providing compassionate, experienced doula care for families across east central Minnesota since 2019
Hello! I'm Elisabeth, a holistic birth doula
serving rural east central Minnesota
and greater St. Cloud.
I'm excited to announce that I am now in network with some Medical Assistance plans!
serving rural east central Minnesota
and greater St. Cloud.
I'm excited to announce that I am now in network with some Medical Assistance plans!
Did you know that doula care is associated with a shorter labor time, reduced need for pain medications and interventions, fewer c-sections, better outcomes for both mom and baby, and increased satisfaction with the birth experience for both parents?
As your doula, I provide physical, emotional, and informational support, and advocacy for your choices in a way is tailored to your unique needs. My practice is founded on the belief that childbirth is a deeply meaningful process designed by God and that it can be a really beautiful, transformational, and even wonderful experience. I support medical freedom and your right to make the best decisions for yourself and your baby.
You are the expert on your own body and I will always listen to your intuition! I'm also passionate about graciously supporting dads in being as involved with the birth process as they would like to be.
As your doula, I provide physical, emotional, and informational support, and advocacy for your choices in a way is tailored to your unique needs. My practice is founded on the belief that childbirth is a deeply meaningful process designed by God and that it can be a really beautiful, transformational, and even wonderful experience. I support medical freedom and your right to make the best decisions for yourself and your baby.
You are the expert on your own body and I will always listen to your intuition! I'm also passionate about graciously supporting dads in being as involved with the birth process as they would like to be.
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I provide experienced birth doula services for families across east central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, including: Welia Health - Mora Fairview Northland - Princeton Essentia Health - Moose Lake CentraCare - St. Cloud CHI St. Gabriel's - Little Falls Mercy Hospital - Coon Rapids Fairview Lakes - Wyoming St. John's Hospital - Maplewood Osceola Medical Center - Osceola, WI A New Story Birth Center - Milaca Minnesota Birth Center - Minneapolis & St. Paul locations Twin Cities Birth Center - St. Paul I attend homebirths within about 75 miles of Mora, including Kanabec, Pine, Isanti, Chisago, and Mille Lacs counties, and the greater Grantsburg and Danbury, WI, areas. ** I am not affiliated with any of these hospitals or birth centers. You do not need to know for sure where you are delivering in order for us to work together! Repeat clients, please reach out even if your birth location is not listed! |
Elisabeth Salzwedel, SBD, MCPCD
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Why Hire Elisabeth to be Your Birth Doula?
Clients tell me that they especially appreciate my calm and confident presence, intuition, encouragement, extensive knowledge, and ability to advocate for their choices. I view my support for mothers and families as more of a calling than a job.
I have experience supporting a wide variety of births:
-- unmedicated hospital births
-- homebirths and birth centers
-- epidurals
-- nitrous oxide
-- planned and emergency c-sections
-- inductions
-- VBACs
-- high risk pregnancies
-- advanced maternal age
-- miscarriages, stillbirths, and neonatal loss
-- and more!
Clients tell me that they especially appreciate my calm and confident presence, intuition, encouragement, extensive knowledge, and ability to advocate for their choices. I view my support for mothers and families as more of a calling than a job.
I have experience supporting a wide variety of births:
-- unmedicated hospital births
-- homebirths and birth centers
-- epidurals
-- nitrous oxide
-- planned and emergency c-sections
-- inductions
-- VBACs
-- high risk pregnancies
-- advanced maternal age
-- miscarriages, stillbirths, and neonatal loss
-- and more!
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My trainings and certifications include:
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About Me
Since childhood, I've been fascinated with pregnancy and childbirth. I became a doula in 2019 because I benefitted so significantly from compassionate and respectful support in my own birth journeys, which took place in a variety of settings, and I wanted to be able to pass on that support to other families.
As a bereaved mother myself, I have a special interest in working with mothers who find themselves in unexpectedly difficult situations. When I'm not with my family, you'll find me in my garden or at the piano.
Since childhood, I've been fascinated with pregnancy and childbirth. I became a doula in 2019 because I benefitted so significantly from compassionate and respectful support in my own birth journeys, which took place in a variety of settings, and I wanted to be able to pass on that support to other families.
As a bereaved mother myself, I have a special interest in working with mothers who find themselves in unexpectedly difficult situations. When I'm not with my family, you'll find me in my garden or at the piano.
Whether you choose to deliver naturally,
with medications, or by c-section,
in the hospital, at home, or at a birth center...
I'm here for you!
If you'd like to learn more about doula care
or want to see if we might be a good fit,
contact me to schedule your free consultation!
with medications, or by c-section,
in the hospital, at home, or at a birth center...
I'm here for you!
If you'd like to learn more about doula care
or want to see if we might be a good fit,
contact me to schedule your free consultation!
Click on the images below for more information!
Birth Doula Services
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Medicaid Coverage
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Placenta Encapsulation
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For You formed my inmost parts; You wove me together in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made...my frame was not hidden from You when You formed me in secret; and in Your book were written all the days You ordained for me. Psalm 139
what is a doula?
A doula is a trained, non-medical professional who supports families throughout pregnancy, labor & birth, and the early postpartum period. As a birth doula who takes state insurance, I help bridge the gaps with uniquely tailored education and support so that both parents feel confident and ready to bring their baby into the world. This support will vary based on each family's individual needs, but generally includes four specific facets:
Physical Support: comforting touch, counterpressure, massage, positioning suggestions, hot and cold therapy, serving you throughout labor and birth
Emotional Support: continuous presence throughout labor, calming reassurance and verbal encouragement, active listening, empathy
Informational Support: helping you find the information you need to make the right decisions for yourself and your baby, knowledge of the birth process and procedures, childbirth education that is tailored to your needs and experiences
Advocacy: facilitating communication with your healthcare providers, asking questions, creating space for decision making, and supporting your decisions
Physical Support: comforting touch, counterpressure, massage, positioning suggestions, hot and cold therapy, serving you throughout labor and birth
Emotional Support: continuous presence throughout labor, calming reassurance and verbal encouragement, active listening, empathy
Informational Support: helping you find the information you need to make the right decisions for yourself and your baby, knowledge of the birth process and procedures, childbirth education that is tailored to your needs and experiences
Advocacy: facilitating communication with your healthcare providers, asking questions, creating space for decision making, and supporting your decisions
What does a doula not do?
Although I provide many services as a doula near Mora, MN, I am not a licensed medical professional. I do not offer medical advice, share my own opinions, or try to convince you to things a certain way. I support you in doing what you believe is right for you and your baby!
Some of the things a doula does *not* do:
-Does not perform clinical tasks such as vaginal exams or fetal heart monitoring
-Does not diagnose or offer medical advice
-Does not offer their own opinions
-Does not make decisions for the family
-Does not replace the father or other birth partners
-Does not deliver or "catch" the baby
Some of the things a doula does *not* do:
-Does not perform clinical tasks such as vaginal exams or fetal heart monitoring
-Does not diagnose or offer medical advice
-Does not offer their own opinions
-Does not make decisions for the family
-Does not replace the father or other birth partners
-Does not deliver or "catch" the baby
What are the benefits of doula care?
Studies have shown a number of benefits correlated with St. Cloud doula support:
-25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean
-8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
-10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
-25% decrease in the overall length of labor
-38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score
-31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
There are no negatives associated with continuous labor support from a doula near Pine City, MN!
Families tell me that my calm personality, tools, and constant support helped them feel confident and safe throughout their birth and that my presence was a key part of helping them achieve their goals and feel positively about their birth.
-25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean
-8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
-10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
-25% decrease in the overall length of labor
-38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score
-31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
There are no negatives associated with continuous labor support from a doula near Pine City, MN!
Families tell me that my calm personality, tools, and constant support helped them feel confident and safe throughout their birth and that my presence was a key part of helping them achieve their goals and feel positively about their birth.
are doulas only for moms who want a natural birth?
There is a common misconception that doulas are only for families who are choosing to birth their babies naturally, without medications. However, as a professional birth doula near Milaca, I support families regardless of where or how they choose to give birth. I have experience supporting families through unmedicated births at hospitals, home, and birth centers; births with epidurals, nitrous oxide, and other pain medications; c-sections; VBACs; inductions, and much more! I believe strongly that you are the expert on yourself and your baby.
My calming presence, emotional support, knowledge of childbirth and medical procedures, and advocacy are useful even – perhaps especially – when women need or want an epidural, an induction, surgical birth, or other medical interventions. During c-sections, I bring a calming, comforting presence that supports both parents through the process.
My calming presence, emotional support, knowledge of childbirth and medical procedures, and advocacy are useful even – perhaps especially – when women need or want an epidural, an induction, surgical birth, or other medical interventions. During c-sections, I bring a calming, comforting presence that supports both parents through the process.
Don't doulas replace dads?
A key part of my role is to complement and enhance a father's valuable role at your birth to whatever extent he wants to be involved. My presence and support enables dads to remain present in the moment as much as they desire, while I reduce stress, answer questions, provide advocacy, and relieve worries.
My presence at your birth takes the pressure off of your husband to remember everything from your childbirth class or to constantly guess the "right" thing to do next. During our prenatal visits, we will review common labor support techniques so that everyone is prepared. I work respectfully with dads during labor to provide counterpressure or physical support while gently teaching various techniques and offering suggestions when it's appropriate. As your doula, I can be your primary support or guide your husband/partner in supporting you. We will discuss this in depth at your prenatal visits so that both parents are satisfied with my role.
Dads who were initially skeptical about doula support find that they appreciated my support more than they anticipated, that I did more throughout the process than they expected, and that I made the entire birth process more positive for them.
"Research has shown that the most positive birth experiences for fathers were ones where they had continuous support by a doula or a midwife. In the McGrath and Kennell study, the women and their partners who had a doula overwhelmingly rated the support of their doula as positive—with 93% rating their experience with the doula as very positive, and 7% as positive. In other studies, fathers have said that when they had labor support from a midwife or doula, things were explained to them, their questions were answered, their labor support efforts were guided and effective, and they could take breaks from the emotional intensity of the labor without abandoning their laboring partner (Johansson, 2015)."
My presence at your birth takes the pressure off of your husband to remember everything from your childbirth class or to constantly guess the "right" thing to do next. During our prenatal visits, we will review common labor support techniques so that everyone is prepared. I work respectfully with dads during labor to provide counterpressure or physical support while gently teaching various techniques and offering suggestions when it's appropriate. As your doula, I can be your primary support or guide your husband/partner in supporting you. We will discuss this in depth at your prenatal visits so that both parents are satisfied with my role.
Dads who were initially skeptical about doula support find that they appreciated my support more than they anticipated, that I did more throughout the process than they expected, and that I made the entire birth process more positive for them.
"Research has shown that the most positive birth experiences for fathers were ones where they had continuous support by a doula or a midwife. In the McGrath and Kennell study, the women and their partners who had a doula overwhelmingly rated the support of their doula as positive—with 93% rating their experience with the doula as very positive, and 7% as positive. In other studies, fathers have said that when they had labor support from a midwife or doula, things were explained to them, their questions were answered, their labor support efforts were guided and effective, and they could take breaks from the emotional intensity of the labor without abandoning their laboring partner (Johansson, 2015)."
How can i pay for doula services?
I accept cash, check, credit cards, debit cards, and health savings account (HSA) funds. I am also able to work with the Allina employee doula reimbursement program and similar employee benefit programs.
I am currently in network with Blue Plus (Medical Assistance) and straight MA plans. Click here to learn more about state insurance coverage.
If you have private insurance, you may be able to submit for reimbursement for doula care. Although I cannot guarantee that a private insurance plan will cover doula care, I am happy to walk you through the process and provide the information that you need to make a claim.
Many health share programs will reimburse a significant portion of the cost of doula support. Check with your organization to learn more about whether this coverage is available to you. I can assist with the documentation and other information that you may need to submit for reimbursement after your baby's birth.
I strive to keep my care as affordable as possible and never want finances to be a hindrance to families seeking doula support. If insurance coverage is not an option for you, let me know if you'd like to discuss a payment plan, trade, barter, or another creative option.
I am currently in network with Blue Plus (Medical Assistance) and straight MA plans. Click here to learn more about state insurance coverage.
If you have private insurance, you may be able to submit for reimbursement for doula care. Although I cannot guarantee that a private insurance plan will cover doula care, I am happy to walk you through the process and provide the information that you need to make a claim.
Many health share programs will reimburse a significant portion of the cost of doula support. Check with your organization to learn more about whether this coverage is available to you. I can assist with the documentation and other information that you may need to submit for reimbursement after your baby's birth.
I strive to keep my care as affordable as possible and never want finances to be a hindrance to families seeking doula support. If insurance coverage is not an option for you, let me know if you'd like to discuss a payment plan, trade, barter, or another creative option.
why do i need a doula when I have a labor & delivery nurse?
As your doula, I provide continuous care throughout your labor and birth, and work only for you while bringing the comfort, confidence, and trust that comes with our pre-established relationship. Although nurses provide critical support and care during birth and I have worked with many amazing RNs, they are not able to be constantly present throughout your labor because they will need to spend time charting, performing clinical duties, and assisting with other patients.
When you hire me for Cambridge birth doula services, you will have my full attention and continuous support from someone you know and trust.
When you hire me for Cambridge birth doula services, you will have my full attention and continuous support from someone you know and trust.
what do you bring to a birth?
As a Cambridge birth doula, I bring our relationship of trust and companionship to each birth along with my knowledge of the birth process, experience, understanding of the mechanics of labor, my voice, intuition, confidence, skills in advocacy, patience, a calm demeanor, and gentle touch. We can utilize massage, counterpressure, position changes, aromatherapy, hot and cold therapy, rebozo techniques, music, affirmations, a TENS unit, and so much more at your birth. As much as you both desire, I can coach your husband in supporting you. Each situation is unique and I will be by your side every step of the way, supporting and serving you.
Do you take insurance?
I am currently in network with Blue Plus (Medical Assistance) and straight MA plans, and am in the process of negotiating contracts with other insurance providers that will hopefully be finalized by late summer 2024. Reach out if you have questions about insurance covered doula care and click here to learn more about doula care and Medical Assistance.
If you have private insurance, contact your insurance provider to ask about coverage for doula care. In some cases, you may be able to submit for reimbursement after your baby is born, and I'm happy to provide information and documentation to assist you in this process. Although not every insurance plan provides coverage for doulas, I still encourage you to call about it. The more families request coverage for doula care, the more likely it is that more policies will begin including this coverage!
I can provide a superbill and other requested information if you are a member of a health sharing organization, such as Samaritan Ministries, that provides reimbursement for doula care.
If you have private insurance, contact your insurance provider to ask about coverage for doula care. In some cases, you may be able to submit for reimbursement after your baby is born, and I'm happy to provide information and documentation to assist you in this process. Although not every insurance plan provides coverage for doulas, I still encourage you to call about it. The more families request coverage for doula care, the more likely it is that more policies will begin including this coverage!
I can provide a superbill and other requested information if you are a member of a health sharing organization, such as Samaritan Ministries, that provides reimbursement for doula care.
Are you ready to feel confident, empowered,
and prepared for your birth?
Or maybe you have more questions
about how doula care works?
Reach out schedule your free consultation with me,
either in person or over the phone.
I can't wait to talk with you!
and prepared for your birth?
Or maybe you have more questions
about how doula care works?
Reach out schedule your free consultation with me,
either in person or over the phone.
I can't wait to talk with you!
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Holistic Christian birth doula and placenta encapsulation professional serving Mora, Pine City, Cambridge MN, Isanti, Rush City, North Branch, Wyoming, Forest Lake, Zimmerman, Princeton MN, Milaca, St. Cloud, Little Falls, Garrison, Isle, McGregor, Moose Lake, Sandstone, Hinckley, Finlayson, Danbury, Siren, Grantsburg, and the surrounding areas in east central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.
Call or text me: 612-437-8588 Visit my blog! Professional photo credit: Melissa Rose Photography MN & Chelsea Bootsman Thank you to the families who have graciously allowed me to share their photos! |