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Brittney Luck CD(DONA)
Birth Doula
What is a doula and why should I hire one?
A doula is a trained birth professional who provides information and resources to expecting parents so they can make well-informed decisions about their birth desires. Doulas provide emotional and physical support during the prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum phase of pregnancy.
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Do you know that hiring a doula can:
Reduce the risk of cesarean
Decrease the need for pitocin
Reduce need for forceps or vacuum
Increase mother's satisfactions with her birth experience
Increase APGAR score for baby
Increase the confidence of the birth partner to help the laboring mother
Increase lactation support
Decrease postpartum anxiety and depression and so much more ​
Read how doulas make a difference!
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I approach birth holistically and feel honored to be able to share my expertise with women and their families in Kenosha County. Every woman should feel supported, loved, and encouraged during their birth journey.
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About Me
I serve as a certified birth doula through DONA International in the Kenosha County. I am new to the area and I have enjoyed supporting parents at Pullman Regional Hospital and Gritman Medical Center in eastern Washington State, as well as families in Lake County Illinois. I have four beautiful children and have been so blessed by having doulas by my side throughout three of my birth journeys. I am so thankful for the opportunity to help you prepare for your labor and delivery and provide continuous labor support.
I have a bachelors in Physical and Health Education (K-12), and I have worked with teen parents encouraging, supporting, and educating them as they transition into parenthood which lead me to my passion as a birth doula; helping women love their birth experience. I love hiking, running, watching my family laugh, and having coffee with people I love.
My Services
Prenatal Visits and Education
After beginning our relationship with a meet and greet, I am committed to the wellbeing of your growing family, and available whenever needed throughout your entire pregnancy.
I will meet with you at least three times to provide you with resources and information so you can make informed decisions for the birth of your baby.
Some things we will cover in our meetings are:
Basic childbirth education
Hospital procedures and options
How to communicate with your care provider
Relaxation techniques
Labor positions
Breastfeeding information
Postpartum care
Emotional side of labor
How your partner can best help you and more!
Continual Labor Support
From the moment you feel your first contraction, to the moment you hold your baby in your arms, I am here for you and your partner throughout your entire labor and delivery. So, what does that look like? I am glad you asked!
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I am on-call 24/7 for you and I will come either to your home or birthing location once you want me to arrive (usually when you have to breathe through contractions). I will help your birth partner assist you in labor with coaching techniques, labor positions, counter pressure, breathing techniques and more. Whether your labor is 3 hours or 30 hours, I don't leave your side as I guide you through every contraction. I am here to help communicate with the medical staff to ensure your birth desires are carried through, and I like help your birth partner get a break to rest and eat a snack/meal when needed. It is so fun for me to see the birth partner have the confidence to support the laboring mom as we work together as a team. Once your baby is born, I like to assist with breastfeeding right after delivery to ensure baby is latched properly and you feel settled.
I serve to provide emotional and physical support during labor and delivery, and it's my goal to provide a positive birth experience for the parents!
Postpartum Support
I will stay with you for one to two hours after delivery and ensure breastfeeding is going well as you begin to feel settled. I like to do an optional next day visit and a postpartum meeting about one week after delivery to process your birth experience and provide additional resources.
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I will also be on-call for you for one month postpartum if you have any questions.
Thank you for the honor to be at your side throughout your birth journey!
FAQ
Planning an epidural?
You may be wondering if having a doula would be helpful for your birth if you are planning on having an epidural. The answer is, absolutely! Having a professional doula is helpful no matter what your birth plan includes.
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Epidural Support:
If you are planning on having an epidural, it is important to know how to manage your labor in a relaxed way before getting the epidural. It's not a matter of when you get your epidural, but it's what you do before! Getting your baby in an optimal position is key! Once you get your epidural, I will help move you into a different position every 30-45 minutes (with the permission of the nursing staff) to help get your baby in an ideal position for a vaginal delivery. All services and support are the same as listed above.
Planning on having a cesarean birth?
Having a cesarean birth can be frightening. I help women with preparation for surgery though education, provide emotional support throughout the entire delivery and recovery, as well help with breastfeeding to ensure the mother gets a strong start to breastfeeding. I also like to help with the recovery by providing eight hours of postpartum help. There are many options women get to choose from to ensure baby and mom are healthy and the delivery is a positive experience.
Cesarean Birth Services:
Two prenatal visits
Emotional support during pre-operation and massage
Emotional support during surgery (if hospital allows) and after delivery
Help with initial breastfeeding for several hours
Next day visit
Eight hours of postpartum support within the first six weeks postpartum. Examples of that are house-cleaning, helping with meals, caring for other siblings, dishes, and anything other household care to help mama rest.
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Thanks to amazing medical staff at Pullman Regional Hospital and Gritman Medical Center, I have been in the OR two times and I have watched how cesarean births are performed by a medical doctor.
It sounds like a doula provides a lot, but what are some tasks a doula does not provide?
Perform clinical tasks such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others. I am there to only provide emotional support and physical comfort.
Make decisions for you. I will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision. I will also remind you of your birth plan if there is a departure from your birth plan.
Speak to the staff on your behalf. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak directly to the clinical staff.
Qualifications
DONA International Certified Birth Doula
DONA (Doulas Of North America) International is a well-respected doula organization.  I am a fully certified birth doula through DONA. DONA is the most well-known birth training program among hospitals. Professionalism and excellence are high priorities for DONA. I am proud to say I am certified through an amazing organization!
Health Education (K-12)
I have a bachelors degree from Western Washington University in Physical and Health Education. I have taken courses such as anatomy and physiology, bio mechanics, functional anatomy, biology, nutrition, and many pedagogy courses that help bring a special asset to my work as a birth doula. I am so thankful for the education and training I have received, and I am so grateful to be able to use it for your birth journey!
Other Experience
I am a mom of four young kids. I have worked with teen moms supporting, encouraging and educating them as they transition into parenthood. I have taught Health Education in Burundi, Africa, and The Hague, Netherlands. I have been a substitute teacher in many different school districts in western and eastern Washington as a stay-at-home mom. I have been a lifeguard and swim instructor, and I have worked with at-risk youth at a summer camp. I love teaching!
Pricing
Birth Doula Services: $1,250
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Planned Cesarean Option A:
$650 (Includes 8 hours of postpartum care outside of the hospital).
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Planned Cesarean Option B: $450 (no postpartum help)
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Additional Postpartum Help: $28/hour
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I believe every woman should have a doula. If financial circumstances are preventing you from hiring a doula, I have a scholarship application that I can provide at your first prenatal appointment. Feel free to email me with any questions!
"Brittney was the best decision we made during our pregnancy (besides getting pregnant). She is knowledgeable, compassionate, and reassuring. She is also empowering and cares deeply for women and families. She put both me and my husband at ease throughout the pregnancy and birth. We were unsure about doulas in general at first, but after Brittney, we have advocated for all of our friends to get doulas. Brittney is a gift. If you are on the fence, we would say go for it- you won't regret having Brittney with you!"
Heather, Colfax WA
"Brittney was an amazing doula for me. I had hoped to give birth at a birth center but when I unexpectedly ended up at the hospital, she was an absolute life saver. I really don't think I could have had the natural, unmedicated birth I hoped for without her! She was so encouraging and supportive and helped me through each contraction of my 13-hour labor. I would absolutely recommend Brittney as a doula to anyone looking for a natural and peaceful birth experience."
Trisha, Moscow ID
Brittney was such and incredible support to my husband and I. Even though mine was an "easy" first labor, her calm presence, knowledgeable suggestions, and gentle yet firm care were invaluable. The hospital staff loved how she worked with them, and my husband felt more capable to help with her there. I am now a doula because of how she impacted me!"
Ruth, Moscow ID
