Doula services
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Continuous, unconditional support as you bring new life into the world.
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Photo by: Chris O.
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Photo by: Lizi Seefeldt
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I found a passion for breastfeeding support early on in motherhood and went on to become an accredited La Leche League Leader in 2015. A few years later, the empowering VBAC birth of my second son sparked yet another passion in me and I completed my training as a birth doula in 2018 through DONA. Since then, I have gone through a few other trainings such as SpinningBabies, Hypnobabies Doula training, LGBTQ+ Ally training, Ally to Accomplice: Unpacking White Privilege, an internship at a local community birth center for 6 months in 2019, and am currently working towards my certification as a Postpartum Doula through BAI.
A few kind words...
"Where to begin... Jo in general a very lovely person. As a doula she made sure to answer my questions, listen to me when I became nervous/anxious and always made sure to keep me laughing! When I planned my repeat csection, I felt no judgement from her with my decision, which was very important to me. Even my husband said it was so nice to have her there when waiting to go into the OR! We would recommend Jo to any of our family and friends in a heartbeat. P.S. She also does some amazing henna work." |
"Jo helped me immensely from 26 weeks when I started my Hypnobabies training and had lots of questions. She was quick with communication and thorough in her responses. During my birthing time, she was a calm and encouraging coach and helped me stay on the path with my affirmations and goals. After, she became a mentor for my breastfeeding journey, reminding me about appropriate expectations and alternative positions. My entire family loved her: she is such a kind spirit. If you choose her, you will get a well-trained, loving hypno-doula. Oh, and did I mention she does henna? Such fun for me and my daughter as we waited with excitement in those last couple weeks :) Thanks for everything, Jo!" |
"If you are planning on having a doula at your birth Jo is your girl. |
Services
BIRTH. PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION. SIBLING CARE.
I offer a variety of services tailored to the needs of your family.
I offer a variety of services tailored to the needs of your family.
birth
- Complimentary in-person or virtual consult, whatever your preference.
- Up to two prenatal visits in your home to discuss childbirth, your birth preferences and values, comfort measures for pregnancy and birth, any past birthing experiences, resources and postpartum preparation.
- Complimentary Dynamic Body Balancing sessions: once during pregnancy to help prepare the body for birth, and once for baby to support nursing and recover from birth. Additional appointments can be scheduled with a 10% discount.
- Phone and email support as needed from the moment of hire through the postpartum period.
- Emotional and physical support during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.
- Advocacy during birth. This does not include me speaking for my clients, but rather that I will remind you of your choices and encourage you to ask questions, and speak on your own behalf.
- Working with the partner, and facilitating the intimate bond during birth. I will help show them how to comfort the birthing person during the different stages.
- Up to two postpartum visits after the birth to answer questions regarding newborn care, your recovery, review the birth, help with general lactation/feeding needs, refer out to additional trusted resources as necessary, etc..
- Lactation education and support within my scope before and after your birth. If specialized help is necessary, I will guide you to trusted sources!
- Hypnobabies families- our second prenatal appointment includes a "birthing day practice" if you are taking the home-study course.
Total cost of services: $950*
*payment plans are accepted, I'm happy to meet you where you're at!
Placenta encapsulation
Your placenta that nourished your baby during pregnancy, can also be very nourishing for the birthing person. Consuming your placenta has been shown to have many benefits!
Some benefits reported include:
You can choose from two types of preparation:
Traditional method based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)*. The placenta is first steamed with lemon, ginger, and hot pepper, then dehydrated before being finely ground and encapsulated.
Pre-birth Preparation
After Birth Preparation
Your Placenta Encapsulation package includes:
Looking for some more info? Check out one of my favorite resources for all things birth: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-on-placenta-encapsulation/
Total cost of service: $200
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Artfully Empowered/Jo Kucala is not a licensed medical providers or formally trained in Chinese Medicine and therefore not able to diagnose, treat or prescribe for any health condition. Families who choose to utilize the services and information on this website take full responsibility for their own health. The benefits of placenta encapsulation have not been proven by research and only anecdotal information is available. No results or benefits are promised or guaranteed, and results will vary for every individual. Artfully Empowered/Jo Kucala assumes no responsibility for any actions of the other birth professionals listed on this site.
Some benefits reported include:
- Improved energy
- Decreased postpartum mood disorders
- Balanced hormone levels
- Increased milk supply
- Increased iron stores
- Decreased postpartum bleeding
You can choose from two types of preparation:
Traditional method based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)*. The placenta is first steamed with lemon, ginger, and hot pepper, then dehydrated before being finely ground and encapsulated.
- The steaming process should destroy any pathogens or viruses the placenta may have picked up during its time outside of the womb, making it safer to consume.
- This process tends to increase the amount of iron.
- Believed that the cooking process makes the nutrients more readily available for your body to reabsorb.
- Yields more capsules
- Has been found to be much more stimulating, increasing energy levels.
- May create an oversupply of milk early on, making the engorgement period more uncomfortable.
Pre-birth Preparation
- Tell your birth team you are saving your placenta.
- Pack two gallon sized ziplock bags and a cooler with your birth bag.
After Birth Preparation
- Remind your birth team of your plans with your placenta, present ziplock bags/cooler.
- As soon as possible (within two hours), double bag the placenta in your ziplocks, then put it on LOTS of ice inside your cooler or in the fridge. Some places of birth have a container for placentas - put this in your cooler on ice or in the refrigerator.
- If your baby is born between the hours of 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, call me right away for pickup.
- If your baby is born between the hours of 8:00 pm - 8:00 am, notify me by text, make sure the placenta is refrigerated or surrounded by ice, and call me in the morning.
- If the placenta is in a cooler, please replace the ice every 2-3 hours to ensure that your placenta is kept cold until pickup.
Your Placenta Encapsulation package includes:
- Pick-up of placenta from your place of birth within 2-5 hours after calling.
- Placenta encapsulated in vegan gel capsules either by the Traditional or Raw method
- Umbilical cord keepsake in a heart or "love" shapes, depending on length.
- Delivery of your capsules within 48 hours to your home.
- Optional add-on: Placenta Tincture.
Looking for some more info? Check out one of my favorite resources for all things birth: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-on-placenta-encapsulation/
Total cost of service: $200
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Artfully Empowered/Jo Kucala is not a licensed medical providers or formally trained in Chinese Medicine and therefore not able to diagnose, treat or prescribe for any health condition. Families who choose to utilize the services and information on this website take full responsibility for their own health. The benefits of placenta encapsulation have not been proven by research and only anecdotal information is available. No results or benefits are promised or guaranteed, and results will vary for every individual. Artfully Empowered/Jo Kucala assumes no responsibility for any actions of the other birth professionals listed on this site.
Sibling Doula
Welcoming a new baby to the family can be a big shift for the parents, and even bigger for the older sibling(s)! Sibling doulas are a great resource when typical extended family support isn't around. I have 10+ years of experience nannying all ages for a number of families throughout the years, plus parenting my own two young children. Rest assured, your child will be in safe and capable hands!
Services include:
Cost of services: $500
Services include:
- Complimentary consult
- A prenatal meeting to become acquainted with your family and your home.
- On call 24/7 officially from 37-42+ weeks.
- Continuous in-home care during the birthing time including: Light meal and snack preparation, bedtime routines, overnight care, light housework, walks around the neighborhood, emotional support, and guidance during birth (in the case of a home birth).
Cost of services: $500
HEnna
Artfully Empowered Doula clients receive 25% off my normal rates for pregnancy & postpartum henna packages.
Jo Kucala
651.303.7250
artfullyempowered@gmail.com
Minneapolis, MN
651.303.7250
artfullyempowered@gmail.com
Minneapolis, MN
