happens. And birth is hard every single time, no matter how it happens. You deserve to be held and supported fully, so that you can look back on your unique birth story with power, love, and awe; with a strengthened belief in yourself and a deeper reverence for your body, heart, and mind.
That is why supporting your decisions unconditionally is the foundational belief upon which MSP Doulas was built. We are humbled and honored to be able to do this work alongside you, and we hope to have the opportunity to talk more with you soon.
I've trained and/or certified with organizations including, but not limited to...
Benefits of Birth Doula Support
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
All Birth Doula Services Include...
Ready to chat?
Book your free consult!
Last Minute Openings
Once in a while, life allows me to open up last minute spots for birth doula support. If you have an estimated due date in October or November 2023, I have two spots available. Because of the abbreviated timeline, the Essentials Package for unexpected openings includes one 2-hour prenatal visit, continuous labor support, and one postpartum follow up visit for $1500.
Birth Doula Packages & Pricing
MSP Doulas offers two different packages to meet diverse family needs. The comprehensive package is a great fit for families who are looking for birth doula services alone, while the comprehensive package also includes private, in-home perinatal education.
Package Name
On-Call Availability 24/7
The Experience and Expertise of a Professional Doula
Three 90-Minute Prenatal Meetings
Curated, Evidence-Based Resource Library
Templates, Worksheets, and Step-By-Step Guides
Continuous Labor Support
First Moment Photographs
Follow Up Visit: Birth Story Debrief
Unlimited Phone, Text, and Email Support
Birth Education Basics Private In-Home Class
Lactation and Newborn Care Combo Private In-Home Class
Comprehensive
a
a
Premium
$1850
$2350
*learn more about private, in-home perinatal education
Birth Doula Packages & Pricing
MSP Doulas offers two different packages to meet diverse family needs. The comprehensive package is a great fit for families who are looking for birth doula services alone, while the premium package also includes private, in-home perinatal education.
The Comprehensive Package
On-Call Availability 24/7
The Experience and Expertise of a Professional Doula
Three 90-Minute Prenatal Meetings
Curated, Evidence-Based Resource Library
Templates, Worksheets, and Step-By-Step Guides
Continuous Labor Support
First Moment Photographs
Follow Up PP Visit: Birth Story Debrief
Unlimited Phone, Text, and Email Support
$1850
The Premium Package Also Includes
Birth Education Basics Private In-Home Class
Lactation and Newborn Care Combo Private In-Home Class
$2350
*learn more about private, in-home perinatal education
Prenatal and Postpartum Visit Topics
While we have lots of great content to go over in prenatal visits, the number one goal is always to focus on building a connection with clients. We want to get to know your story, your values, and your motivations -- we want to know you! On the day of your labor, we will be the only professionals whose sole job is to focus on your mental and emotional wellbeing... to make sure you are seen, heard, and valued. Of course we have tried and true tips and tricks for labor comfort and progress, but forming a warm and trusting relationship is foundational.
In Prenatal One, meet with Jillian and to explore your full spectrum of options and pinpoint your priorities. We'll talk about embodied consent, your communication style, and shared decision making with your medical team.
In Prenatal Two, you will have the chance to practice hands-on comfort measures for medicated or unmedicated birth and learn some basic exercises to prepare your body for more comfort and ease.
In Prenatal Three, you will identify your expectations for the transition home and draft a strengths-based postpartum plan. Explore topics like your support system, physical postpartum healing, postpartum mental health for the whole family, and infant feeding.
Your Birth Story Debrief is a 30-45 minute follow-up visit with the doula who attended your birth. You'll have the opportunity to process significant events from your birth-day. We'll also make any necessary referrals and celebrate your strength, resilience, and courage!
Prenatal and Postpartum Visit Topics
While we have plenty of great content to go over in prenatal visits, the number one goal is always to focus on building a connection with clients. We want to get to know your story, your values, and your motivations -- we want to know you! On the day of your birth, we will be the only professionals whose sole job is to focus on your mental and emotional wellbeing. To make sure you are seen, heard, and valued. Of course we have tried and true tips and tricks for labor comfort and progress, but forming a warm and trusting relationship is foundational.
In Prenatal One, we explore your full spectrum of options and pinpoint your priorities. We'll talk about embodied consent, your communication style, and shared decision making with your medical team.
In Prenatal Two, you will have the chance to practice hands-on comfort measures for medicated or unmedicated birth and learn basic exercise to prepare your body for more comfort and ease.
In Prenatal Three, you will identify your expectations for the transition home and draft a strengths-based "postpartum plan," Explore topics like your support system, physical postpartum healing, mental health, and infant feeding.
Your Birth Story Debrief is a 30-45 minute follow-up visit with the doula who attended your birth. You'll have the opportunity to review the timeline of significant events from your birth day. We'll also make any necessary referrals and celebrate your strength, resilience, and courage!
Do I need a doula if i have a midwife?
Doulas and midwives make a great team, and most midwives will shout from the rooftops that every patient should have a doula! A midwife is your medical care provider. Their primary job is to focus on the clinical aspects of your and your baby's care. In a hospital setting, midwives often take care of many patients simultaneously and are not able to provide continuous support. While your nurse may be more present than a doctor or midwife, studies show that a nurse will spend about 35% of labor in your room and 25% of the time charting. That leaves about 10% of their time to be split between clinical tasks and supporting you emotionally, physically, or informationally.
Your doula will be there with you continuously. They will join you at home, help you develop coping rituals, and provide informational, emotional, and physical support throughout the entirety of your labor.
Does a doula replace my partner?
We firmly believe that, as doulas, we enhance, rather than replace, the role of your partner during labor, and we are here to support both of you with education and emotional support throughout the entire perinatal period. We do this by explaining what to expect, providing reassurance around what is and isn’t normal, and listening if they need to debrief.
Typically, we see that partners want to be involved in physical support during labor, but they aren’t always sure what to do or how to do it. We’re able to make suggestions and demonstrate in real-time so that they feel confident in their ability to support you through labor and birth.
Do I need to take additional classes?
We highly encourage clients to take a comprehensive birth education class, infant feeding/breastfeeding class, and newborn care class. Our prenatal curriculum is focused on the ways you can integrate, personalize, and apply that information to your life, rather than covering the basics. If you've had a baby before or have done extensive research on your own, it may not be necessary, but in general, we do recommend formal classes.
Does a doula replace my partner?
We firmly believe that, as doulas, we enhance, rather than replace, the role of your partner during labor, and we are here to support both of you with education and emotional support throughout the entire perinatal period. We do this by explaining what to expect, providing reassurance around what is and isn’t normal, and listening if they need to debrief.
Typically, we see that partners want to be involved in physical support during labor, but they aren’t always sure what to do or how to do it. We’re able to make suggestions and demonstrate in real-time so that they feel confident in their ability to support you through labor and birth.
Do I need a doula if I have a midwife?
Doulas and midwives make a great team, and most midwives will shout from the rooftops that every patient should have a doula! A midwife is your medical care provider. Their primary job is to focus on the clinical aspects of your and your baby's health, In a hospital setting, midwives often take care of many patients simultaneously and are not able to provide continuous support. While your nurse may be more present than a doctor or midwife, studies show that a nurse will spend about 35% of labor in your room and 25% of the time charting. That leaves about 10% of their time to be split between clinical tasks and supporting you emotionally, physically, or informationally.
Your doula will be there with you continuously. They will join you at home, help you develop coping rituals, and provide informational, emotional, and physical support throughout the entirety of your labor.
What if I have a C-Section?
Believe it or not, many of our clients who end up having a cesarean birth are the MOST effusive in their feedback. Whether planned, unplanned, or emergency, cesarean births require your medical team to focus that much more on their medical tasks (which is, of course, what we want them to do!) Having a doula present, whose job is to provide emotional reassurance and step-by-step information on what to expect is invaluable.
C-sections also tend to be very routine for OBGYNs and nurses, and so having a doula there to help you advocate for family-focused options makes a big impact in your perception and satisfaction.
Finally, doulas in the O/R and recovery rooms can help encourage breastfeeding, if it's a priority for you. For a variety of reasons, breastfeeding can be more difficult after a cesarean (although not impossible!), but there are key things we can do in those first critical hours after birth to start things off on the right foot.
What if I have a C-Section?
Believe it or not, many of our clients who end up having a cesarean birth are the MOST effusive in their feedback. Whether planned, unplanned, or emergency, cesarean births require your medical team to focus that much more on their medical tasks (which is, of course, what we want them to do!) Having a doula present, whose job is to provide emotional reassurance and step-by-step information on what to expect is invaluable.
C-sections also tend to be very routine for OBGYNs and nurses, and so having a doula there to help you advocate for family-focused options makes a big impact in your perception and satisfaction.
Finally, doulas in the O/R and recovery rooms can help encourage breastfeeding, if it's a priority for you. For a variety of reasons, breastfeeding can be more difficult after a cesarean (although not impossible!), but there are key things we can do in those first critical hours after birth to start things off on the right foot.
Do you offer any financial assistance or scholarships? What about insurance?
If you have state sponsored insurance/Medicaid we take clients through Everyday Miracles, a nonprofit organization that works to improve birth outcomes and reduce health disparities by providing evidence- based education, compassionate and culturally aware support and a non-judgmental, caring community.
We also can accept HSA/FSA flex spending or provide you with a receipt to pursue reimbursement from your private health insurance.
We would love to meet you!
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© MSP Doulas - All Rights Reserved - Privacy Policy - Site by Jillian Carpenter - Photographs by Gather Birth Cooperative, The Divine Group, and Birth Becomes Her.