Freedom!

Happy Friday Mommys!

I seem to always update on Fridays :)

I have officially stopped working full-time to free up my schedule for more doula clients & birthwork! I am very excited to start this new adventure and my work with, Metropolitan Doulas http://www.metropolitandoulas.com/faq.html!

You all can NOW request my postpartum doula services through this wonderful agency or contact me for information (ashleeabney@gmail.com; 571-242-3199). I will still be excepting birth clients, but only taking one per month, starting this month. If you have already contacted me for services and have signed a contract, this does not apply.

My availability as of 10/2/2015 for birth services:

October: Open                                      January: Booked

November: Open                                  February: Opened

December: Booked

Going forward, I will also update my availability weekly. If you would like more information on my services, I am also listed on http://doulamatch.net/

Many Blessings :)
Ashlee

August Birth(s) Completed & October Space Opening!

Happy Friday Mommies!

Another awesome birth under my belt a week ago! Very happy to welcome another life into this world and share a very special moment with a wonderful family! Baby & Mommy are doing wonderful!

Now that August is coming to an end, I want to update everyone on my current availability :)

October: OPEN (I have one mommy signing our contract tomorrow but I am willing to take on ONE more. Please call, text or email if interested!)

November: Open

December: Closed


Reminder: I will be joining Metropolitan Doulas, October 1st and will be providing postpartum doula services! I am very excited to be joining their team! You can NOW request me for postpartum doula services by completing a contact form on their website, and choosing Ashlee as your doula.

http://www.metropolitandoulas.com/contact-us.html

You can also check my bio information on their website as well

http://www.metropolitandoulas.com/ashlee.html

Happy Friday & Enjoy the Weekend All

Availability Update

Availability Update

 

 

Happy August Mommies!!

 

 

It has been a very busy month for God's Gift!

 

From new clients to registration for Postpartum Doula Training! That's right, in September, I will be embarking on the wonderful journey of Postpartum Birth Work and I am extremely excited!

 

This will mean that my services will change a bit in what I offer, but also means I have MORE availability! I plan to join Metropolitan Doulas (http://www.metropolitandoulas.com/faq.html), a wonderful organization that serves mommies in Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas. As a contractor with their organization, I will provide Postpartum services in Woodbridge, Manassas, Stafford, Alexandria, Arlington & Washington, D.C. I plan to start after training in September, so hopefully by October 1, 2015. I will keep you all posted!! The goal is offer both Birth Doula Services & (Contracted) Postpartum Doula Services. H

 

 

Current Availability for Birth Doula Services, here is my updated scheduled with openings:

 

 

September-Booked

 

October- Booked

 

November-OPEN

 

December-OPEN

 

 

Also if you are birthing in Washington, D.C., I now have a back-up doula and will be willing to coordinate your birth services! I will continue to post my availability, as my schedules change. Please call, text or email for up to date information!!!

 

(571) 242-3199,  ashleeabney@gmail.com

 

 

If delivering in 2016, please contact me and discuss the 2016 schedule :)

Summer Availablity

Since receiving Birth Doula training with DONA International, booking appointments has been continuous!

If you find yourself in search of Doula Services with God's Gift Support Services, here is my current availability:

August 2015- Booked

September 2015-Booked

October 2015- Opened

November 2015-Opened

December 2015: Booked


Please do not let this discourage you, I am more then happy to arrange an appointment for you with colleagues in the area. Simply contact me and I would be happy to refer you!

If your interested in availability for 2016, please contact me! As always, first come first serve.

Additionally, if your income is a barrier, I am OPEN to set up a payment plan or provide reduce rates. EVERY WOMEN DESERVES A DOULA.

Many Blessings!

A. Abney

Happy July 4th Preggos!

Its been a while since I have posted due to getting so much interest in "God's Gift Support Services"! Truly thankful for all of the prospective client interest and can happily say that I am booked for August and December 2015!

My goal is to only take 1-2 clients per month to make sure I spend enough time with each mommy. In September, I will be embarking on Postpartum Doula Training to add to the list of services provided here at "God's Gift Support Services."

I have gone back and forth regarding Midwifery school. It is a lot to consider financial, and time wise within my husband and I's life. I do have faith that the Lord will reveal what His plans are for us in that respect.

But of course, make sure you all are out celebrating this great nation! Happy 4th!!

What are the advantages of having a birth doula?

A doula helps you before labor and delivery by answering your questions about what to expect, easing your fears, helping you develop a birth plan, and generally getting you ready for the arrival of your baby.

Birth Plan Worksheet

Learn about your options for labor, birth, and after, and make your wishes clear.

During labor and delivery, a doula provides constant, knowledgeable support. She can make suggestions about positions during labor, help you with breathing through contractions, and provide massage. She can also answer questions you and your partner have about what's happening.

It's impossible to predict or control how birth and labor will go. Will you connect emotionally with your labor and delivery nurse, and will she have time for you? How will you react to the pain? Will you have a swift delivery or a long, drawn-out labor? How will your husband or partner hold up under the pressure?

Faced with these uncertainties, many women find enormous reassurance in having a doula by their side. Research has found that women who have continuous one-on-one support during labor tend to use pain medication less often, have slightly shorter labors, and are less likely to have a c-section or a forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery.  In fact, if you're serious about trying to give birth without pain medication, a doula may be your best ally.

Women who have continuous support are also more likely to report being satisfied with their birth experience. One theory is that mothers who have continuous support produce lower levels of stress hormones during labor than women left alone or attended by inexperienced coaches.

If you’re seeing a midwife in a low-volume hospital practice, or planning to give birth at a birth center or at home, you’re likely to have continuous one-on-one support from your midwife.

If you have your baby at a hospital, it's likely to be a different story -- and hiring a doula may be the only way to make sure an experienced coach will be with you throughout labor.

In a typical hospital setting, doctors and some midwives don't stay in the room with you continuously during labor. Labor-and-delivery nurses often have to split their time between several patients, and they come and go according to their shifts.

http://www.babycenter.com/0_doulas-should-you-hire-a-labor-coach_480.bc

Services & Availability

Student Doula Services

As a Student Doula with training from the international organization DONA, I offer affordable rates to allow every woman the opportunity to receive support and Doula services.

Support Package includes:

Initial Consultations

This intimate meet up is free! This will allow us time to review the service contract, your needs for services and determine if I am the right fit for your growing family! As a social worker, planning and goal setting is my specialty!

 (3) Prenatal Visits

During these visits, I will meet with you and your partner, one on one to review early labor, comfort measures, birthing plans, pregnancy health, postpartum plan and doula expectations.

24 hour/ 7day a week on-call via phone, email, and text (starting at 36 weeks)

Labor Support

Unlike most providers of labor support, I provide assistance in Early Labor! Depending on your family's needs, I can meet you at home to assist with your early labor until you are ready to deliver.

(2) Postpartum Visits at Home

This visit at home will allow you the opportunity to receive assistance with latching for breastfeeding, questions on your healing process, referrals for postpartum health, and a chance to review your amazing birth story.

On the very first visit, I will assist with providing a meal for you and your family, PLUS assisting with any lite housework that is needed.

Pricing

$600

A deposit of half will be due upon contract signing and the remainder due at second prenatal visit. If for any reason you would like to cancel services, a refund for initial deposit will not be provided. I do provide pro bono services for families unable to pay fees, if you are in need of this service, please contact me with information on your reason for need. All woman have the right and need to have Doula Support! 

Availability

OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

I will not take more then 3-4 births per month.
Please email me ashleeabney@gmail.com for information or call at (571)-242-3199.