What is my role as a doula?

I am not a medical professional or midwife, but I can complement the care provided by doctors, nurses, and midwives.

I will offer continuous support, helping you and your partner navigate the birthing process, providing comfort measures, suggesting coping techniques, and offering reassurance and encouragement.

My role as a doula varies based on the needs and preferences of you.

Some of my tasks and responsibilities include:

1. Providing emotional support:

Offering a calming presence, reassurance, and encouragement throughout the entire birth process. I help you manage fear, anxiety, and stress associated with childbirth.

2. Offering physical comfort:

I will use various techniques such as massage, positioning suggestions, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to provide physical comfort during labor. I may also assist with pain relief strategies that don’t involve medication.

3. Providing informational support:

I will help you understand the childbirth process, available options, and medical procedures. I will offer evidence-based information to facilitate informed decision-making.

4. Advocacy and communication:

I can help you communicate your preferences and desires effectively to the healthcare team. I advocate for your needs and support your birth plan as much as possible.

• Birth Doula
• Basic Birth at Hospital/ Home Only
• Added Doula Services
• Help someone else have a doula and donate
• Photography options through Leslie Dean Photography.

Before we start working together I will meet with you for a 30-minutes.  I call this my meet and greet and it cost nothing to you.  If we are clicking, then I will schedule your next appointment.  If we don’t click or if you are looking for something I don’t offer I will reach out to my doula friends and see if I can match you with the right one. This is a very intimate moment in your life and you need to feel comfortable with your doula.

After you decide to go with me I will have you pay for 1/2 of my services.  This is a non-refundable retainer that will go toward the total fee, this covers my being on call and keeping my schedule open for you.

Birth Doula– $1500

• A 2-3-hour meeting at your house with your partner (or whoever will attend the birth).  At this meeting, we will review your birth plan, I have visual aids for teaching what the mom and baby go through. 
• Information to be more informed and prepared.  Available for any questions that come up.
• Another meeting closer to your due date to go over exercises and more information.  Talk about any concerns you have.
• I keep my schedule open and I will be on call for you 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your due date.
• I will come to your house and check on you during the first stages of labor.
•  If you are having a home birth, I will come back during active labor and stay a couple of hours after the baby is born, then will come back and check on you the next day check on you and the baby.
• If you are delivering at the hospital I will come when you are in active labor, delivery, and a couple of hours after the baby is born.
• Postpartum visit within 24 hours after you go home.  I will check to see how you are doing. See how you and the baby are doing. 

Basic Birth at Hospital/ Home Only-$800

• Basic Doula Services You will receive all of my attention at the hospital. but I will not be with you beforehand except on the phone.

Additional Doula services-$400

• Attending your doctor or midwife and/or ultrasound appointments with you.
• Getting together for walks, yoga, or another home visit. Whatever you want to do

Photography Services -$200

This will include maternity, a few labor, and delivery (depending on what is and where I am standing you are my first priority), first moments including your first family picture I will get those to you right away so that you have something to use while announcing that your baby has arrived, and fresh 48-session which I will take while I’m visiting you for your postpartum check-up. You will receive a discount on your newborn pictures which is a separate visit at your home or in the studio.

Donate to another woman $300

I believe that everyone should have a doula if you are in a position to help give a scholarship to someone else please let me know.

             

A postpartum doula is a trained and experienced professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to families during the postpartum period, which typically refers to the weeks and months following childbirth. Unlike birth doulas, who assist during labor and delivery, postpartum doulas focus on helping families adapt to life with a new baby.

Postpartum Services – $35 an hour with a minimum of 8 hours that can be broken into blocks of time.

• Emotional Support: Offer a listening ear and emotional support to parents as they navigate the challenges and joys of early parenthood. I provide a safe space for parents to express their feelings, concerns, and fears.

• Practical Assistance: I will assist with tasks such as feeding (breastfeeding or bottle feeding), diapering, soothing techniques, and establishing healthy sleep habits for the baby. I can also help with light household chores and meal preparation.

• Sibling and Family Integration: I support the entire family unit, helping older siblings adjust to the arrival of a new baby and ensuring that everyone is receiving the care and attention they need. I can help with their schedules, assist with meals, and help entertain them

• Recovery and Self-Care: I provide guidance on postpartum physical recovery for the birthing parent, including suggestions for self-care and techniques to aid healing.

• Referrals:  I can connect families with appropriate resources and professionals, such as lactation consultants, therapists, or medical practitioners if additional support is needed.

• Customized Support: Each family’s needs are unique, and I will tailor support to match the family’s preferences and circumstances.

My goal as a postpartum doula is to help ease the transition into parenthood, provide reassurance, and enhance the well-being of both parents and the newborn. I not replace medical professionals but complement the care provided by doctors, midwives, and nurses.

Hello, my name is Leslie Dean and I am the owner of Perfectly Beautiful Doula. I am naturally an encouraging and outgoing person who loves to smile and be a friend to all. I have a gentle calm spirit that makes me perfect for working as a doula. I think that every birth is a blessing and I am happy to be part of the process.

I also have owned my Leslie Dean Photography business for over 10 years, which specializes in birth, newborn, maternity, and family photography.  When I am not at a birth or taking pictures I love spending time with my family.  Both of my children are grown and married to wonderful people. I am known as Lolly to my two grandchildren, you will hear me talk about them.  My husband and I met in high school and have been married for 28 years, he is my best friend and he still makes me laugh most of the time.  I am really enjoying this part of my life. I am all about sun and water and love the outdoors. Some of my favorite things are paddle boarding, hanging out with my friends, taking walks with my dog Sophie or a friend, and playing board games.  

I became a doula after the birth of my 2^nd grandchild in early 2023.  My daughter had a home birth and I was amazed at the care she was given by her midwife and doulas. I think that every woman deserves the same.  I decided to go through DONA International for my training.  I was very excited to learn so much and be part of a whole support system both from the organization and my fellow classmates.  As part of my continuing education, I plan on getting more certifications that will allow me to better support new moms with challenges they may face up to the first year after giving birth, such as breastfeeding, adjusting to parenthood, and even postpartum depression.  After having a difficult delivery with my son I had issues with breastfeeding and postpartum depression. I am passionate about using my experience to help others.

Please send me a message or call me today

720-837-0509