OFFERINGS

Birth offerings:

Birth Support Plan Overview:

Our journey together will include three or four 1.5-hour visits before your birthing time.

These sessions are designed to prepare you physically, mentally, and emotionally for birth. Here’s what you can expect:

Educational Resources & Discussions: We'll review key information tailored to your birth plan, empowering you with knowledge that promotes confidence and calmness. I'll also provide you with educational materials to support your learning.
Physical Techniques for Birth: Together, we will explore and practice various physical techniques that can help during labor, whether you're planning a home or hospital birth. These will be personalized to suit your needs, making sure you feel prepared for any stage of labor.
Emotional Support & Partner Involvement: We’ll identify how you and your partner can best receive emotional support during your birth experience. We'll discuss the role of your partner and me as your doula, ensuring we're aligned with your preferences and priorities.
Navigating Emotional and Mental Barriers: We'll dive into how you typically handle discomfort and fatigue, addressing any emotional or mental barriers that could affect your birth experience. I’ll work closely with you to develop strategies to cope with challenges so you can approach birth peacefully.
Comfort Measures & Birth Preferences: During our third visit, we’ll focus on comfort measures such as breathing techniques, positioning, and other tools that promote relaxation during labor. We’ll also work together to create your birth preferences, ensuring that your voice and choices are respected.
Labor Support: I will provide continuous labor support up to 24 hours, whether you’re birthing at home or in a hospital. In the rare event that I am unavailable, a backup doula will step in to ensure you are fully supported.
Postpartum Follow-Up: After the birth, I’ll visit you during the first or second week for a 2-hour postpartum follow-up session. This will provide space for us to reflect on your birth, answer any questions, and offer additional support as you transition into parenthood.

Cost & Consultation:
The fee for this package includes all educational materials, time spent during our visits, and coverage for on-site services at both hospital and home births. You’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing a backup doula is available if needed. We’ll discuss rates during your free consultation so I can offer you a plan that works best for your needs.

Labor ONLY offering (33 weeks and later):

Last-Minute Labor Support Package:

This offering is ideal for those seeking support closer to their birthing time. It includes two 1.5-hour prenatal visits to familiarize myself with you and your partner/support team. During these visits, I’ll provide educational resources, emotional support, and practical comfort techniques to assist you throughout your labor. We’ll also take time to discuss any concerns or fears you may have and explore how you personally manage discomfort and pain.

When it comes time for labor, I will provide 24-hour support tailored to your needs. Please note, a backup doula is not included in this package.

Cost & Consultation:
The rates for this package will be discussed during your free consultation, where we can explore your unique needs and preferences.

bengkung belly binding:

Bengkung Belly Binding is a traditional postpartum practice that involves wrapping a new mother’s abdomen to provide physical support and promote healing after childbirth. This technique uses a long strip of cloth, wrapping it from the hips to the ribcage to offer gentle yet firm support. Traditionally, belly binding is applied as soon as possible after birth, ideally starting on day two, and worn for 40 days or longer as needed.

Rooted in Malaysian culture, belly binding is a practice found in various cultures around the world, each using similar techniques to aid the postpartum healing process.

Benefits of Bengkung Belly Binding:

Provides essential postural support for the torso and internal organs as they return to their pre-pregnancy positions.
Aids in the healing of the abdominal wall and supports recovery from diastasis recti.
Promotes the natural realignment of the spine and posture after birth.
Hastens recovery by applying consistent pressure on the abdomen, which helps reduce water retention, fat, and air in the tissues and cells.
Stabilizes loose ligaments and supports overall physical recovery.
Helps prevent and alleviate lower back aches and strains.
Encourages proper posture and helps prevent slouching while breastfeeding or holding your baby.

For Best Results:

To maximize the benefits of Bengkung belly binding, it’s recommended that women start the wrapping process as soon as they feel ready after birth—ideally beginning on day two postpartum and continuing up to 6 weeks. For optimal results, the belly bind should be worn daily for a minimum of 4 hours, for at least 40 days or longer (if wanted).

Many women who use belly binding after birth notice a return to their pre-pregnancy size within 6-8 weeks.

For those who have had a cesarean birth, it’s advised to wait at least 2 weeks until the incision is mostly healed before starting the binding process. However, if your doctor approves an earlier start, please inform me so we can adjust accordingly.

Rates:
$75 per session.

Closing of the Bones Ceremony

The Closing of the Bones ceremony is a traditional healing ritual with roots in Mayan culture, commonly practiced in South and Central America. It is often performed postpartum to help women recover physically, emotionally, and spiritually after childbirth.

During childbirth, it is believed that a woman’s body and spirit are opened up, leaving her vulnerable. The Closing of the Bones ceremony is intended to "close" the mother’s body, symbolically bringing it back together after the transformative experience of birth. It provides a sense of closure to the birthing process and offers support during the postpartum period, which is often referred to as the fourth trimester.

The ceremony typically involves the use of rebozos (woven scarves or textiles) to wrap and gently tighten specific parts of the body, from the head to the feet. This wrapping mimics a firm, comforting hug, which is meant to provide support and help the mother feel contained and whole again. In some versions of the ceremony, a body scan is performed to channel positive energy, prayers, or healing words.

The ritual can help relieve physical discomforts, such as pelvic or back pain, and address emotional healing from the birth experience, including birth trauma. It also serves as a way to honor and reconnect with the body after giving birth.

Although primarily used postpartum, the Closing of the Bones ceremony can be offered to women at other significant stages of life, such as during menopause, transitions, or after major life events. It’s seen as a powerful way to foster healing, closure, and emotional release, and it provides a sense of renewal and grounding.

The ceremony usually lasts about an hour and can be tailored to the specific needs of the woman receiving it.

Fee:
$150 (with $75 of this fee donated to Indigenous communities).

https://calendly.com/inthewaitingdoulaservicesllc/30min

REIKI FOR PREGANCY, LABOR, POSTPARTUM

Reiki for Pregnancy

Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Helps reduce anxiety and promote calmness, creating a positive environment for the baby.
Physical Comfort: May alleviate common pregnancy discomforts such as nausea, fatigue, and back pain.
Emotional Support: Provides grounding and balance to navigate emotional ups and downs.
Connection with Baby: Encourages bonding with the baby through energetic alignment.

Reiki for Labor and Birth

Pain Management: Supports relaxation of the body, which can reduce the perception of pain.
Shortened Labor: Some individuals report that Reiki helps labor progress by reducing tension and fear.
Calming Presence: Reiki's energy can create a serene atmosphere, benefiting the birthing person and everyone present.
Focus and Strength: Helps the birthing person stay centered and in touch with their body.

Reiki for Postpartum

Healing and Recovery: Promotes physical and emotional healing after birth, whether vaginal or surgical.
Hormonal Balance: Supports emotional equilibrium, potentially reducing postpartum depression or anxiety.
Bonding with Baby: Encourages a peaceful postpartum environment that enhances bonding.
Breastfeeding Support: Can improve relaxation, aiding milk flow and reducing breastfeeding-related stress.

How a Doula Can Integrate Reiki

During Prenatal Sessions: Use Reiki during relaxation exercises or to help with pregnancy discomforts.
In Labor: Offer Reiki hand placements during contractions or in between to promote calm and focus.
Postpartum Visits: Provide Reiki sessions to support recovery and emotional well-being.

The Wisdom of Waiting™ Mother Blessing Ceremony

A sacred gathering to honor pregnancy, community, and the journey into motherhood.

At In the Waiting Doula Services LLC, we believe pregnancy deserves to be held with intention, tenderness, and community care.

The Wisdom of Waiting™ Mother Blessing Ceremony is a sacred gathering created to honor the pregnant mother as she prepares for birth and the transition into motherhood. Unlike a traditional baby shower, this ceremony centers the mother — emotionally, spiritually, and communally — surrounding her with blessings, encouragement, and support.

This offering is designed for families who desire a more meaningful and heart-centered way to celebrate pregnancy.

What Is a Mother Blessing?

A Mother Blessing is an intimate ceremony where loved ones gather to offer affirmation, wisdom, and intentional support for the mother.

This experience may include:

candle blessings
affirmation sharing
flower crown adornment
blessing bracelet rituals
belly blessing or anointing
guided reflection and ceremonial closing

Each gathering is customized to reflect the mother’s comfort, values, and vision for her ceremony.

Why Choose a Mother Blessing?

A Mother Blessing creates space for the mother to feel seen, honored, and supported before birth.

This offering is ideal for those who want:

a more intimate alternative to a baby shower
emotional and spiritual preparation for birth
a meaningful circle of support
a ceremony rooted in love, intention, and connection
a memorable gathering centered on the mother’s transition

What’s Included

The Wisdom of Waiting™ Mother Blessing Ceremony includes:

planning consultation
personalized ceremony design
90–120 minute facilitated ceremony
guided opening and closing
selected ritual elements
affirmation and blessing activities
keepsake moments for the mother

Optional Ceremony Elements

Depending on the mother’s preferences, ceremonies may also include:

herbal tea ritual
rebozo blessing
cacao element
postpartum intention setting
altar creation
sacred belly anointing
birth affirmation cards

Ideal Timing

Mother Blessing Ceremonies are typically held between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, allowing time to gather in preparation for birth while the mother can still comfortably participate.

Who Is This For?

This offering is for pregnant mothers who desire a sacred, supportive, and community-centered experience before birth.

It is especially meaningful for those who value:

intentional celebration
ancestral connection
community support
emotional preparation for labor and postpartum
ceremony as part of the birth journey

At In the Waiting Doula Services LLC, we hold space for more than birth itself — we hold space for the becoming.

The Wisdom of Waiting™ Mother Blessing Ceremony is an invitation to slow down, gather in love, and honor the sacred transformation of motherhood.

Interested in planning a Mother Blessing Ceremony?
Contact In the Waiting Doula Services LLC to learn more about creating a personalized ceremony for your pregnancy journey.

https://calendly.com/inthewaitingdoulaservicesllc/mother-blessing-ceremony