Little Flower Birth Services LLC
Pregnancy Birth and Postpartum are hard. Let me support you
Company Mission
At Little Flower Birth Services it is my mission to serve women and their partners through comprehensive in person and virtual support throughout DFW. I do this by incorporating the lifestyle of St. Therese Lisieux by serving women and their partners with small acts centered in great love during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
Fulfilling my mission
Faith Based Education
Educating women and men through
virtual childbirth education classes
Prenatal/postpartum sessions
Hands on assistance during birth utilizing comfort measures breathing techniques, and visualization
Hands on education postpartum helping you get to know your baby and what works for them
Advocacy
Advocating for the
mental
physical
emotional
spiritual
health of the whole family by providing support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum
Empowerment
Empowering women and their partners to follow their birth philosophy by
providing emotional support
educating clients on birth options and informed consent
helping them advocate for their needs and wishes
My Services
At Little Flower Birth Services LLC I believe in the importance of education. Through education and knowledge, you can learn about your birth preferences and how they greatly impact your parenthood journey.
When I gave birth to my daughter even though we took several childbirth education classes at the local hospital there was still so much missing and that support and teamwork approach to labor wasn't there.
As a doula it is my goal to educate my clients on everything they will need to know about preparing for labor, what to expect in labor, and postpartum. To empower them to do what is necessary to fulfill their birth philosophy. And to advocate for them to ensure that they are taking care of their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health
As a mom when I went through postpartum, I didn't realize what I needed or even how to ask for help. This is a challenge that many moms face today. We are pressured to get back to "normal" only after a few weeks and not take care of our own physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needsAs a doula it is my hope to help women through this time and empower them to develop their intuition and survive the crazy postpartum stage with grace and support.
What is Childbirth Education
What is a Childbirth Educator
Childbirth educators have a positive impact in the community by improving birth outcomes, preparing expectant parents for the postpartum period, and connecting them to resources to improve their transition into parenthood.
Tasks of a Childbirth Educator
Create A Welcoming Learning Environment
Introduce Parents to Different Birth Philosophies
Teach Using A Multi-sensory and Interactive Approach
Teach Up-to-Date Evidenced Based Information About Pregnancy and Birth
Encourage Parents To Be Active Participants In Their Pregnancy and Birth
Prepare Parents To Make Informed Decisions
Build An Expectant Parent’s Confidence in Their Ability to Give Birth
Prepare Parents With a Variety of Labor and Birth Comfort Techniques
Prepare Parents To Make Informed Choices About Birth Interventions
Be A Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting Resource in Your Community
Provide Parents with a Basic Understanding of Breastfeeding
Provide Parents With an Understanding of What To Expect In the Postpartum Period
Provide Parents With Realistic Expectations For Newborn Care, Decisions About Care and Resources
Why Do I need to take a childbirth Ed Class
Why do I need to hire a childbirth educator?
Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are very difficult times for any new mom/dad. There are lots of emotions rolling around and so many different feelings.Childbirth Education classes offer a sense of power since you learn about what is normal, what is not and how to cope with everything as you go through your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Can I take a class at the hospital
While hospitals do offer childbirth education classes they do not fully inform you of all your options and prepare you for life with your baby.My series of childbirth education classes prepares mom and dad for all stages of pregnancy, birth and postpartum leaving the parents feeling empowered since they learned what to expect.Informed consent is a big topic in my classes many hospitals want you to get medical procedures because it makes their job easier. THAT IS NOT WHY WE ARE HERE. Mom's should be able to be fully informed about the interventions that doctors are offering and the risks and benefits.
Can't I just learn the information on my own
You absolutely can. I am not here to tell you how to raise your baby or how to parent but I am here as a support for you and your family as you walk through this journey together. There are book recommendations in the additional resources sections that I teach in my class and would be a great assets to any new mom/dad
8-week Series
My 8-week series of classes offers a comprehensive education about everything you need to know about birth and labor. In this series of classes I will utilize group discussions, activities, and videos. Each one of the 8 classes has a central theme that we will be talking about.Each class should be attended by both parents and active participation is required. For now my classes are entirely virtual but I hope soon to be able to offer in-person classes.The whole series of 8 classes is $300 click below to see times and days as well as what is covered in each class
Class 1: Introduction to Birth
Beliefs during birth
Your birth Philosophy
Support during labor
Place of labor
Medical Interventions
Method of feeding baby
Safe Birth Visualization
Maternal Mental Health
Dealing with birth trauma
Expectations during labor
Strategies for Optimal Care
Needs and Feelings during labor
What are mom's needs?
What are the partner's needs?
Normal feelings during labor?
What are signs for concern?
Class 2: As It Begins
Hormones during labor
Roles of Oxytocin, Melatonin, Endorphins and Adrenaline
Environmental Impacts on labor
Birth interventions and their impact on hormones
Preparation for labor
Four steps to prepare for labor
What to bring to the hospital
Possible signs of labor
Preliminary signs of labor
Positive signs of labor
Partner's role in the beginning
Key Concepts in labor
Station
Position
Presentation
Cervical changes
Stages of Labor: What to expect and partners role
Stage 1:
Early Labor:
Active Labor
Transition
Stage 2: Birthing the baby
Resting Phase
Decent Phase
Crowning and Birth
Stage 3: Delivery of the Placenta
Stage 4: Recovery and bonding
Class 3: Comfort Measures in Labor
Comfort Measures
Relaxation
Attention Focusing
Visualization
Rhythmic breathing and moaning
Hydrotherapy
Birth Balls
Heat/cold
Touch and Massage
Music or sound
Reframing pain
Pain vs. Suffering
Questioning the reason for pain
Decreasing pain and preventing suffering
Penny Simkin's 3 R's of labor
Relaxation
Rhythm
Ritual
Pharmalogical Pain relief
Epidurals
Nitrous Oxide
IV Opioids
Therapeutic Rest
Class 4: Labor of Love Part 1
Informed Consent
What is it
How does it play into labor
BRAIN acronym
Birth Interventions
Common interventions
Their role on breastfeeding
Interventions snowballing
Strategies to avoid intervention
Emotional Dystocia
What it is
How it can impact your labor
Strategies for overcoming it
Class 5:Labor of Love Part 2
What to Expect when baby arrives
What baby will look like
Apgar Score
Bonding
Feelings about baby
Pelvic Awareness
Bones of the pelvis
Use of movement in birth
Baby positioning
Adjusting to life as parents
Loving
Growing
Relating
Class 6: So You've Chosen to Breastfeed
Biology of Breastfeeding
Role of Hormones
Everything starts in the Brain
Milk production
Milk Ejection
The first few days of breastfeeding
Room in with baby
Feeding on demand
Bottles Create Nipple Confusion
Do not offer formula
Pace/finger feeding
Breastfeeding positions
Position yourself
Position baby
Establish a good latch
Different ways to hold baby
Common Problems
Why babies don't take the breast
Don't Panic
Nipple Problems
Tongue/lip tie
Clogged ducts
Class 7: Yay You're Parents
Attachment Parenting
Birth Bonding
Belief in your babies cries
Breastfeed your baby
Babywearing
Bedding close to baby
Balance and Boundaries
Beware of baby trainers
Newborn Basics
Baby items
Soothing your baby
Baby sensory needs
Newborn routines
Establishing a day/night rhythm
Class 8: Postpartum Recovery and Baby Safety
Support Postpartum
Assessing and asking for help
Improving the postpartum scenario with postpartum doulas
Mom's physical recovery
Uterine involution
Vaginal Bleeding
Breast Changes
Changes in bowl/bladder function
Musculoskeletal changes
Sexuality
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Postpartum Stress
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum anxiety
Postpartum psychosis
When to seek help
Baby Safety
Safe Sleep
Bed sharing???
Car seats
Baby proofing
Baby CPR and infant choking
Saturday Mornings 10am-12pm
July 12th -Introduction to Birth
July 19th -As it Begins
July 26th - Comfort Measures in Labor
August 2nd -Labor of Love part 1
August 9th -Labor of Love part 2
August 16h -So You've Decided to Breastfeed
August 23rd -Yay You're Parents
September 6th -Postpartum Health and Baby Safety
Sunday afternoons: 3:00pm-5:00pm
July 13
July 20th -As it Begins
July 27th - Comfort Measures in Labor
August 3rd -Labor of Love part 1
August 10th -Labor of Love part 2
August 17h -So You've Decided to Breastfeed
August 24th -Yay You're Parents
September 7th -Postpartum Health and Baby Safety
Individual Class
Each individual class is 2 hours. For now all classes are conducted virtually via Zoom and you can sign up in the link under each class. Each individual class will cover one of the topics below. Individual classes are $100Click on the title of the class to find out more information
Breastfeeding Class
Biology of Breastfeeding
Role of Hormones
Everything starts in the Brain
Milk production
Milk Ejection
The first few days of breastfeeding
Room in with baby
Feeding on demand
Bottles Create Nipple Confusion
Do not offer formula
Pace/finger feeding
Breastfeeding positions
Position yourself
Position baby
Establish a good latch
Different ways to hold baby
Common Problems
Why babies don't take the breast
Don't Panic
Nipple Problems
Tongue/lip tie
Clogged ducts
Adjusting to life as parents
In this 2 hour class we will discuss: Eli Taylor's book "8 Steps to Become a Family that Thrives
Daddy Class
In this 2 hour class we will discuss:
Dad's fear and anxiety's
Normal feelings during labor and postpartum
Your role in labor
Your role in breastfeeding
Your role postpartum
Pumping and Bottle Feeding
In this 2 hour class we will discuss:
learning your pump
pumping schedule
getting baby to take a bottle
pace feeding
holding baby while feeding
Benefits of a birth Doula
Here is what this 2013 study found:
When a woman has the continuous support of a doula:
The pitocin use goes down 31%
Cesarean rate decreases by 28%
There is a 12% increase in spontaneous vaginal births
9% decrease in medications for pain relief
14% decrease in newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
How can a birth doula support you?
Prenatal Education
Listens to parents' birth philosophy, fears, concerns, hopes and helps them create an individualized birth plan
Coaches parents through emotional intelligence skills
Educates parents about how they can best support the parents
Answers any questions that the parents may have
Address' any concerns, fears, or needs of parents
Physical Support
Suggests and assists with labor positions, movement, and relaxation techniques
Offers comfort measures such as massage, counter pressure, and hot/cold therapy
Facilitates the use of breathing techniques and visualization exercises
Partner Support
Assists the partner in providing emotional and physical support to the birthing person
Helps the partner to understand the labor process and their role in it
Provides a break to the partner allowing them to be more present with birthing person when needed
Assumes a good rhythm of collaboration with partner and other support persons
Emotional Support
Provides reassurance, encouragement, and a calming presence during labor
Helping the birthing person and their partner to navigate the emotional aspects of childbirth before, during, and after labor
Advocacy and Communication
Helps the birthing person and their partner communicate their needs and preferences to the medical team
Supports informed decision-making by providing information on medical interventions and potential alternatives
Allows birthing person and partner to feel empowered about their decisions
Postpartum Support
Offers immediate support after birth, such as facilitating skin-to-skin contact and initial breastfeeding
Provides emotional support
Answers any questions or concerns during the early postpartum period
Facilitates postpartum visits to check on the new mom and baby
Screens for health concerns
Provides resources and referrals if needed
Birth Doula Pricing
As a birth Doula I offer an in-person package and a virtual package
Virtual Birth doula package $600
Virtual Interview with me to discuss YOUR needs during birth and YOUR birth philosophy
Virtual Prenatal Education designed addressing questions such as
What to expect during labor?
When to go to the birthing center or hospital?
Feelings and hormones during labor?
Needs during labor?
Partner's role?
Use of positioning and comfort measures
Basic breastfeeding education
4 childbirth education classes
50% off any of my individual childbirth education classes
Emotional support throughout duration of contract by phone/ messaging
24/7 Support by phone once you reach 38 weeks until you are ready to have your baby
Virtual support during your labor by providing relaxation techniques, use of comfort measures, and helping navigate informed consent
1 hour of virtual support after birth to establish feeding and help in any way I can
2 virtual Postpartum visits to check in with you and baby and answer any questions.
Payment Schedule
$300 retainer is due at the first prenatal meeting and will reserve your due date on my calendar
The $600 can be paid in weekly/monthly installments as long as completely paid by 38 weeks gestation
Why Hire Me As Your Birth Doula
Imagine you are in labor,
Your support person is worn out, you are worn out and there is pressure from the nurses/doctors to get interventions that you never wanted.
These interventions don’t meet your expectations, and labor is much longer and uncomfortable then you had originally thought.
Tension between you and your partner begins to rise since you are both tired and frustrated having to abandon your expectations.
Complications with breastfeeding and taking care of a newborn are overwhelming on their own but as you had a medicated birth you are unable to participate in the same way in caring for your newborn.
Your whole outlook on parenthood changed because of the lack of support that you had during your labor and postpartum
Now imagine this scenario:
While you are pregnant a doula WALKS WITH YOU and checks in with you frequently
Ensuring that you are doing well validating your feelings and empowering you to stand up for your birth preferences.
When you approach 38 weeks pregnant she is on call 24/7 at your disposal to answer questions, provide extra support and advocate for you.
While interventions might still be necessary due to medical reasons you feel different about them because you have learned strategies to use while laboring with the support of your doula
Throughout your labor in the birthing center or hospital there is another person there to support your partner so that he won’t get worn out and can refill their needs so that they can be there for you after the birth and postpartum
Couples need support in many forms:
In the 21st century modern day society that we live in in America asking for help and getting support are looked down upon leaving couples abandoned, unsupported and unable to cope with the challenges of raising a family.
In America the rates for postpartum mood disorders are higher than any other countries, cesarean rates are higher, breastfeeding success is lower, and divorce is higher since we have been programmed by our society not to ask for help.
We are expected to be superwoman and have everything together all the time. Well we don't.
That is an impossible standard that tears apart families, leaves women unsupported and alone, and leaves men not knowing where to turn for help or how to help their wife.
Why Hire Me As Your Doula?
Servant nature
I believe that no one can get through life alone and we all need help and support from time to time.
I truly take to heart the mission of a doula to serve the family in whatever means that they need.
Unlike nanny’s and other baby professionals that are there for the baby we are doula’s are there for the mother and significant others.
Nanny’s often embrace their own child rearing strategies and although they take input from the parents they aren’t always supportive and listen.
As a Postpartum Doula
I will listen to the needs of the parents and support them in their parenting goals.
I believe that it is not my job to come in and change everything that the parents have set up but to assess their needs and lend support where needed.
I believe as doula’s we involve the parents in their child raising journey and to offer support in whatever way we can.
Parenting is a hard journey
but can be done with support from others and understanding of your partner and family needs.
There are so many great resources out there and as a doula I have many of these in my toolkit to provide to parents so that they can make confident decisions about their children and how they are going to parent.
I believe that the most important role as a doula is to be there for the Mental, Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Health of the whole family
Physical recovery
My job as a doula is to be there for the parents and ensure that they are getting the rest and care that they need to be the best people that they can be.
For mothers that have chosen to breastfeed I have training about what is normal and when to seek additional help or supplement with formula.
For women who have chosen to use formula I can help provide a sense of relief by assisting with feeding the baby and washing and sterilizing bottles.
I can take care of the parents' physical needs by ensuring that everyone is eating healthy meals, going shopping and cooking for your family.
Emotional recovery
Emotionally men and women are going through a lot.
There are many struggles that they are having to face and many are not prepared for how their whole life is going to shift.
This is where a postpartum doula can lend a helping hand to offer validation for emotions and strategies to take care of your emotional health.
One of the most important things that both parents can do postpartum is ensure that they are taking care of their own emotional health.
As a doula I can give you a break while I am there to get some extra rest or to take a break to engage in self care while knowing that your infant or other children are in great hands.
Mental recovery
Mentally women suffer a decrease in hormones from birth and this has a huge effect on her mental health.
Fathers also have a decrease in hormones which rises as a protective nature to protect their family.
As a doula I am trained in what is normal postpartum behavior and what is not.
There are many mental disorders linked to postpartum time for both men and women and it is part of my job to recognize these and suggest help as soon as the need arises.
Many women have to go on medication postpartum or seek out therapy to help with the drop in hormones and additional stressors.
I can help watch out for the signs of a postpartum mood disorder and advocate for you by providing resources to find help.
Spiritual recovery
I can provide a space and ability for you to take care of spiritual health by
utilizing mindfulness and meditation
going on nature walks
journaling your journey
reading spiritual texts
joining a community
practicing gratitude
creative express
volunteer with a purpose
Yoga for wellness
Prayer and connection
How can a postpartum doula support you
Assessing the needs of the family and providing Resources
Experience and knowledge with working with families in the postpartum time period
Empathy and empowerment of parental stages of development
Ability to assist mom through her birth experience and help her physical recovery
Advice for what is normal and what is not and ability to refer to different providers when necessary by empowering men and women to seek help and support
Accompaniment to appointments or ability to stay home and take care of little ones
Emotional intelligence skills that provide a safe and empathetic environment for you to express your troubles
Hands on Newborn Care assistance and education
Ability to train parents on the job by using different learning styles and techniques to help you learn your baby
Assuring a safe environment for the baby
Normal newborn behavior
Newborn appearance
A calming presence when something is not normal and additional help needs to be sought
Light Housekeeping
Laundry
Washing dishes
Cleaning counters and surfaces
Vacuuming/ sweeping
Making beds
Taking out trash
Straightening up living areas and baby's room
Meal Preparation
Creating shopping lists
Going grocery shopping/picking up a grocery order
Cooking meals and snacks for the family
Ensuring mom is eating well and taking care of her physical needs
Emotional support of the individuals Parenting choices
Respect of your parenting decisions
Frequent check-in with parents to evaluate their ability to cope with struggles
Flexibility to follow your parenting wishes and not impose any more beliefs or suggestions unless asked for
Providing mom support so that she can engage in some guilt free self care and relaxation or get some much needed rest
Advanced Breastfeeding education
Experience and knowledge about what is normal and how to reach out to more support
Assistance with recognizing baby's hunger cues
Flexibility to establish on demand nursing or a schedule whichever is the parents wish
Hands on education with learning breast pumps and equipment for pumping
Sibling care and education
Passion for the development of sibling relationships and ability to help foster that
Recognition of siblings needs and ability to give them some individual attention to ease mom's struggle of caring for multiple children
Ability to play with other children or take care of the baby and housework so that mom and dad can spend time with other children
Postpartum Doula Prices
interested in a package that is not listed here email me through the form below and I would be happy to work something out
Postpartum Doula Day Prices-$1300
Interested in daytime Postpartum services?
Here is what you get when signing up with me
Interview with me to discuss YOUR needs postpartum
Consult with me to discuss desired services and desired schedule
Emotional support throughout duration of contract by phone/messaging
Daytime support in your home addressing YOUR needs and wishes maximum 3 shifts per week each between 4-6 hours for 6 weeks
Payment terms
Packages require a $750 retainer that must be paid before setting up a consultation appointment
An invoice will be sent at the end of the week with the hours provided and must be paid by the following Monday
The previous week’s invoice must be paid before I will provide any more services
If all invoices are paid by the end of the contract then the remaining retainer will be returned
If you are interested in additional postpartum support then I am happy to work with you and your family at my normal rate of $28 per hour.
Maximum 2 shifts per week each 9 hours long
I do not work with one family for more than 3 months
Postpartum doula Night Prices-$2500
Interested in nighttime Postpartum services?
Here is what you get when signing up with me
Interview with me to discuss YOUR needs postpartum
Consult with me to discuss desired services and desired schedule
Emotional support throughout duration of contract by phone/messaging
Nighttime support (between the hours of 9pm-9am) in your home addressing YOUR needs and wishes 2 shifts per week each 9 hours for 6 weeks
Payment terms
Packages require a $750 retainer that must be paid before setting up a consultation appointment
An invoice will be sent at the end of the week with the hours provided and must be paid by the following Monday
The previous week’s invoice must be paid before I will provide any more services
If all invoices are paid by the end of the contract then the remaining retainer will be returned
If you are interested in additional postpartum support then I am happy to work with you and your family at my normal rate of $38 per hour.
Maximum 2 shifts per week each 9 hours long
I do not work with families for more than 3 months
About Me
Hello, My name is Melanie Powell and I am the owner of Little Flower Birth Services.
I first felt drawn to this work in my childhood many years before I even knew what a doula was or anything about postpartum or the transition to parenthood. I felt a tug deep within my heart anytime I saw a baby and their mom, especially when mom was struggling to figure out what baby wanted. This tug set a desire in me to connect with babies and moms to be that reprieve and support after birth.This feeling and passion has changed somewhat over the years especially as I prepared to have my daughter. I had this picture in my head of a devoted loving father, my mom, mother-in-law and a close friend nearby supporting me, catering to my needs and the needs of my baby. Well needless to say that is not how things went, I was abandoned by my support system left feeling confused and blamed for expectations of him being there for me.Now that my daughter is older I feel called to answer this initial tug and truly be there and serve other moms who are struggling and need of support. As a combined childbirth educator and doula I can serve your family from the beginning ensuring that you get a good quality childbirth education, support throughout your pregnancy when it comes to making your birth philosophy and parenting styles come out, support during the birth so you both are able to avoid unnecessary medical interventions, and make informed decisions, and then postpartum adjust to the beautiful period where you learn your baby and how the three of you can fulfill each other’s needs.When I am not working or spending time with my daughter, I am typically either volunteering at church or spending time with friends. I also love cooking, baking, crafting, and would love to incorporate those hobbies into my doula practice.
Resources and Referrals
Other Local Providers
Other Doulas
Birth Centers
Breastfeeding Resources
Postpartum support
Pelvic Floor Therapists
Mental Health
Therapists
Books
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Childbirth and the Newborn The Complete Guide by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, Ann Keppler
The Baby Book by William Sears and Martha Sears
When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy by Dr Barbara Luke, Tamara Eberlein, and Dr Roger Newman
Birth
Optimal Care in Childbirth: The Case for a Physiologic Approach by Henci Goer and Amy Romano
Pregnancy Childbirth and the Newborn The Complete Guide by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, Ann Keppler
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
The Baby Book by William Sears and Martha Sears
Impact of Birthing Practices on Breastfeeding by Linda J Smith
Dr Jack's Newman's Guide to Breastfeeding by Dr Jack Newman and Teresa Pitman
When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy by Dr Barbara Luke, Tamara Eberlein, and Dr Roger Newman
Postpartum
Impact of Birthing Practices on Breastfeeding by Linda J Smith
Dr Jack's Newman's Guide to Breastfeeding by Dr Jack Newman and Teresa Pitman
When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy by Dr Barbara Luke, Tamara Eberlein, and Dr Roger Newman
Becoming Us: 8 Steps to Grow a Family that Thrives by Ellly Taylor
Newborns
Pregnancy Childbirth and the Newborn The Complete Guide by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, Ann Keppler
When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy by Dr Barbara Luke, Tamara Eberlein, and Dr Roger Newman
The Wonder Weeks: A Stress-free guide to your Baby's Behavior by Hetty van de Riji, Frans X Plooij, and Xaviera Plas-Plooij