Services
Birth Doula
I am a Certified birth doula CD(DONA) through DONA International. DONA states that the word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
My doula fee includes:
- Initial consultation
- Up to 3 prenatal visits to discuss your birth plan and get to know each other
- 24/7 on-call and email support
- Continuous support during your labor and birth
- Immediate assistance with breastfeeding following birth
- In-home follow up within 5 days of birth
View my doulamatch profile to review my client testimonials.
***Also offering Last Minute / On-Call Only services at a discounted rate***
Postpartum Mental Health Support - Home Visits
In-Home* postpartum mental health support from a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and an experienced childbirth professional.
Did you have a difficult pregnancy or birth journey? Are you having a difficult time adjusting to life with your newborn? Do you think you might need to talk to somebody about these feelings, but don’t know when you’ll be able to make that happen? I’ll come to you!
As a doula, childbirth educator, mental health professional, and mother I understand how difficult it can be in those early weeks and months to get out of the house to get to an appointment. Despite this, sometimes seeing someone to process what we’re experiencing is still necessary. Having been a doula for several years now, I’ve seen it all. I’m not uncomfortable with your messy home or the fact that you’ll be in your yoga pants, likely covered in baby spit-up and dried breast milk. I get it – in fact, I expect it.
This service includes 3 sessions to be scheduled at your convenience.
*Web and phone support is also available for those outside a 50 mile raidus of Ames, Iowa.
Photography
Once upon a time, in a life not so long ago, I was a semi-professional photographer. On occassion I still pick up my camera! I have chosen to combine my experiences as a photographer and a birth professional in order to offer documention of the miracle of birth to families.
Birth photography includes:
- Photojournalistic documentation of your birth
- A photo CD with all edited images fromy your birth with full right to the images
Please contact me to view a portfolio of my birth photography.
Testimonials
“Having Mandi at our side during pregnancy, labor and delivery was immensely comforting and well worth the investment... ”
Sarah H.
“Mandi was a huge part of why we got the birth we wanted. She was an unwavering advocate for the vision of how we wanted to welcome our baby into the world, beginning long before labor started. She supported us all with equal parts heart and mind, connecting with us on both academic and spiritual levels... ”
Gina D.
“...Mandi offered honest, reliable advice in a great time of need. She encouraged us to fight for what we wanted, to stand up for what we knew was right. Mandi was there for us the whole time, not just during labor. She has become someone I can still call upon for help, advice, suggestions, insight and even just support...”
Laura L.