Jesse Harmon Pournaras

My primary role as a doula is to support the birthing parent during labor.  With pain management techniques, emotional support and a breadth of knowledge of the birthing process, I will help ensure your needs are met to the best of my ability, regardless of any situation—planned or unexpected—that may arise.  Whether you are laboring at home, in a hospital or birthing center, planning on using medication or having a c-section, I will support you fully and without judgement. 

Pregnancy & birth support Package (in person)

Choosing your doula is an extremely personal decision and one that should be made thoughtfully and with careful consideration to your needs and wants.  As you make your decision of whether you would like me to be your doula, we will have a virtual meet & greet with you and/or your chosen support person or partner.  Once you have hired me I will be available to you by phone and email 24 hours a day until you deliver.  I can answer questions regarding your pregnancy and birth plan and provide resources for support during and after your pregnancy.  

As you approach the final weeks of your pregnancy, we will schedule two to three prenatal meetings. During these meetings we can discuss your birth plan in detail; go over pain management techniques, breathing exercises and positions for labor; talk about postpartum self care; infant care and any other questions or concerns you may have.  We will also discuss my role for your delivery and what you would like that to entail.  

Throughout your pregnancy, you will check in with me after every doctor or midwife appointment to give me updates on your health, pregnancy and any changes your body is making.  Once you go into labor, and are ready for me to be present, I will come to your home, the hospital, or the birthing center.  I will be with you for the duration of your labor, whether it is 5 hours or 35 hours.  

After you deliver your baby, I will provide immediate postpartum care, including breast/chestfeeding assistance.  About a week after you deliver, I will come to your home for a postpartum visit (usually about 1.5 hours) to check on you and your newest family member. During this visit I can provide breast/chestfeeding support, infant care assistance and guidance, self care guidance, babywearing lessons, baby soothing techniques, and emotional support.

My birth clients have access to additional postpartum doula services if requested.  

Virtual pregnancy & birth support

For pregnant families that live far away or feel they already have adequate physical support from family, friends or community, I am available to provide the same expert support and knowledge that I provide my in-person clients with, virtually.

I will be available to you by phone, text and email throughout your pregnancy to answer questions you may have or process and synthesize information from your clinical care team. Around 36 weeks, we will have one two-hour video conference to draft your birth plan, prepare for birth and discuss postpartum plans. Additional sessions are available as needed at an additional fee.

I will be available to you continuously via text, phone or video throughout your birthing experience. I will offer suggestions to maintain comfort, advocate for your needs with your care team, and strategize next steps, as needed. I will also help your support team show up for you in productive and meaningful ways.

Once your baby is born, I will be available for ongoing virtual support through the first year of your baby’s life. My virtual clients who are local to New York City can opt to receive in person postpartum support at an additional fee.

Services include