Sunshower doula services
by Sami halvorsen
in monmouth county, New jersey
The story of SUNSHOWER
My name is Sami Halvorsen and I am a doula in Monmouth County, NJ.
For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about all things pregnancy, labor, birth, sex, the human body and holistic wellness. In 2018, I received my Bachelor’s degree in Health Behavior Science from the University of Delaware and continued my education with Rutgers University, acquiring my bachelors degree in Nursing in 2019. With the ultimate goal of working in maternal health, I began my career as an RN on the Medical Surgical unit of Monmouth Medical Center in 2020. Transferring to the Labor & Delivery unit three years later strengthened my passion and desire to work with pregnant people and families - but I felt like I had to follow my passion with a different approach. I received my DONA birth doula training from the amazing Debra Pascali-Bonaro, a renowned doula and teacher with 30+ years of experience.
I became a doula so I can support you, educate you, cheer for you, dance with you, laugh with you & empower you through your entire pregnancy journey. Whatever you envision for YOUR birth, I want to be by your side making you feel safe - the most important prerequisite in pregnancy, labor and delivery. The human body is incredible in its capacity to protect us from perceived threats. It can actually prolong labor if the body is tense or fearful, making it absolutely vital for a laboring person to feel safe, confident and informed. I am so excited to share my knowledge of the roles and interactions between your body’s hormones, positioning and movements, and your environment during pregnancy, labor and delivery.
my MISSION: to provide emotional, physical & Spiritual support grounded in education during your pregnancy, labor and delivery
Pregnancy hormones
Oxytocin baby!!! Keeping a steady flow of oxytocin (the love hormone) is vital for an intervention free labor. Ways to increase the flow of oxytocin are: by creating a safe and loving environment, reducing the stress hormones (adrenaline) , being able to cope with the labor, decreasing distractions, etc.
Positions/movement for labor & delivery
Movement is incredible for a quicker and easier labor. Together we can dance your baby out, use birthing balls through various phases of labor (even with an epidural!) and help you push in the position most natural for you.
Creating a safe & sensual environment
They say you should deliver your baby in the same type of environment you would like to make a baby in! Quiet, dark, peaceful, private and safe. I can help make the hospital setting feel cozy and safe. I will make sure you know what sights, sounds and conversations will be had with you before you arrive for labor so your body can relax and do its thing!
DOULA services
Will provide services at any hospital, birth center or home with a licensed practitioner present
Birth Package:
- 2 prenatal visits,
- On call access beginning 2 weeks prior to due date
- Continuous presence at labor/delivery
- 1 postpartum visit
Coaching Package:
- 2 prenatal visits
- 1 support person coaching session
- Phone/email support
- 1 postpartum visit
All relationships begin with a free meet & Greet (virtual) to discuss your situation and goals.
I sit down with you and your chosen support person for labor. I provide evidence based resources and we discuss your birth plan, your feelings/concerns and what to expect. I can help answer any questions about your options. Basically, I try to help you and your partner be as mentally, emotionally and physically prepared for labor so you can go into the experience confident and empowered!
(Approx. 1-2 hrs each)
Explanation of services
- Prenatal visits
- Presence at your birth
-support person coaching
Postpartum visit
Two weeks prior to your due date, I will be on call for you 24/7. I will come to your house or meet you at the hospital when you are ready. I will remain with you throughout your labor and delivery, unless otherwise requested. I will provide continuous emotional support as well as physical support with acupressure, position changes, dance, breathing techniques and counter pressure massage. I will encourage you to have your voice heard and I will help explain what is happening. I will also help your partner support you! I will remain with you for approximately 1 hour postpartum to assist with latching/first feed/help you settle.
This option is great for people who wish to have a loved one, such as a friend, sibling or mom as their second support person. You, me and whoever you plan to have present at your labor/delivery sit down for a mini doula crash course. I explain/demonstrate how they can physically and emotionally support you in labor and provide resources to help them prepare for the role.
(Approx. 2-3 hrs)
Stay in your p.js!! I stop by your home within the first week to discuss how you feel about your birth experience, answer any questions you may have and get feedback on my role. I also help with anything you need around the home including laundry, dishes, meal prep, baby care, etc. Literally take a nap if you would like! The visit is about helping any way I can.
(Approx. 2 hours)
I would love to hear from you
CONTACT sunshower doula services
I am currently serving pregnant people in Monmouth & Ocean County, NJ.
To set up an introductory call or for more information regarding services rendered, my approach, or any other questions you may have - please fill out the google form above or reach out via any of the methods below.
SUNSHOWER DOULA SERVICES
Sami Halvorsen
732-966-6734
samihalvorsen@gmail.com
instagram @sunshowerdoula
Testimonials
“Sami was so compassionate with no judgement coaching me through the pain”
“Sami eased so much of my anxiety”
“She was right by my side with a calm presence”
“Luckily I hired Sami as my doula to ground and support me”
“Supporting me and my husband, Sami was right there during my labor pains, she was on top of relieving my pain, helping me stretch and reposition”