Work with Me
1:1 Birth + Postpartum Doula Services
The evidence-based, judgment-free, expert guidance and support you need to stop stressing and set yourself up for a blissed-out pregnancy, birth, and first few months as a parent
You’re pregnant – yay!
This season of your life is full of joy, excitement, and sheer possibility… and you cannot wait to revel in it.
At the same time, though, you might be noticing that creating a whole new human and preparing to bring them into the world comes with plenty of questions, confusion, and hey, let's be real: unsolicited advice from well-meaning people.
You’ve got all of the things you DO think about regularly, like:
→ How painful is labor going to be, truthfully?
→ I’ve heard pregnancy can be beautiful and magical while also being uncomfortable and weird. What should I expect?
→ Do I want ALL of the drugs, none of the drugs, or something in between?
→ I just felt a little twinge… does that mean something is wrong?
→ What should my birth plan include, and how much of a say do I get to have in my birth experience, anyway?
→ Omg, what if my water breaks at work or in public?
→ This is my first pregnancy, and I have no idea what’s “normal” and what’s not – both for me and for my baby
→ This isn’t my first pregnancy, and I know without a doubt that I want (and need) the experience to be different this time around. How do I make that happen?
→ I just Googled a symptom, and what I read made me even more nervous than I was before. Cool, cool, cool.
→ How the heck am I supposed to find the OB-GYN or medical provider that’s right for me?
→ My doctor is great, but my appointments are so rushed – it seems like there’s never enough time to cover all of my questions at a level that leaves me feeling calm and reassured
As if that wasn’t enough, you’ve also got the things you probably aren’t thinking about right now but will need to know about a few months down the road:
→ Ok, so, I go from seeing my care team once a month, twice a month, then every week, and then the baby arrives, and… then what? I’m on my own to figure everything out myself?
→ I’ve heard about Postpartum Mood Disorders (PPMDs) and other postpartum complications… how am I supposed to know what to look for, especially if I’m no longer seeing my care team on a regular basis?
→ My newborn is doing [insert thing here]. Is that normal? Should I call the pediatrician?
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Oh… yup. Sounds a little too familiar!” I want you to know that you’re definitely not alone, and you are not doing anything wrong. The systems we live in just don’t offer parents-to-be the support they truly need before or after the baby arrives.
They deserve better, and you deserve better.
Meet Katie
Your Certified Birth + Postpartum Doula
I’m Katie Painter, a Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Birth + Postpartum Doula, and Certified Prenatal + Postpartum Pregnancy Yoga Teacher. I’m based in Richmond, Virginia, and I’ve helped hundreds of families grow over the past five years!
As a Full Spectrum Doula certified by Cornerstone Birthwork Training, I’m specifically trained, qualified, and experienced in providing essential support not just during pregnancy, labor, and birth, but during the too-often-overlooked postpartum period, too.
What is a doula?
A doula is a member of your care team – usually a trained professional – who is there to provide mental and physical support to you, your partner, and your family in whatever way you might need during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
In fact, studies have shown that having the support of a doula can result in a “reduced need for clinical procedures during labor and birth, fewer birth complications, and more satisfying experiences.”
As your doula, I’m 100% there for only you – not for your doctor, not for the hospital, not for the patient who needs the room next.
I’ll be by your side (virtually or IRL) to hold space for you every step of the way. We’ll work together to coax out the confidence you need to plan your ideal birth, set boundaries, and stand your ground or roll with those unexpected curveballs when necessary.
I’ll be there to candidly answer your questions with nuanced information specific to you and your unique situation. I will never judge you, and I will never make decisions for you.
Plus, I’ll be there to emotionally and physically support you – or to coach your partner in supporting you – during pregnancy, labor, and after your baby arrives.
There’s no right way to be pregnant, to give birth, or to parent – there’s only what ideal looks like for you. I’ll be there to help you map it out, and if we need to pivot? I’ll be there for that, too.
Together, we can make your dream birth a reality.
Love note:
Having somebody on my side who just 100% single - mindedly cared about me and my baby felt like a million bucks.
“I feel like I got the birth I wanted, even though it didn’t all go according to plan, because in the end, I felt like I was still running the show and making choices for myself. Plus, even the nurses were impressed by my birth plan! Like, I’m going to cry because I love Katie so much! She really got it. She really got me.”
-ck
What if pregnancy and labor were milestones you could actually celebrate and enjoy – not just painful obstacles you had to endure on the way to meeting your baby?
If you’re thinking, “Haha, sure, Katie, sure,” I get it.
Whether it’s prime-time sitcoms or “helpful” stories from friends, family, and random strangers, the images that come to mind when we hear the word “birth” – especially for first-time parents – usually involve feet in the stirrups, a special FX-level of sweating, plenty of swearing, and nonstop primal screams to the tune of “get this baby out of me!”
I mean, if that’s what you’re constantly seeing, what else are you supposed to believe, right?
These stories plus the changes in everything – from your routine to your body – can be a lot to handle. And all together? It can really rob you of your joy.
But here’s the truth: with the right support, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum don’t have to be so scary.
Seriously, how freaking magical would it feel if you could…
Turn to a trusted expert with any questions or concerns, no matter how weird, wild, or TMI… ya know, instead of consulting Dr. Google and stumbling on incomplete or outdated info that’s only going to make your stress levels worse. Goodbye, ball of anxiety. Hello, confident parent-to-be!
Leave behind all of the pressure and expectations that come with having a “perfect” pregnancy and birth and just focus on planning and preparing for your dream experience – whatever that might be!
Be equipped with the knowledge, vocabulary, and tools necessary to set boundaries and advocate for yourself – not only with your provider, but with family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers at the grocery store
Figure out what’s really important to you and your family now, before the baby arrives and sleep deprivation sets in
Fully understand your options and feel empowered in your choices surrounding your whole pregnancy, birth, and parenting journey and feel at ease with any changes or pivots you might want or need to make along the way
Create a birth plan that you feel great about (one that might just so happen to impress and earn the respect of your doctors, nurses, and midwives)
Have a pro on your side who is 100% there for you and only you – one who will hold space for you, hold your hand, and offer much-needed emotional support
Really and truly have the kind of blissed-out birth you didn’t believe was actually possible
Ready to get the education, preparation, and support it takes to actually enjoy your pregnancy, birth, and parenting journey?
Get the support you need with me as your doula.
Choose from two packages carefully curated to suit your needs:
basic birth doula
An expert on your side through your pregnancy, birth, and first 6 weeks of parenthood!
This package starts at the time of booking and continues until you are 6 weeks postpartum.
This package is perfect for parents-to-be who are ready to gain the knowledge and support they need to enjoy pregnancy, birth, and those first few weeks of parenthood.
This package includes…
An in-depth discovery questionnaire to help prep you (and your chosen birth partner) for our first call
Up to 2 prenatal calls or visits with me ($300 value)
Recordings of our calls (if virtual) – plus my notes and actionable advice – delivered within 48 hours ($300 value)
In-person or virtual day-of-birth support (additional travel fees may apply) ($1200 value)
One postpartum call or visit within the first 6 weeks ($150 value)
Discounts on my other offerings, including yoga, childbirth education classes, workshops, and more! ($175 value)
Total Value: $2,125
Your Investment: $1,600
Signature Birth Doula
An expert on your side through your entire pregnancy, birth, and first 12 weeks of parenthood!
This package starts at the time of booking and continues until you are 12 weeks postpartum.
This package is perfect for parents-to-be who want a a pro by their side every step of the way throughout pregnancy, birth, and the fourth trimester.
I’ll prepare you and your birth partner(s) with the knowledge and support you need to feel confident and empowered during pregnancy, birth, and your first few months of parenthood… and then some!
From talking to your providers with you, helping you with your registry, answering all of your questions about preparing a house for a new baby, and then starting to figure out that next stage, I’ll be there through it all.
This package includes…
An in-depth discovery questionnaire to help prep you (and your chosen birth partner) for our first call
ONE prenatal call or visit with me per month ($1,800 value)
Recordings of our calls (if virtual) – plus my notes and actionable advice – delivered within 48 hours ($1,800 value)
UNLIMITED phone or Voxer support throughout our time together (leave me a message any time, day or night, and I’ll get back to you during my next office hours with expert answers and emotional support) ($1,150 value)
In-person or virtual day-of-birth support Day-of-birth support (additional travel fees may apply) ($1200 value)
Three postpartum calls or visits within the first 12 weeks ($450 value)
Complimentary access to my courses, Navigating Birth and Support Person Prep Class ($670 value)
Total Value: $5,870
Your Investment: $2,500
Love note:
What happens next?
Once you click the button to schedule your free consultation, you’ll be taken to my calendar where you can choose the day and time that work best for you.
During your consultation, we’ll determine whether we’re a good fit to work together as well as go over any questions and concerns you might have. That way, you’ll get all of the information you need in order to make the best decision for you.
Love note
When I Googled too much, I could always go to Katie and say, "Could you please tell me what's true? "
“She always knew exactly what I was talking about and was able to explain where it came from, why people say that, what to look for, here’s my personal experience, here’s what I’ve seen, and here are some options for you… but knowing you, I think you’re probably going to want to try x.”
-CK
Certified Full Spectrum Birthworker & Educator
Certified Full Spectrum Birthworker & Educator
Q&A about Basic and Signature Birth Doula Services
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A: Yes! There’s no right or wrong way to give birth – there’s just the way that works best for you.
Whether you plan for a medicated or unmedicated (the technical term for “natural” birth – because having an epidural or c-section doesn’t make your birth any less “natural”), I’m here to help you understand your options, get clear on your goals (including wrapping your mind around what needs to happen for those goals to work out as planned), and be as prepared as possible for any detours you might need to take.
This is your birth. No matter what you decide, my job is to help support and guide you.
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A: Yes! While each doula has their own policies and preferences, we can absolutely work together with me as your doula if you’re planning to give birth in a hospital. People choosing to give birth in a hospital need a doula more than anyone!
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A: It’s a great start, but not all birth classes are created equal. Too often, hospital birth classes teach you more about how to be a good patient rather than what your options are… and you have lots of options even in a hospital setting! Many of my clients actually came to me after taking a hospital class because they realized they’d need way more information than they were given in class to make better decisions.
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A: Yes! Not everyone has a spouse or partner, or maybe you simply prefer another support person to be around to help you. Anyone who will be there to support you is welcome on our calls... even another care team member if they’re available.
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A: That’s ok! In general, it’s harder for partners to feel bonded or connected to a pregnancy or baby – especially early on. Our calls can always be 1:1 instead of 2:1, so zero judgment there. Just know I’m here to support your people, too! I know what it looks and feels like to be on the other side of a pregnancy, and I can offer support and suggestions to help you both be part of this process.
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A: Don’t worry – there are options! If you decide you need more support, we can either add additional calls at $150 per hour or you can add Voxer support (leave me a voice note or text message at any time, day or night, and I’ll get back to you during my office hours with answers and emotional support) for $150 per month.
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A: I am happy to travel to you for your birth if my schedule allows it; however, additional travel/room/board fees may apply.
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A: I believe everyone who wants a doula should have a doula. I am happy to work with you on a payment plan that works for you and your family; however, my fee is due in full prior to going on call for birth support.
Love note
Having Katie as our doula is one of the reasons we were able to have the natural birth we wanted with our first child.
“She enabled me and my husband to be the best possible team we could be. She was a coach and cheerleader all at once and was such a helpful, calm presence during the birthing experience. She took the pressure off my husband to remember everything we learned in birth class by recommending labor positions, position changes, etc. She would make recommendations and then allow my husband to be the one to apply counter pressure, support my weight, etc. I was so glad she was there constantly since the midwives and nurses flowed in and out of the room. I know my husband was also glad we had her as a voice and advocate for us as well. We hope to have Katie as our doula for baby number 2!”
-ki
Get the evidence-based, judgment-free, expert knowledge and actionable advice you need to stop stress-Googling, set solid boundaries, communicate clearly with your birth team, and set yourself – and your partner – up for a blissed-out pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period.
Pregnancy and birth don’t have to be scary, and making your dream birth a reality is not impossible.
You deserve to experience every moment of beauty and joy on this road to becoming a parent (whether it’s for the first time or for the fifth time).
You deserve to have a say in the kind of birth you have.
You deserve support during every stage of parenthood, whether that’s pregnancy, birth, postpartum, or raising your child.
You deserve to have someone in your team who is 100% there for you and only you… someone who just so happens to be a certified expert on all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
I can’t wait to be part of that support system for you.
Ready to put me on your birth team!?
Love note: