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meet katie hope
I'm here to help you find the joy in birth. For over two decades, I've been working to support, guide and educate parents to be through one of the most significant moments of their lives. Living near the beautiful Delaware beaches, I have had the privilege of working with expecting clients ages 14- 49.
CLASSES AND Consultations
One on One Consultations
Do you want to ask questions about labor and birth and get real answers? Are you exhausted from searching through tons of birth blogs for straightforward tips? Ask me anything! No judgment, just the facts, practical advice, and a compassionate listener.
A complete childbirth education series for expecting parents taught in three parts. These Lamaze certified classes cover the third trimester, signs and stages of labor, medical and natural pain management, labor bag perpetration, postpartum planning, breastfeeding basics, newborn care and so much more!
This class is perfect for individuals, couples, or support people who have had babies or witnessed birth before but want to prepare for an upcoming birth. This class can be tailored to your needs and contains tips, tricks, and evidence-based information.
I’m passionate about sharing evidence based information to expecting parents. Since the pandemic began in 2020 I have been increasingly concerned about the increase in chronic stress and rise in anxiety and depression. Pregnant and postpartum individuals are struggling to find social support, childcare, and mental health care providers. Let me help you create a plan for not just surviving but thriving postpartum.
Are you about to be Grandparent for the first time? Does it seem like EVERYTHING has changed since you had a baby? Do you want to support your adult child and their partner during the newborn phase but need guidance figuring out how to be the most helpful? During our Zoom consultation, I will answer any questions you have about modern birth practices, breastfeeding, postpartum support, and postpartum depression. We can develop support strategies and conversation starters to communicate how you would like to be involved in welcoming the new baby into the family. Let's Talk!
Have you read a ton of information online but are still unsure what it will mean for your specific labor and birth? With this one, two-hour intensive I will teach you and your support person practical ways to ease pain during labor. A recent study found first-time mothers who took childbirth classes that focused on complementary pain management were 65% less likely to use an epidural and had a 44% reduction in the need for cesareans.
POSTPARTUM SERVICES
Delaware doula
I offer postpartum doula support in Sussex County Delaware Monday - Thursday, 1–4
What is a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula is a trained professional who provides non-medical support to new mothers and their families during the postpartum period. Postpartum doulas offer a wide variety of services, including helping with newborn care, lactation support, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and emotional support for the mother and family.
The role of a postpartum doula is to help the new mother adjust to life with a newborn, make space for physical healing, and provide support during the often-overwhelming transition to motherhood. Packages are sold in 12-hour increments and can be used for three-hour sessions. (Postpartum services fill quickly. I recommend booking the week two weeks past your due date.)
Postpartum doulas are different from baby nurses or nannies in that they focus on providing support and guidance to the mother and helping her to establish a strong bond with her new baby. Overall, the role of a postpartum doula is to help new mothers feel supported, confident, and empowered during the postpartum period.
PLACENTA SERVICES
Did you know that the placenta contains a unique blend of natural hormones that is tailored to your body?
By taking placenta capsules, you can experience a smoother transition into motherhood. These capsules help balance hormones, boost mood, increase energy levels, enhance milk production, reduce postpartum bleeding, and lessen night sweats.
While some may find the idea of consuming placenta capsules a bit unconventional, many new mothers swear by their benefits. Services include pick up of your placenta from your place of birth and delivery of your capsules to your home, encapsulation services, tincture for extended use, and printed instructions. An average placenta produces between 100 and 200 capsules that will be delivered to you within 72 hours of pick up.
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION classes
Did you know that most medical insurance programs and Delaware Medicaid programs cover part, if not all, of the cost of your childbirth education classes? Did you know that childbirth education classes are eligible for 100% reimbursement through your FSA and HSA accounts?
After your virtual class, a certificate of completion and an itemized receipt are emailed within 24 hours. (To determine the exact dollar amount your plan covers, please get in touch with your insurance provider's customer service line directly.)
What makes Delaware Doula Childbirth Classes different from most online childbirth classes?
It's ME! Live! Never prerecorded modules. Each class I teach is custom tailored to you. These are not one-size-fits-all pre-recorded video modules that make you fall asleep while watching. I'll be with you every step of the way providing evidence-based education mixed with open and honest dialogue. You will learn from an expert sharing real-life stories, up-to-date research, and current visual content in a judgment-free zone.
I understand the needs of modern parents-to-be and work with them to find class times that work with your schedule. I work with people all over the country via Zoom and can teach you one-on-one or with an additional partner, spouse, family member, or friend. (You and your person don't even have to be in the same state for us all to meet!)
If you're in Delaware and prefer hands-on education in the comfort of your own home, we can arrange that too! Book your first class directly through the Schedule Today link. If you have any trouble finding an open time slot that works for you, please email me directly at katie@delawaredoula.net, and I'll help you out!
8 Tips for Thriving During The Holidays
1) Prioritize your baby's health and your own.
New parents and babies are under a lot of stress, which can lower your immune system. We are seeing high Flu, Covid, and RSV numbers this year. Skip the large indoor events and parties this year. Get some takeout and watch a holiday movie at home instead.
2) Wear your baby.
People love to touch babies; they are so cute! Babywearing is a great way to limit touch without hurting people's feelings. Each unwashed hand exposes your baby to unfamiliar germs and can be overstimulating to the baby.
3) Manage expectations.
Have conversations with extended family and friends early. Direct communication is best. Tell family and friends that you want to spend time with them but be honest about your needs and concerns.
(Protip- Difficult conversations are best-made face-to-face and with three or more people present. Have many siblings coming into town who want to meet the baby? Have a Zoom call in advance to discuss plans, the best times for you, and the importance of only visiting if everyone is healthy.)
4) Do a little bit less.
It doesn't have to be all or nothing. Instead of exchanging gifts with all your siblings this year, try having only children exchange gifts. Instead of a big Christmas dinner, get together for dessert and coffee instead.
5) Talk about gifts for the baby.
Why is all of the baby stuff so cute? Family and friends love to shower new babies with tons of presents. Cute outfits and toys are lovely and well-intended but rarely what young babies need. Communicate with your family clearly about your wishes regarding gifts. A college fund, board books, or diapers might sound boring, but often the most appreciated.
6) Prioritize rest.
Being exhausted has become the US norm during the holiday season but being excessively tired increases anxiety, triggers people to increase caffeine, and leads to a generally bad mood. The holidays are supposed to be fun!
7) Seek solitude
Babies are curious by nature. A baby's first holiday can be so memorable but also over-stimulating. If you are visiting other people's homes, inquire ahead to ensure there's a quiet space where you can retreat to nurse, rest, or help the baby sleep and regroup. ( Protip: Consider bringing a baby monitor with you.)
8) Start new traditions that bring you joy.
Why You WANT to Take Childbirth Classes
According to NIH, participation in childbirth classes positively impacts pregnancy outcomes. Individuals who have take classes of three sessions or more report fewer inductions, interventions, and surgical births. They also reported less complications and lower rates of postpartum depression.
At Delaware Doula, we offer a three-part series and an extended nine week series for those wanting to learn even more about having a healthy pregnancy, an informed birth, and being confidently prepared for life with a newborn. Our classes are taught individually to clients and their support person live over Zoom.
Past students shared they couldn't have imagined taking a group class. Some clients had a history of pregnancy loss or were single by choice or circumstance; the thought of being around "couples" who couldn't relate to their experience was unimaginable.
I researched what childbirth education options were available in Delaware. Beebe Hospital does meet the standard of three classes, but they have a long way to go to make it easy for parents. You can't book Beebe's classes online; when writing this, no classes were listed on the hospital calendar. I was told someone teaches the free series, but you have to call her directly to schedule.
BayHealth Milford's childbirth classes, according to the information posted on their website consist of videos and one two-hour group class. However, looking at the schedule, you will discover a three-hour class that is full for the next three months. The location alternated monthly between Milford and Dover. Bayhealth Dover is the same program as Milford. At Christiana in Newark, I was equally disappointed. While accessible, it is entirely video content with no live instruction. Each video topic has an associated fee for temporary access totalling $230.
It is okay to want a joyful birth in addition to it being healthy and safe. Taking a twist on a quote byJen McLellan, The power of childbirth education isn't the individual class; it's the process of becoming educated about your options!
Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood Disorders
I love the quote by Louise Howard, “There is no health without maternal mental health.” PMADs stand for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Many people are familiar with the term postpartum depression; but less well known is that people can develop postpartum anxiety or that experiences in labor can trigger PTSD or suppressed trauma. Although commonly associated with the postpartum period, signs of depression or anxiety can start to emerge during pregnancy. These PMADs are often triggered by changing hormones or a lack of restful sleep that happens during pregnancy.
Research has shown that postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 new parents although most studies suggest the number is likely much higher. There are risk factors associated with an increased chance of developing pregnancy-related mood disorders. Some risk factors for PAMDS include a family history of postpartum depression, a history of panic attacks, anxiety, or depression, a bipolar diagnosis, thyroid or autoimmune disorder, preeclampsia, or Hyperemesis Gravidarum during pregnancy.
In my virtual consultations and childbirth classes, I emphasize planning for the postpartum period. It is helpful to know the difference between postpartum depression and baby blues, possible warning signs of PAMDs, and to make a list of care providers available while you are still pregnant. When you are in the middle of a crisis it is difficult to try and plan or research where to seek support. Planning can help alleviate stress and concern for the entire family.
Stress
When everyone is telling you to relax but you just can't.
"You’re only human. You don’t have to have it together
every minute of every day."
- Anne Hathaway
So many of us feel pressured to have the "right" kind of birth and shockingly find ourselves feeling judged no matter what type of birth that is. Expecting parents can quickly feel overwhelmed at all the conflicting advice they receive from their care providers, family, friends, and all the resources about pregnancy and birth. This unsolicited advice can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety.
It's important to learn two or three stress-relieving techniques that work for you to use while pregnant. I like to think of this as your stress toolbox. Now is the perfect time to fill that toolbox with tools! Start by choosing one tool that is already your go-to stress reliever; taking a walk, talking to a friend, or watching a funny movie, and then work on learning two new stress relieving skills. Three of my favorite stress relieving techniques to teach are roving relaxation, triangle breathing, and acupressure.
After you have found a few new stress relievers that you enjoy; it's a great idea to start practicing. Try using one technique every night before bed. If you have a partner ask them to join you in your practice. The more often you practice the stronger your body's muscle memory will become. After a few nights, the muscles of your body and your breathing will start to relax as soon as you begin to use your new relaxation tool. Once you feel more confident in the technique try using it when you experience stress in your daily life; you might be shocked at how quickly you can now connect to calm.
What are your Values?
Every day, we make hundreds, possibly even thousands, of choices on what purchases to make with our money and how to use our time. A skill I have learned in the last few years is to clarify my values and keep my top three values in mind when making decisions. There are all kinds of books about defining your values, online quizzes, or value card decks to help you define your own core values. Mine repeatedly come out as health, family, and variety.
When faced with an opportunity to go out for drinks somewhere I've been before, on a night when my kids are in town, it's a no. It doesn't improve my health; it takes time away from my favorite people and is a familiar experience. But if someone invites me to try hiking a new trail on a day when I'm on my own, with a group of new people, it is a definite YES. When my choices reflect my top values, happiness always comes.
When considering your goals for birth, the real question is, what are your values surrounding birth? Do you value education? Are you looking to make educated choices for your baby's birth and around caring for your newborn? Do you value connection? Do you want to know how to stay connected to your partner after your baby arrives? Or are you like me, and protecting your physical and mental health is the most important to you?
I have core professional values as well. I aim to empower, support, and educate every client I work with. I empower and support my clients by taking the time to talk with them to understand and learn their priorities and then giving them the tools and education to achieve those goals. How can I help you navigate the world of pregnancy and birth? Set up a free online consultation to discuss how I can support you during this special time. (Link in linktr.ee)
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