Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Docking.
Hi Maggie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a birth doula and birth photographer. I had the support of a doula at my first child’s birth. It was my doula’s encouragement, guidance & knowledge that inspired me to become a doula myself. I feel that all birth deserves more support, no matter how a baby is born. A mother should feel empowered and involved in the decisions that are made in the birth process.
Today, I’m running my own doula & birth photography business, and I feel so honored and humbled that families ask me to be a part of their births. It feels so good to make those moments positive & special for them.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There are definitely challenges being a doula. The hours aren’t ideal! Leaving at a moment’s notice, in the middle of the night, not knowing how long I will be gone, or putting my own plans aside to go support a family can be hard! Also, providers or staff don’t always welcome my suggestions. I’m not there to step on anyone’s toes, and I’m definitely not giving medical advice, but I want to try “all the things” for my clients, and voice their preferences to help them achieve the birth they desire. Despite those things, the journey has been great so far. It’s a very rewarding job, to say the least!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Birth is one of our biggest life-moments, and I am passionate about making it the most positive experience possible, because it’s something that we remember for the rest of our lives. As a doula, I provide prenatal and birth support to a laboring woman and her partner. I inform her of her options and I know what her preferences are. My goal is to help her to achieve the type of birth she desires. I help remind her in-the-moment of the things she wants, so that she doesn’t have to focus on those things AND think about birthing her child at the same time. I offer breastfeeding support and I check in with her in the days after her baby is born. It is my desire for her to feel supported in her entire journey of becoming a mother. I am hands-on, always thinking about baby’s positioning and positions for the laboring mother to be in. I also offer birth photography to capture those special, raw, unfiltered moments for the family.
Pricing:
- Doula Support $900
- Birth Photography $850
- Doula & Photography $1250
Contact Info:
- Email: mdbirthservices@gmail.com
- Website: www.mdbirthservices.com
- Instagram: @mdbirthservices
