providing compassionate, experienced doula care for families across east central Minnesota since 2019
courtesy of Melissa Rose Photography MN
Hello! I'm Elisabeth, an experienced birth doula serving east central Minnesota, the northern twin cities suburbs, and northwestern Wisconsin. I'm honored to be considered as a companion for your pregnancy and birth! It's always a privilege to walk alongside families in their pregnancy and birth journeys as I offer deeply compassionate and respectful care.
Did you know that doula care is associated with a shorter labor, 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. My goals are to help you achieve the birth you are seeking and to provide comprehensive support for you, your husband, and your family. With each birth, I adjust my role to meet your unique needs.
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!
Did you know that doula care is associated with a shorter labor, 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. My goals are to help you achieve the birth you are seeking and to provide comprehensive support for you, your husband, and your family. With each birth, I adjust my role to meet your unique needs.
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!
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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 Mercy Hospital - Coon Rapids Essentia Health - Moose Lake CentraCare - St. Cloud Fairview Lakes - Wyoming St. John's Hospital - Maplewood Osceola Medical Center - Osceola A New Story Birth Center - Milaca Luna Women's Wellness & Birth Center - Brainerd 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. Occasionally, I am able to travel farther into rural Minnesota -- don't hesitate to reach out! |
Elisabeth Salzwedel, SBD, MCPCD
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Why Hire Elisabeth to be Your Birth Doula?
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. Clients tell me they especially appreciate my calm demeanor, encouragement, and listening skills. I view my support for mothers and families as more of a calling than a job.
As a bereaved mother myself, I have a special passion for 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.
My trainings and certifications include:
My practice is founded on the philosophy that building trust and relationships are the heart of doula support. 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!
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. Clients tell me they especially appreciate my calm demeanor, encouragement, and listening skills. I view my support for mothers and families as more of a calling than a job.
As a bereaved mother myself, I have a special passion for 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.
My trainings and certifications include:
- Certified Birth Doula & Certified Postpartum Doula - Madriella Doula Network
- Certified Birth & Bereavement Doula - Stillbirthday
- Aromatherapy for Pregnancy, Birth, & Postpartum - Birth Arts International
- Certified Childbirth Educator - Madriella Doula Network
- Placenta Encapsulation Training Course - Amy & Samantha
- Infant Craniosacral Therapy Protocols & Techniques
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Massage for the Laboring Woman
My practice is founded on the philosophy that building trust and relationships are the heart of doula support. 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!
I offer multiple packages to ensure a good fit for each family. Click on the images for details!
Standard Birth Doula Package $800
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Deluxe Birth Doula Package $1000
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Scheduled C-section Package $500
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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 non-medical professional who supports families throughout pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum period. As a birth doula near Cambridge, 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:
Physical Support : comforting touch, counterpressure, positioning suggestions, hot and cold therapy, and more during labor; being present before, during, and immediately after a c-section
Emotional Support: continuous presence throughout labor, calming reassurance and verbal encouragement, active listening, empathy
Informational Support: helping families gather the information they need to make informed medical care decisions, knowledge of the birth process and procedures, childbirth education
Advocacy: facilitating communication with healthcare providers, asking questions, creating space for decision making, and supporting the family’s decisions
Physical Support : comforting touch, counterpressure, positioning suggestions, hot and cold therapy, and more during labor; being present before, during, and immediately after a c-section
Emotional Support: continuous presence throughout labor, calming reassurance and verbal encouragement, active listening, empathy
Informational Support: helping families gather the information they need to make informed medical care decisions, knowledge of the birth process and procedures, childbirth education
Advocacy: facilitating communication with healthcare providers, asking questions, creating space for decision making, and supporting the family’s 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 or share my own opinions. My job is to help you obtain the information you need to make the decisions that are best for you and your baby -- in a supportive, non-judgmental way.
Some of the tasks I do not offer include:
-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 tasks I do not offer include:
-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 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 for their birth. I spend time at our prenatal visits and during labor gently coaching dads on how they can support the labor process so that they can be as involved as they want to be. Even dads who may have been initially skeptical about doulas find that they appreciated my support more than they anticipated and that I made the entire birth process more positive.
-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 for their birth. I spend time at our prenatal visits and during labor gently coaching dads on how they can support the labor process so that they can be as involved as they want to be. Even dads who may have been initially skeptical about doulas find that they appreciated my support more than they anticipated and that I made the entire birth process more positive.
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 or without medications, However, as a professional doula near Milaca, I support families regardless of where or how they choose to give birth. I can coach you through a natural childbirth or VBAC, support you in getting an epidural, or help you through c-section surgery. As my client, I believe strongly that you are the expert on yourself and your baby. You make the choices that are right for you!
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?
Not at all! My goal is never to replace your husband, but to complement and enhance his role at your birth. 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 common worries as they arise throughout your labor and birth.
My presence at your birth takes the pressure off of your husband to remember everything from your childbirth class or to constantly figure out the "right" thing to do next in supporting you. During our prenatal visits and your labor, we will review common labor support techniques. I frequently work together with dads during labor to provide counterpressure or physical support and gently teach various techniques or offer suggestions that may be helpful at the time. As your doula, I can be your primary support or help guide your partner in supporting you. We will discuss this in depth at your prenatal visits so that both parents are satisfied with my role.
"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 figure out the "right" thing to do next in supporting you. During our prenatal visits and your labor, we will review common labor support techniques. I frequently work together with dads during labor to provide counterpressure or physical support and gently teach various techniques or offer suggestions that may be helpful at the time. As your doula, I can be your primary support or help guide your partner in supporting you. We will discuss this in depth at your prenatal visits so that both parents are satisfied with my role.
"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.
As a registered doula in the state of Minnesota, I am in the process of being able to bill Medicaid, which will enable me to provide doula support at no cost to women who are enrolled in a Minnesota healthcare program beginning in 2024! Although I cannot guarantee that a private insurance plan will cover doula care, I can guide you through the process of seeking reimbursement and give you a superbill with all of the necessary information for you claim.
I strive to keep my care as affordable as possible and never want finances to be a hindrance to families seeking doula support. Let me know if you'd like to discuss a payment plan, trade, barter, or another creative option.
As a registered doula in the state of Minnesota, I am in the process of being able to bill Medicaid, which will enable me to provide doula support at no cost to women who are enrolled in a Minnesota healthcare program beginning in 2024! Although I cannot guarantee that a private insurance plan will cover doula care, I can guide you through the process of seeking reimbursement and give you a superbill with all of the necessary information for you claim.
I strive to keep my care as affordable as possible and never want finances to be a hindrance to families seeking doula support. 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 knowledge during birth, they are not able to be constantly present throughout your labor because they have other clinical duties to perform and other patients to care for. When you hire me to be your doula, you will have my full attention and continuous support from someone you know and trust.
what tools do you bring to a birth?
As a Cambridge birth doula, I bring my knowledge of the birth process and experience from attending many births, 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, 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.
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!
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 serving Mora, Pine City, Cambridge MN, Isanti, Rush City, North Branch, Wyoming, Forest Lake, Shoreview, Lino Lakes, Coon Rapids, Zimmerman, Princeton MN, Milaca, Onamia, Isle, Moose Lake, Sandstone, Hinckley, Danbury, Siren, Grantsburg, and the surrounding areas in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Call or text me: 612-437-8588 Thank you to the families who have graciously allowed me to share their photos! |