Acorn Acres Birthing LLC
Doula services by Rhesa Swanson
Durham and Orange, NC.
Additional areas if requested
919.889.7067
Text welcomed prior to 1st contact call.
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About Me
Hi, I'm Rhesa.
I had my first birth doula experience in 2004, and became a DONA trained Birth Doula in 2023.
In Spring of 2024 I became a Birth Partners volunteer doula at UNC Women's Hospital. I have logged nearly 150 hours, everyone I am so thankful to have earned. I have been gifted the honor to witness 30+ births. Each one was an opportunity to evaluate and grow my skill set.
I try to seek out a new educational training every month.
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I am happy to hold private sessions in all things birth.
Some of the more common ones...but not all could be.
Maybe you want to learn more about Labor and Delivery?
Maybe you want to know how and why to write a birth plan?
Maybe you are anxious about the thought of a c-section?
Interested in lactation?
Curious about stocking a freezer before baby?
Do you want help selecting and setting up the baby gear or basic baby safety?
I can guide you in all of these.
Are you worried your BMI could hinder the birth experience you deserve?!
I am the 2nd birth profession in NC state, and only one this side of the Mtns, to be Birth Size Friendly certified.
I really want to give you everything you deserve, without needing to find and attend outside resources.
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If you are a loss mom, or feel like an invisible parent, I have the most respect and love for you. I am so sorry you are in this club, that no one ever wants to be in. I have additional trainings and experience, that might be helpful. I'm sending you love.
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I believe that every human deserves to have their voice heard and respected. I respect all humans. However you have decided to create your family is beautiful! It is an honor to be invited into such a sacred space and form such lasting connections.
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My children are my biggest joys of life. Henry made me a mom in 2012 and Paul completed our family in 2017.
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I feel my best working as a Birth Doula in a hospital setting. I do not accept clients and/or labor support people who smoke. I have asthma. I am not able to give my best support when I feel I am struggling.
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What else about me, I am very creative. I may not be good at every craft, but I have probably tried. My home most often looks like an Esty store exploded.
Many, many years ago, my son asked if I would knit for kids in his school, if he practiced his reading. This has now become Acorn Caps. It is a community crafting charity. All over Orange, and other counties, wonderful humans create hats. These hats are donated to different Elementary schools in the cold season. I feel that every child deserves to feel warm and loved.
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Services
Prenatal Visits
During our prenatal visits, we will discuss your birth preferences, create a birth plan, and practice comfort measures and relaxation techniques to prepare you for labor and delivery. I am also able to attend OBGYN appointments, if that is helpful for you.
Birth Doula Support
As your doula, I will provide continuous support during labor and delivery, including emotional and physical support, advocacy, and guidance to help you navigate the birth process. I can be your pregnancy BFF. No need to google. I have an ever expanding library of all things perinatal. You have open access to any you would like to borrow.
Postpartum Support
In the postpartum period, I offer support with breastfeeding, newborn care, and emotional wellness. Let me help ease your transition into parenthood. In certain situations, I am able to provide in home support. Maybe that will be light cleaning, laundry making something for you to eat. For others it could be, I come over and hold the baby so you can nap, or have a shower. Every client gets to ask for whatever feels right.
One Month for One Mom
I feel that the connect and trust formed between client and Doula is very special. I have a rare policy of only accepting one client per month. Due dates are a tricky thing. In reality you can go into labor 2 weeks before or after your "due date." If I accept multiple clients, I can not guarantee I will be available when it is your turn. I will only use a back up, birth doula near me, if I am sick or family emergency. I truly do not want my client load to change your birthing experience. Based on this rare belief, I am firm on my pricing. I also try and balance clients who have means to pay, with clients who do not have the same options. I find joy in giving back to the community. The same care is given despite financial means.
Thank you for respecting my values and choices. If we form a connection and you select me, I require a non refundable fee of $250.00 when contract is signed. The remainder is required by the 36th week of pregnancy. The $250.00 is taken out of the total fee. It is not extra. Since I offer more than the basic 2 visits prior to birth, delivery, and one home visit after, I can not list out my prices. I always take monetary burdens in account when calculating fees. This will be a vulnerable conversation for both of us.
If you feel we might click please reach out as booking is limited.
919.889.7067