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What We Provide
Doulas of Capitol Hill offers a variety of services to support you at each stage of bringing a new baby into your home.
As you select your doula services we encourage you to consider our concierge services. These offerings relieve the stress of having to search for additional providers. Instead, Doulas of Capitol Hill becomes your single point of contact to support your efforts to prepare for your new baby.
Preconception and Fertility Doula Services
A preconception doula is a source of support and information for those who are considering having a baby, have been trying to conceive, are undergoing fertility treatments, expect to have a loss or termination, or have or will experienced a loss and need support with the emotions and challenges.
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Our preconception and fertility doulas provide comfort and support for those looking to add a new baby to their family.
Our services include fertility planning sessions, preconception massage, accompanying you to fertility appointments, and on-call phone, text, or video consultation support.
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Get on-call phone and text support specifically during the first trimester of your pregnancy to make sure all your questions are answered about being newly pregnant.
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There is more than one way to become a parent.
Doulas are not just for those birthing a baby. Doulas of Capitol Hill provides consistent, reliable support for the transition into parenthood - whether that be for a woman placing her baby with a new family, carrying another family's child, or for any family welcoming a new child into their home.
Our goal is to help ensure a smooth transition for the birthing person, the baby, and the intended parents or adoptive family.
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One in four parents are impacted by a loss during pregnancy. Doulas of Capitol Hill is committed to supporting parents in all stages of pregnancy including unexpected and expected loss and miscarriage.
Should an existing client experience an unexpected loss or miscarriage during the time of our service will refund your payment in full, while still continuing to provide contracted services, emotional and physical support, and resources.
Sometimes people seek doula support for an expected loss or stillbirth and for these clients some of our providers are trained to support clients through the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience.
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An abortion doulas role is entirely non-medical, physical support, emotional support, and informational support. We are committed to supporting our clients to safe and legal abortion in a continuously changing political landscape. We are not abortion-health care providers, but we are committed to holding space for abortion as healthcare for those who want or need one, within our non-medical scope of practice. Learn more in our pricing and service magazine.
You may also be interested in;
Childbirth Education Classes, Massage, Personal Chef, Personal Shopper, Unexpected Loss Guarantee
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“She cared for our daughter and was extremely attentive and compassionate. She also provided tips and suggestions along the way re: feedings, sleep tweaks, etc. that were incredibly helpful as new parents! She checked in often, even on days when she was not "on duty", and we appreciated her thoughtfulness and approach to care.”
- Erica M.
Concierge Pregnancy Services
Being pregnant is a one-of-a-kind experience for every new parent. Our doulas are there to support you from the start of your pregnancy all the way through labor and birth with a wealth of information, resources, and hands on help as you navigate questions about your changing body and the emotional highs and lows as you prepare for the birth of your new baby.
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Get on-call phone and text support specifically during the first trimester of your pregnancy to make sure all your questions are answered about being newly pregnant.
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Are you experiencing medical concerns or need extra mental health and wellness support during your pregnancy?
Our antepartum doula is an expert in providing in-home care, understanding, and help to expecting parents that are having unexpected complications, have been placed on bedrest, or need expert guidance to navigate the pregnancy.
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Our education classes are judgment-free discussions that are offered as a private class. 5 classes are available exclusively to our doula clients: Childbirth Education, Birthing and Breathing, VBAC and Cesarean, Newborn Care 101, and Lactation/Infant Feeding Basics.
Interested in a group setting? Check out our sister company, Doulas of Prince George’s County!
Childbirth Education Class
Our childbirth classes are judgment-free discussions of all labor and delivery scenarios, Class covers anatomy and physiology, common interventions, and coping methods. Our goal is to help you feel prepared for whatever situation you choose or that may arise. Classes will include hands-on activities, relaxation methods, and practice exercises, designed specifically for labor and delivery all in the comfort of your home or taught virtually by a certified childbirth educator.
Birthing and Breathing
Our certified hypnobirthing instructor uses mindfulness, affirmations, and visualization to create a calm and peaceful pregnancy and birth experience. During Birthing and Breathing you will learn breathing techniques for the different stages of labor that can be used in a solo birth experience, with your doula, or with your birth partner.
VBAC or Cesarean
A two-hour private class for those considering either c-section or VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). A deep dive into the benefits and risks of each option, so that you can be empowered for a positive experience and make the choice that is right for you.
Newborn Care 101
In this hands-on class, we cover everything you need to know from the moment your baby is born through the first two weeks of life. We work with you to feel fully prepared to swaddle, diaper, and soothe your newborn and so many other newborn care needs. We give you helpful tips on self-care for optimal healing, as well. This class teaches you not just a few survival tips but will empower you to thrive as new parents.
Lactation/Infant Feeding Basics
Our Certified Lactation Educator or Counselor will help parents feel educated and supported in breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Learn about the anatomy and physiology of breast milk production, latching the baby on, and know what to expect in the first few days and weeks after birth. If you are planning to bottle feed we’ll help you understand how to help your new baby adjust to the bottle nipple, as well as tips and tricks to make sure they are feeding successfully. You’ll leave our class ready for feeding success and know who to reach out to if questions or issues arise.
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Let us take one thing off your plate and make life run more smoothly with an experienced in-home chef to create a boutique gourmet meal experience for you and your family.
We know being a full-time new parent is work. Shopping, cooking, and cleaning are all taken care of with a menu you feel good about.
Book our personal family chef to prepare you delicious, healthy meals that reflect your family food preferences.
Personal chef packages can be booked for date night or a special occasion, bulk meal preparation, cooking demonstrations, baby food preparation, a 3-day juice and smoothie reboot, herbal tea blends, and more!
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We offer pre and post-natal massage to reduce your stress levels, aid in pain management and recovery from physical changes or birth, and provide mental wellness and self-care.
During pregnancy, your body changes can result in back, hip, and joint pain, decreased mobility, mood changes, and sleep quality.
Birthing is an exhausting endeavor, using many major muscle groups and requiring physical and emotional stamina.
And, once the baby arrives, you’ll spend a great deal of time catering to the needs of your new addition. We’ve learned that new parents often tend to overlook their own health and wellness.
Our massage packages will reduce stress levels, aid in physical recovery from birth, and help you manage self-care all from the comfort of your living room with your baby close by. Choose one of our three packages :
-Prenatal Massage
-Wellness Massage
-Postpartum Massage
Or contact us to book an a la carte one-hour massage experience.
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Capture that pregnancy “glow” with creativity and style when you book a maternity photo session.
Our photographer will make sure you feel beautiful as you showcase your pregnancy “bump” and the new life your body is working so hard to grow.
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Need assistance knowing what to buy before your new baby arrives?
Our pregnancy and newborn expert will help curate a baby shower registry, nursery shopping list, and all the must-have items from your favorite stores.
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Our nationally Certified Child Passenger Technician (CPST provides guidance on the safety and installation of a car seat for your new baby.
The technician will come to your home, discuss seat choices, offer guidance on if a previously owned seat is still ok to use, and teach you how to install the seat properly in your vehicle.
No question about your infant’s safe travel in your vehicle will go unanswered.
You may also be interested in;
Birth Doula, Virtual Birth Doula, Sibling Doula, Postpartum Doula, Night Nanny, Lactation and Breastfeeding
Sibling Doula, Birthing Tool Rentals, Placenta Encapsulation, Gold Cord Keepsake, Birth Story Photography, Baby Wearing, Adoption and Surrogacy, Unexpected Loss Guarantee
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“We really valued the partnership and support of Capitol Hill Doulas during the infant stage, as new parents on the Hill.”
Labor and Birth Doula Services
Our labor and birth doulas are focused on supporting you through the labor and birth of your new baby so you never feel alone. We do not replace your birth partner, but instead, offer support, remind you to ask important questions to your medical team, and take care of your emotional well-being allowing your birth partner and you to focus on the birth experience and welcoming your new baby into the world.
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Our birth doulas want to make sure you are prepared and comfortable with the labor and birth experience.
We start by educating expectant parents on the labor process and help them understand what they need to be prepared for no matter what kind of birth they choose — epidural, unmedicated, or cesarean.
Your doula will assist you in preparing a birth plan and help you navigate the many options you have for birthing tools.
During labor, our doulas provide assistance with breathing, relaxation, movement, and positioning to provide the most comfortable birth experience possible.
A postpartum visit is available if desired to discuss common postpartum concerns and debrief your birth experience.
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During this uncertain time, some hospitals are limiting support visitors.
Virtual doula support offers services such as pre-birth planning sessions, partner technique workshops,
Livestream or virtual phone and video check-ins on the day of birth and postpartum follow-up or lactation consultation.
Our virtual services are evidence-based care for a safer, more informed and emotionally supported birth experience.
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Our sibling doulas provide peace of mind that a knowledgeable, caring, and experienced caregiver is available to be with your older children at the time of your labor.
Sibling doulas are prepared to answer any questions your child may have and are ready to attend to your child at home or at the hospital in any capacity that is needed during your labor and birth experience.
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Are you interested in labor and birth-related tools that can help manage pain without the use of medication? We offer a variety of rentals to aid in your labor and birth experience.
Birth Pool
Laboring in water contributes to lowering blood pressure, reducing pain sensations, and promoting relaxation which can lead to shorter labors.
Doulas of Capitol Hill offer a Birth Pool in a Box and a La Bassine, both available packaged with required accessories or with the option to purchase the accessories independently.
TENS Unit
A portable tool made specifically for labor and birth that releases safe electrical stimulation and aids in pain relief.
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Four small pads are placed on your back that connect to a handheld machine. In theory, the mild electrical pulses create an ‘access’ gate for pain stimulation, effectively blocking the pain from reaching the brain as quickly or forcefully. The stimulation releases endorphins, provide physical distraction, and offers the choice to control something during labor, which often can provide emotional distraction as well.
Birth Stool
A birth stool accommodates various positions during the labor and birth experience.
It is designed to be used in any way that is comfortable and effective for you, including sitting alone, with a partner, or even in the water.
Doulas of Capitol Hill rents a Kaya Birth Stool because of its research-based design and portability.
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Lactation support is recommended for all new families if breastfeeding is a part of your feeding plan.
We provide both a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to provide timely, sensitive, and up-to-date best practices to guide new parents and babies through the first days of the nursing relationship and tackle long term obstacles by
—> Coming to your home to meet you
—> Listening to your birth story to get an initial assessment of your needs
—> Creating a feeding plan that promotes growth for your infant and your milk supply
The goal of our specialists is to help you find a feeding balance that works for your family; this may or may not include breastfeeding, pumping, or formula feeding.
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Placenta encapsulation is the act of preparing the placenta into a powder, then placing the powder into capsules for the woman to consume.
Though double-blind studies have not been performed, it is believed ingesting placenta has many benefits. It has the potential to help lessen the risk of ‘baby blues’ and postpartum depression.
It is thought to replenish iron, lend a consistent flow of oxytocin, and help establish an early and healthy milk supply. It can also potentially stabilize ever-changing hormones post-birth, replenish your B vitamins and energy lost during birthing, and provide natural pain relief.
Quality standards are just as important as safety! All of our encapsulators have been professionally trained and undergone blood-borne pathogens training as well as medical courier training.
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This 24k gold umbilical cord keepsake is a timeless way to remember the connection between mother and child, the start of a new chapter, and a visual reminder of a precious love between parent and child.
First, the umbilical cord is cleaned and dehydrated into a fixed shape such as a heart shape or the word "Love." Parents may also choose to have a first initial. Then, the dehydrated cord is coated in metallic paint after which a 24 karat gold coating is applied.
Once dried, the gold cord keepsake is added to a shadow box with space to add other keepsake and remembrance items such as the hospital bracelet, hat worn by your newborn, or footprints.
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Capture your birth story in pictures. Our birth photographer, Brenda, is trained to work in low lighting and experienced in navigating a delivery room to capture moments that you might otherwise miss.
On-call for you from the start to end of active labor, our photographers will make sure you have photos of your labor, birth, and postpartum experience.
Don’t miss out on a beautifully captured image of the first moment you meet your baby, your partner cutting the cord, or the joy of meeting your new baby and celebrating your brand-new family.
You may also be interested in;
Childbirth, Lactation, Birthing and Breathing or Newborn Education Classes, Postpartum Doula, Night Nanny, Personal Chef, Newborn Photography, Babywearing Education, Car Seat Installation and Education, Doulas of Capitol Hill Community Meet and Greets
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61d07edf34d7f96c9cd8b9b9/d064324e-b672-427e-886b-119b2239acf0/pexels-polina-tankilevitch-3875276.jpg)
“I can't imagine not having Jacquelin in our corner (literally on a laptop) helping to guide us on our journey to becoming parents of two beautiful boys!”
- Alicia H.
Postpartum Services
There are few times in your life that you will have time off from your career. Our doulas will assist with baby care, family adjustment, meal preparation, and light household tasks as you take time to bond with your infant, and build confidence in your parenting choices and style.
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Our doulas help new parents cope with all of your new baby’s newborn care. We provide information and hands-on assistance on infant feeding, lactation, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing, bathing, diapering, swaddling, sleeping and so many more firsts that you will experience with your child.
A postpartum doula understands the intensity of having a newborn in your home and is there to support the whole family through this exciting and exhausting time day or night!
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Our Newborn Care Specialists also called a night nanny or night nurse are experienced and ready to care for your infant through the night hours to allow you to get some much sleep, provide time for postpartum healing, and maintain the mental health and wellness of new parents.
You’ll receive expert newborn care with our Newborn Care Specialists. They handle all swaddling, soothing, diaper changes, and feedings based on your family’s newborn care plan.
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Lactation support is recommended for all new families if breastfeeding is a part of your feeding plan.
We provide both a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to provide timely, sensitive, and up-to-date best practices to guide new parents and babies through the first days of the nursing relationship and tackle long term obstacles by
—> Coming to your home to meet you
—> Listening to your birth story to get an initial assessment of your needs
—> Creating a feeding plan that promotes growth for your infant and your milk supply
The goal of our specialists is to help you find a feeding balance that works for your family; this may or may not include breastfeeding, pumping, or formula feeding.
-
Let us take one thing off your plate and make life run more smoothly with an experienced in-home chef to create a boutique gourmet meal experience for you and your family.
We know being a full-time new parent is work. Shopping, cooking, and cleaning are all taken care of with a menu you feel good about.
Book our personal family chef to prepare you delicious, healthy meals that reflect your family food preferences.
Personal chef packages can be booked for date night or a special occasion, bulk meal preparation, cooking demonstrations, baby food preparation, a 3-day juice and smoothie reboot, herbal tea blends and more!
-
Create a stronger bond with your baby with babywearing. There are many styles of carriers for new parents to choose from. How do you know what is going to work best for you?
We bring a variety of carriers to your home so you have hands-on experience in what will work best for you, your partner, and your new baby.
Test the fit, structure, and comfort before you purchase your own, or let us show you all the options for the baby carrier you already own.
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Our nationally Certified Child Passenger Technician (CPST provides guidance on the safety and installation of a car seat for your new baby.
The technician will come to your home, discuss seat choices, offer guidance on if a previously owned seat is still ok to use, and teach you how to install the seat properly in your vehicle.
No question about your infant’s safe travel in your vehicle will go unanswered.
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Capture the fleeting newness of your beautiful baby with a newborn photo session. Our photographer Brenda, is skilled at capturing the love and connection between you and your child.
Schedule for special moments like bringing your baby home, their first bath, or a posed shoot capturing the timeless beauty of your child.
We recommend that newborn photography be scheduled in the first 10 days after birth.
You may also be interested in;
Doulas of Capitol Hill Meet and Greets, Adoption and Surrogacy, Unexpected Loss Guarantee
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"She was a great resource leading up to the birth of our daughter and helped my husband and I to prepare for what to expect and how to establish and articulate my goals for our birth experience."
- Caroline W
Unexpected Loss Guarantee
One in four parents are impacted by a loss during pregnancy. Doulas of Capitol Hill is committed to supporting parents in all stages of pregnancy including unexpected loss miscarriage.
Should you experience an unexpected loss or miscarriage during the time of our service will refund your payment in full, while still continuing to provide contracted services, emotional and physical support, and resources.
Aspiring Doulas and Mentorship
With decades of experience working with pregnant and new families, owner/founder Emily Smith shares her experience and expertise to aspiring doulas.
Book an Aspiring Doula 101 + 30-minute mentoring call to explore the many pathways to a passion-filled career as a birth or postpartum doula.
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DISCOVER YOUR COMMUNITY
One of the biggest shocks of new parenthood is a sudden change in roles from business professional to stay-at-home parent, even if just for the first 12 weeks. Often, our new parents find themselves feeling isolated and exhausted which are two factors that can contribute to postpartum depression.
We’ve built a community of support that offers a place to meet other new parents through a private social network, monthly meet and greets, or quarterly social gatherings.
We’ll direct you to brands we love, local businesses that can support new parent needs, Find local businesses that support new parents, and virtual communities that offer specialized support for your family’s unique needs.