Serving Families
in the Eastern Sierra
Meet Your Doula
Hi, I'm Ashley!
In 2022, my husband and I moved to the Eastern Sierra to follow our love for the outdoors. While trying to have a child of our own, I became aware of how few options were available in the region for community-based birth care. For over a decade, I have felt drawn to birth work, however, it wasn't until seeing the need in my community that pushed me to become a doula.
I believe that birth is an instinctual and sacred experience. My role is to help you achieve that experience through guidance and support. As your doula, I will be your advocate, a non-judgmental space, a source of evidence-based information and a provider of comfort during your pregnancy, labor, postpartum and beyond.
​
Here in the Eastern Sierra, it can feel like expecting parents don't have as many options as you would in a big city. The thought of a hospital birth may seem daunting to those who would otherwise prefer another option. That's where I come in! My goal is to help you achieve a birth experience that is on your terms and to help you navigate the hospital setting by making sure you feel safe, informed, and prepared for birth.
​
I believe that every person deserves dignity in birth. I support single parents, families of color, and LGBTQ+ families. I believe that all families should have access to doula support. If you feel that my fees may be prohibitive, please reach out and let's discuss your options.
​​​
In my free time, I enjoy hiking and backpacking, binge-watching the latest season of Survivor, and going on adventures with my husband and our Border Collie rescue mix, Whitney.
​
Placenta Encapsulation - $300
​
Placenta encapsulation is the practice of steaming, dehydrating, and encapsulating the placenta to be consumed. The placenta is thought to be full of beneficial nutrients, hormones and has a number of self-reported benefits such as:
-
Decreased postpartum bleeding
-
Improved energy and mood
-
Decreased occurrence of "baby blues" and postpartum depression
As your certified Postpartum Placenta Specialist, I practice the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) method of steaming the placenta with ginger and lemon prior to dehydration. This process takes place in the client's home using my own equipment. The process takes place over two days, approximately two hours each day.
Package includes:
-
Transport kit
-
Up to 120 placenta pills
-
Umbilical cord keepsake
Add-on Items:
-
Placenta Tincture - $25
-
Placenta Blood Print - $25
* Travel fees may apply to clients who live 75+ miles from Mammoth Lakes.
Stated benefits have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Birth Doula - $1000
The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek, meaning “woman who serves.” Since the beginning of time, doulas have provided emotional and physical support, advocacy and guidance during labor.
My Doula services include:
-
2 prenatal visits
-
Birth plan development
-
Postpartum plan development
-
Unlimited phone / text support during pregnancy
-
24 hour on-call support from 38 weeks until birth
-
Continuous in-person support during labor, birth & immediately after birth
-
1 postpartum visit
Discounted Add-ons:
-
Placenta Encapsulation - $150
-
Nesting Support - $70
​*Travel fees may apply to clients who live 75+ miles from Mammoth Lakes.​​
​
Nesting Support - $90
Preparing for your new addition can feel overwhelming but, with another set of hands, it doesn't have to be! This package includes a one-hour consultation to discuss your postpartum plan and a three-hour nesting session in your home where I help you prepare for your new little one and the postpartum period. Additional hours may be booked at $30/hour.
Nesting Support may include:​
-
Assembling baby items / furniture
-
Preparing freezer meals
-
Running errands
-
House cleaning
-
Laundry
-
Prepping cloth diapers
-
Prepping bottle / pump station
-
Packing hospital bag
*Travel fees may apply to clients who live 75+ miles from Mammoth Lakes.
Postpartum Support - $30 / hour
Perfect for those who need more hands-on support in the fourth trimester. A minimum of 4 hours must be booked, up to a maximum of 8 hours per day. At this time, I do not offer overnight support.
Postpartum Support may include:​
-
Light housework
-
Preparing meals
-
Running errands
-
Sibling care and adjustment
-
Newborn soothing
-
Newborn feeding, bathing and/or diapering
-
Feeding and/or pumping support
-
Resources and referrals
*Travel fees may apply to clients who live 75+ miles from Mammoth Lakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Solenne Birth Services
​
Do you attend home births?
Yes, however, a Certified Midwife must also be in attendance. I do not attend "unassisted births" or "free births" in which a Midwife is not present. At this time, I am not aware of any Midwives in the area who attend home births. Check out the "All About Doulas" section to learn about the difference between a Midwife and a Doula.​
What training do you have?
I have received the following training:
-
Birth Doula - Sierra Childbirth Institute, March 2024
-
Postpartum Placenta Specialist - ProDoula, September 2024
I hold the following certifications:
-
ProDoula Postpartum Placenta Specialist
-
Heartsavers CPR/First Aid
-
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens
-
ServSafe Food Handler
What areas do you serve?
I serve families in Mono and Inyo counties. I predominantly serve those who will be delivering at Northern Inyo Hospital in Bishop, California. For those who live more than 75 miles from Mammoth Lakes, California, I charge a minimum $100 travel fee. Live outside of the Eastern Sierra? Virtual doula services or additional travel considerations may be available.
Do you take insurance?
At this time, I do not accept insurance.​​​​
All About Doulas
What is a Doula?
A Doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and after childbirth. My purpose is to help families have a safe, memorable, and positive birthing experience. I will help advocate for your needs and birth preferences so you can focus on having your baby!
​
What are the benefits of having a Doula?
There are so many reasons why it's a good idea to include a Doula on your birth team, but here are a few:​​
-
Shorter labor times
-
Less likely to have a C-section
-
Less likely to use Pitocin
-
Less likely to use pain medication
-
More likely to view birth experience positively
-
Higher Apgar scores
What is the difference between a Doula and a Midwife?
A Midwife is a medical provider authorized to provide medical care to you and your baby during labor and delivery. A Doula cannot provide medical care but instead provides you and your family with emotional and physical support, comfort measures, as well as information and resources. Quite simply, a Midwife delivers your baby while a Doula supports you during labor.
My partner will be supporting me, why should I also consider a Doula?
A Doula can support you AND your partner. My job is not to replace your partner; after all, this is a monumental event for them too! My presence allows your partner to be more present as I attend to your needs. I can give your partner a quick break from the action, address their questions or concerns, or even provide some gentle guidance to help them support you even more.
What if I want an epidural or need to have a C-section?
I will support your birth regardless of whether you're having a medicated or unmedicated birth, a vaginal birth or a caesarean birth, and everything in between. All births are natural!
​
Placenta Encapsulation​
Why do you perform this service in the client's home?
By performing this service in your home, you know without a doubt that the placenta I'm working on is 100% yours. You'll know that the workspace is clean and disinfected because you can witness the process. More importantly, I'll have the opportunity to see how you and your family are settling in and provide recommendations, resources or referrals if needed.
​
Let's Connect!
Want to see if I'm the right fit for your desired birth experience? Let's discuss over a cup of coffee or virtual call. Use the form below to schedule a free consultation or for any general inquiries: