SoCal Doulas — Visit Discussion Guide
Prenatal Visits
Initial 90-minute visit + 8 perinatal visits · Topic outlines for 15-minute and 60-minute sessions
1
Initial Visit — Birth Planning Z1032
0–20 min
Meet & Greet
Introductions, share your birth story so far, what brought you to doula care, who will be your support people, cultural traditions or values around birth.
20–45 min
Birth Plan Processing — Part 1
Where do you want to give birth? Who do you want in the room? What does your ideal birth look like? Pain management philosophy — epidural, unmedicated, nitrous, water labor. What do you want to avoid?
45–65 min
Birth Plan Processing — Part 2
Labor environment preferences: lighting, music, movement, photography. Immediate postpartum wishes: delayed cord clamping, skin-to-skin, golden hour, first feeding. How to communicate your plan to your medical team.
65–80 min
Care Plan & Assessment
Review your pregnancy so far, any concerns, your relationship with your OB or midwife, how your doula will coordinate with your care team. Walk through what the next visits will cover.
80–90 min
Scheduling & Next Steps
Schedule remaining perinatal visits. Confirm on-call plan for when labor begins. Answer any immediate questions before you leave.
Perinatal Visits 2–9 — Choose your topic format each visit
2
Nutrition, Movement & Your Changing Body Z1034/Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsQuick check-in- Nutrition check-inWhat are you eating, how are you feeling, any concerns about weight or cravings?
- Movement updateAre you staying active? Any discomfort or restrictions from your provider?
- Physical symptomsHeartburn, swelling, round ligament pain, back pain — quick tips for relief.
- Baby's positionDo you know where baby is sitting? Any concerns from your last OB visit?
- Emotional check-inHow are you feeling overall this week?
60
60-Minute TopicsIn-depth session- Trimester nutrition deep diveWhat your body needs right now, foods to prioritize, what to avoid, managing nausea or food aversions.
- Prenatal movement workshopSafe exercises for each trimester, pelvic floor strengthening, positions that help baby get into optimal position for birth.
- Braxton Hicks vs. real contractionsHow to tell the difference, what to do, when to call your provider.
- Prodromal laborWhat it is, how to cope, why it happens — emotional and physical management.
- Postpartum meal planningFreezer meals, nourishing foods, how to set up a support system for eating well after birth.
3
Advanced Comfort Measures — Partner Workshop Z1034/Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsIf partner can't attend- Partner's emotional roleHow to stay calm, what to say and not say, being a steady presence.
- Counter-pressure basicsWhere to press during back labor, how much pressure to use.
- Breathing cuesOne breathing pattern to practice together before labor begins.
- Hospital bag for comfortWhat items support labor comfort — what to pack, what to skip.
- When to call the doulaReview the on-call plan and early labor signs.
60
60-Minute TopicsFull partner workshop- The partner's full roleWhat you can realistically do, how doula + partner support works together, staying calm under pressure.
- Counter-pressure & positioning (hands-on)Hip squeezes, sacral pressure, supported squats, hands-and-knees. Partner practices on birthing person.
- Breathing & vocalization coachingHow to lead breathing patterns, use low vocalizations, guide through surges without panic.
- Birth tools workshopBirth ball, rebozo, cold and warm compresses, shower vs. tub — what each does and when to use it.
- Q&A + practice runPartner practices everything learned. Review early labor signs, when to call the doula, when to leave for the birth location.
4
Birth Emergencies — Know What's Happening Z1034/Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsOverview only- Why we discuss thisKnowledge reduces fear. Your doula supports you through every outcome without exception.
- Fetal monitoring languageWhat "late decels" and "category 2 tracing" mean so you're not caught off guard.
- Unplanned cesarean overviewWhen it happens, what to expect, how doula support adapts.
- Birth loss — brief acknowledgmentYour doula is with you through miscarriage, stillbirth, or termination. Care does not stop.
- Your emergency preferencesOne or two things you want to have on record if birth doesn't go as planned.
60
60-Minute TopicsFull education session- Framing from empowermentWhy understanding emergencies reduces anxiety, not increases it. Your doula never leaves.
- Unexpected labor scenariosFetal heart rate changes, failure to progress, cord prolapse, meconium — what the team is doing, what you'll hear, how your doula advocates.
- Unplanned cesarean — full walkthroughEmergency vs. planned, what happens in the OR step by step, recovery differences, how doula support continues.
- Pregnancy & birth lossMiscarriage, stillbirth, and termination — what to expect physically and emotionally, how care and billing continues through every outcome.
- Building your emergency preferences documentWho makes decisions if you can't speak, what matters most to you, how to communicate it to your team.
5
Newborn Care & Fourth Trimester Prep Z1034/Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsQuick check-in- Newborn questionsWhat are you most nervous about when baby arrives?
- Safe sleep checkDo you have a safe sleep space set up? Any questions about guidelines?
- Feeding intentionBreast, bottle, or both? Any concerns or questions?
- Hospital bag updateWhat have you packed? What are you missing?
- Support system checkWho is helping when you get home? Do you have a plan?
60
60-Minute TopicsIn-depth session- Newborn care workshopBathing, diapering, cord care, dressing, swaddling, soothing a crying baby — hands-on if a doll is available.
- Babywearing basicsTypes of carriers, safety guidelines, how to get started.
- Feeding educationBreastfeeding basics: latch, supply, feeding cues. Bottle basics: pacing method, formula prep. How to do both.
- Safe sleep environmentABC of safe sleep, setting up a bassinet or crib, what products to avoid.
- Building your postpartum villageWho does what, how to ask for help, setting up meals and visitors in advance.
6
Mental Health & Relationship Preparation Z1034/Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsQuick check-in- Mental health checkHow are you feeling emotionally this week? Any anxiety about birth or parenthood?
- Relationship updateHow is your partner handling the pregnancy? Any tension or excitement to share?
- Sleep qualityHow are you sleeping? What's helping or hurting?
- Stress inventoryWhat feels most overwhelming right now? One thing we can address today.
- Upcoming OB visitAny questions to bring to your next provider appointment?
60
60-Minute TopicsIn-depth session- Perinatal mental health educationAnxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD during pregnancy — what's normal, what's clinical, when and how to get support.
- Fear of birth processingWhat specifically are you afraid of? Working through fears with grounding, information, and reframing.
- Identity shift into parenthoodHow parenthood changes your sense of self, your relationship, your priorities — and how to prepare for that.
- Relationship after babyWhat changes, what doesn't, how to stay connected, division of labor conversations to have now.
- Setting boundaries with familyVisitors after birth, advice you don't want, how to communicate expectations clearly before baby arrives.
7
Labor Signs, Hospital Logistics & Late Pregnancy Z1034/Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsQuick check-in- Labor signs reviewDo you know the difference between early labor, active labor, and when to call?
- On-call plan checkDo you have your doula's number saved? Is your partner clear on the plan?
- Physical comfort updateHow is your body feeling at this stage — sleep, movement, discomfort?
- Induction questionHas your provider discussed induction? Any questions or concerns?
- Hospital bag final checkWhat do you still need to add?
60
60-Minute TopicsIn-depth session- Labor signs workshopEarly labor, active labor, transition — what each phase feels like, how long they typically last, what you should be doing at home vs. heading in.
- When to call and when to goThe 5-1-1 rule, when to call your doula first vs. your OB first, how to navigate triage.
- Induction educationTypes of induction (cervical ripening, Pitocin, AROM), what changes about your labor, how doula support adapts.
- Hospital arrival walkthroughCheck-in process, triage, getting to your room, what to expect in the first hour.
- Postpartum realistic expectationsWhat the first 6 weeks actually look like — sleep, healing, emotions, feeding. Not the highlight reel.
8
Emotional Preparation & Self-Care in Late Pregnancy Z1034/Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsQuick check-in- How are you feeling emotionallyExcited, scared, both? Just naming it matters.
- One thing you're worried aboutName it and address it together.
- Sleep strategiesWhat is and isn't working right now.
- Self-care checkWhat have you done for yourself this week?
- Affirmation practiceOne affirmation to take into birth with you.
60
60-Minute TopicsIn-depth session- Fear processing — deep diveWhat specific fears are still present? Working through each one with information, perspective, and emotional release.
- Visualization for birthGuided visualization practice: walking through your ideal birth from start to finish.
- Affirmations & grounding toolsBuilding a personal set of affirmations, breathing techniques, and grounding exercises to use in labor.
- Managing the waitingLate pregnancy discomfort, going overdue emotionally and physically, natural ways to encourage labor when the time is right.
- Setting postpartum intentionsWhat do you want to prioritize in your fourth trimester? What kind of mother do you want to be?
9
Final Prenatal Visit — Birth Ready Check-In Z1034/Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsFinal send-off- Final emotional check-inHow are you feeling going into birth?
- Confirm on-call planDoes everyone know what to do when labor starts?
- Birth plan confirmationIs your plan printed and packed?
- Partner readinessIs your partner feeling confident and prepared?
- Encouragement & send-offYou are ready. You have everything you need.
60
60-Minute TopicsFull final session- Full birth plan reviewRead through the birth plan together. Any final updates or changes?
- Overdue supportMembrane sweeping — what it is, what to expect. Natural induction methods: evidence, safety, what actually works.
- Final hospital bag walkthroughGo through everything together. Fill any gaps.
- Postpartum visit scheduleConfirm dates and expectations for the extended home visit and all remaining postpartum visits.
- Affirmations, grounding & send-offA closing ritual: breathing exercise, affirmations, and a genuine celebration of how far you've come.
SoCal Doulas — Visit Discussion Guide
Labor & Delivery
Visit 10: Labor & Delivery Support · Visit 11: Extended 3-Hour Postpartum Home Visit
10
Labor & Delivery Support — All Outcomes 59409 / 59612 / 59620 / T1033 / 59840
Your doula provides continuous in-person support from active labor through delivery and immediate recovery. Every outcome is fully supported — the billing code changes based on what happens, but your doula never leaves.
59409
Vaginal delivery
$568.61
59612
VBAC delivery
$638.01
59620
Cesarean section
$660.46
T1033
Miscarriage or stillbirth
$208.21
59840
Abortion support
$208.21
What your doula does during each phase
Early Labor — At Home
Typically 0–6 cm · Contractions 5–10 min apart
- Phone & text support — available to answer questions, time contractions, and help you decide when to call.
- Comfort coaching by phone — walking partner through techniques, helping you manage early surges at home.
- Arrival decision support — help deciding when it's time to go to your birth location or call your doula to join.
Active Labor
6–10 cm · Contractions 3–5 min apart · Your doula is present
- Continuous physical support — counter-pressure, positioning changes, cold and warm compresses, rebozo, birth ball.
- Breathing coaching — leading patterns, staying calm, keeping you grounded through each surge.
- Partner coaching — directing your partner in real time so you're never without support.
- Advocacy — helping you communicate your birth plan to the medical team, asking clarifying questions.
- Emotional anchoring — reassurance, encouragement, and calm presence through transition and pushing.
Delivery & Immediate Postpartum
Birth through first 1–2 hours
- Birth support — positioning, encouragement, breathing cues through pushing or surgical birth.
- Golden hour facilitation — supporting skin-to-skin, first latch, delayed cord clamping per your birth plan.
- Emotional processing — space to feel everything, debrief the birth, celebrate or grieve depending on the outcome.
- Partner support — checking in on your partner's emotional state, involving them in the first moments.
Birth Loss — Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Termination
T1033 / 59840 · Full support, no exceptions
- Present without agenda — your doula is there, follows your lead, and does not impose a process on your grief.
- Medical navigation — helping you understand what is happening medically, advocating for the space and time you need.
- Memory-making support — if desired, supporting photographs, hand and foot prints, time with your baby, whatever you need.
- Referrals & next steps — connecting you with grief support resources, therapists, and bereavement organizations before you leave.
11
Extended Postpartum Home Visit — 3-Hour Discussion Outline T1032
This is your first real chance to settle in at home. Three hours of hands-on support — not a checklist, but a flexible conversation that follows where you need it to go. The outline below is a guide, not a script. Follow the family's lead.
0–30 min
Arrival, Assessment & First Read of the Room
- How are you feeling? How was the hospital stay? How did birth go compared to your expectations?
- How long have you been home? How is sleep going so far?
- Quick visual assessment — is the home environment safe and supportive? What does the family need most right now?
- Who else is in the home? Is anyone helping? Is anyone making things harder?
- What is the one thing you most need from this visit?
30–75 min
Feeding Assessment & Newborn Care
- Watch a feeding — latch quality, positioning, transfer signs, comfort for the feeding parent.
- Milk coming in? Any engorgement, nipple pain, or supply concerns?
- Bottle feeding: pacing method, formula prep, volume questions.
- How many wet and dirty diapers in the last 24 hours? Is baby waking to feed?
- Cord care, diaper changes, swaddling — hands-on if helpful.
- Safe sleep environment walkthrough — is the setup safe? Any products to remove?
75–120 min
Birthing Parent Recovery
- Postpartum bleeding — amount, color, clots. When to call the provider.
- Perineal healing or incision care — what's normal, what to watch for.
- Pain management — what are you taking, is it enough, what else can help?
- Nutrition and hydration — when did you last eat a real meal? What do you have in the house?
- Pelvic floor basics — what to do and not do in the first two weeks.
120–155 min
Emotional Wellbeing & Support System
- How are you feeling emotionally? Baby blues check — what's normal vs. concerning.
- Postpartum depression and anxiety — early warning signs to watch for, what to do if they appear.
- Partner adjustment — how is your partner doing? Are they stepping up? Are they struggling?
- Sibling adjustment if applicable.
- Who is helping? Who is coming to visit? Are visitors helping or draining?
- Visitor boundary conversation — how to say no, how to ask for what you actually need.
155–180 min
Home Setup, Logistics & Wrap-Up
- What does a realistic daily rhythm look like this week? Walk through it together.
- Household logistics — meals, laundry, older children, pets. What can be delegated?
- Confirm the remaining postpartum visit schedule — dates, times, what to cover.
- Lactation consultant referral if needed. Pelvic floor PT referral if indicated. Any other specialist connections.
- What is the one thing you need more support with before the next visit?
SoCal Doulas — Visit Discussion Guide
Postpartum Visits
9 postpartum visits · Medi-Cal clients · 15-minute and 60-minute topic options for each visit
12
Week 1 — Feeding, Recovery & First Days Home Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsCheck-in- Feeding progressHow is feeding going? Latch, supply, pain, frequency?
- Postpartum bleedingAmount and color update. Any clots or concerns?
- Sleep reportHow many hours total since discharge? Who is helping at night?
- Baby diaper outputWet and dirty diapers per day — is it on track?
- One questionWhat is the one thing you most need answered today?
60
60-Minute TopicsFull session- Full feeding assessmentWatch a feed. Latch quality, transfer signs, positioning, nipple health, supply indicators.
- Engorgement & mastitis preventionSigns of a clogged duct, how to prevent mastitis, when to call the provider.
- Postpartum bleeding educationWhat's normal, what's not, clot size guidelines, when to go to urgent care.
- Week 1 emotional debriefProcessing the birth, the hospital stay, and the first days home. What surprised you?
- Support system assessmentWho is helping and how? What is falling through the cracks? How can the doula help fill gaps?
13
Week 1–2 — Milk Supply, Mood & Finding a Rhythm Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsCheck-in- Milk transition updateHas milk come in fully? Any oversupply or undersupply concerns?
- Mood checkHow are you feeling emotionally? Tearful, anxious, flat, overwhelmed?
- Baby weightDid you have a weight check? What did the pediatrician say?
- Sleep strategyWhat is your current sleep plan? Is it working?
- Visitor updateHow are visits going? Is anyone overstaying their welcome?
60
60-Minute TopicsFull session- Colostrum to milk — what happenedWalking through the transition, what is normal supply variation, addressing supply anxiety.
- Postpartum mood screeningEdinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale — administer and discuss. What the results mean, what to do next.
- Baby blues vs. PPD — how to tellTimeline, symptom differences, risk factors, and a clear action plan if symptoms escalate.
- Building a daily rhythmWhat does a realistic day look like now? Feeding schedule, sleep windows, and one anchor routine to build from.
- Sibling adjustmentIf there are older children — how are they doing, what's helping, what's getting harder?
14
Weeks 2–3 — Recovery, Body Image & Feeding Evolution Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsCheck-in- Feeding updateAny changes, challenges, or wins since last visit?
- Bottle introduction questionAre you thinking about introducing a bottle? When, how?
- Physical recoveryHow is healing going? Pain levels, bleeding update.
- Body image check-inHow are you feeling in your body right now?
- Pelvic floor questionAny leaking, pain, or pressure concerns?
60
60-Minute TopicsFull session- Bottle introduction — the full pictureWhen to introduce, pacing method, which bottles work well with breastfeeding, partner feeding benefits.
- Pumping basicsWhen to start, how often, output expectations, flange fit, storage guidelines.
- Return to movementWhat's safe at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks. How to know your body is ready. What to absolutely avoid and why.
- Postpartum body imageHonest conversation about the fourth trimester body — what's changed, what comes back, what stays different, and how to find peace with it.
- Pelvic floor recovery & PT referralWhat pelvic floor PT is, who should go, how to access it, what to expect.
15
Weeks 3–4 — Mental Health Deep Dive & Community Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsCheck-in- PPD/PPA screeningQuick check — how are you feeling compared to last week?
- Anxiety levelWhat is your anxiety about most right now?
- Sleep qualityAre you sleeping when baby sleeps? What's getting in the way?
- Support networkDo you feel supported? Is anyone making things harder?
- One winWhat went well this week? Name something you did right.
60
60-Minute TopicsFull session- PPD & PPA — full screening & next stepsAdminister EPDS. Discuss results. Create an action plan: therapist referral, provider conversation, medication discussion if appropriate.
- Postpartum PTSD & birth traumaSigns of birth trauma, how it differs from normal birth processing, specialist referral options.
- Partner mental health checkHow is your partner really doing? Are they struggling silently? What support is available for them?
- Coping toolkitGrounding techniques, breathing tools, what to do on a hard day, who to call in a crisis.
- Community connectionLocal mom groups, online communities, peer support programs — finding your people in the fourth trimester.
16
Weeks 4–5 — Sleep, Self-Care & Identity Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsCheck-in- Night wakingsHow many times is baby waking? How are you coping?
- Self-care updateWhen did you last do something just for you?
- Solo parentingHow do you handle it when your partner goes back to work or is unavailable?
- Babywearing questionAre you using a carrier? Any questions about fit or safety?
- One encouragementSomething your doula wants you to hear today.
60
60-Minute TopicsFull session- Sleep deprivation managementThe reality of newborn sleep, survival strategies, how to split the night, when to nap, how to ask for more help.
- Self-care — what it actually meansNot bubble baths. Real rest, real nourishment, real time to feel like yourself. How to create it in small doses.
- Identity shift into motherhoodMatrescence — what it is, why it's disorienting, how to honor who you were and who you're becoming.
- Babywearing safety & fit checkHands-on carrier check, TICKS guidelines, positions for this stage.
- Social reintegrationHow and when to start going out, seeing friends, feeling like a person in the world again.
17
6-Week Checkup Prep & Return to Work Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsCheck-in- 6-week visit coming upWhat are you planning to ask your OB or midwife?
- Return to work timelineHow are you feeling about going back? Is the timing right?
- Contraception questionHave you thought about birth control options postpartum?
- Childcare updateWhat is your childcare plan? Is it in place?
- Feeding at 6 weeksHow is feeding going as you approach the 6-week mark?
60
60-Minute TopicsFull session- 6-week visit prepWhat to ask, what to advocate for, what "cleared for exercise and sex" does and doesn't mean, how to bring up mental health concerns.
- Contraception optionsFull overview: mini pill, IUD, implant, barrier methods — what's compatible with breastfeeding, what to discuss with your provider.
- Returning to work — emotional and logisticalThe guilt, the grief, the relief. Pumping at work: schedule, storage, talking to your employer.
- Childcare decision and transitionHow to choose, what to look for, how to manage the separation anxiety — yours and theirs.
- Celebrating 6 weeksHow far you've come. What you've survived. What you want to carry forward.
18
Weeks 6–8 — Feeding Changes, Solids Timeline & Connection Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsCheck-in- Feeding updateStill breastfeeding? Pumping? Combo feeding? How is it working?
- Solid food questionAny questions about when to start solids?
- Relationship checkHow is your relationship with your partner doing right now?
- Social lifeHave you left the house for something enjoyable? What would help you reconnect?
- One concernWhat is the one thing on your mind today?
60
60-Minute TopicsFull session- Feeding evolution 6–8 weeksNatural changes in nursing patterns, managing supply changes, weaning considerations, supplementing without guilt.
- Solid food introductionWhen to start (around 6 months), readiness signs, baby-led weaning vs. purees, what to introduce first.
- Relationship reconnectionIntimacy after birth — when, how, the emotional complexity of it. Communication with your partner about what you need.
- Finding communityMom groups, stroller walks, online spaces, postpartum fitness classes — what's available and what fits your life.
- Postpartum movementWhat exercise looks like at 6–8 weeks, how to return safely, pelvic floor progress, what to avoid.
19
Weeks 8–10 — Infant Development, Referrals & Ongoing Support Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsCheck-in- Development milestoneSmiling, cooing, tracking — what is baby doing this week?
- Tummy timeHow much are you doing? Any resistance from baby?
- Specialist referralDo you need a pelvic floor PT referral, lactation consultant follow-up, or therapist connection?
- Stress levelOn a scale of 1–10, how are you doing this week?
- Next visit planningWhat do you want to make sure we cover at the final visit?
60
60-Minute TopicsFull session- Infant development 8–10 weeksSocial smiling, vocalization, tracking objects and faces, tummy time milestones, what to expect at the 2-month pediatric visit.
- Tummy time workshopTechniques to make it more enjoyable, positions, how to build duration gradually.
- Specialist referral coordinationWho needs what: pelvic floor PT, therapist, lactation consultant, pediatric specialist. How to access and what to expect from each.
- Parenting philosophyAttachment parenting, responsive parenting, scheduling — what resonates, what doesn't, how to find your own approach.
- Ongoing mental health supportWhat does your mental health care look like going forward? Is there a therapist? Is medication working? What is the plan?
20
Final Visit — Closing Your Care Plan Z1038
15
15-Minute TopicsClosing check-in- Final emotional checkHow are you feeling as this chapter of support comes to a close?
- One resourceIs there one thing you still need connected to before we finish?
- What you're taking with youOne thing you learned or gained through this process.
- Future doula careHow to re-engage doula support for future pregnancies or ongoing needs.
- Gratitude & closeA warm, intentional goodbye.
60
60-Minute TopicsFull closing session- Care plan reflectionWalk through the whole journey — from that first visit to now. What changed? What surprised you? What are you proud of?
- Comprehensive resource handoffEvery specialist referral finalized: therapist, pelvic floor PT, lactation consultant, pediatrician, support groups, postpartum resources.
- Letter of care completionProvide a written summary of care for the client's records if desired.
- Future support optionsFuture pregnancies, postpartum support for a second child, community groups, ways to stay connected.
- Celebration & acknowledgmentYou carried a pregnancy, you gave birth, you survived the fourth trimester. That deserves to be witnessed and honored.