Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Hargens.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Brittany. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I gave birth to my first child in March of 2014 and made the decision to hire someone to encapsulate my placenta. I had learned of the benefits to ingesting my placenta after doing much research. I wanted to lessen any chance of postpartum depression, increase lactation, increase energy levels, and do anything possible to assist me in my postpartum recovery period. A few weeks later, I decided that I wanted to offer this service to other mothers. I took a certification course in order to become a trained placenta encapsulation specialist in my area and have been offering this service for almost 3 years.
In March of 2015 I became a licensed RN. At that same time, a friend of mine told me that with my background and passion for mothers and their newborns, I would be an amazing doula. I signed up for a training class that same month. I became a certified doula and currently offer birth and postpartum support to many families in the Chicagoland area. Most of my clients love the fact that I am also a nurse and can also serve as a monitrice if requested.
Today, I work as an RN in labor and delivery. I also assist a local home birth midwife and run my business as a doula and placenta encapsulation specialist. I am preparing to begin graduate school next winter to attain my masters degree in midwifery.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. There have been so many learning opportunities in what works and what does not work. Most of my struggles have been related to the business aspect, not necessarily issues with the actual work that I do. I love what I do and each year continues to get better and better.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the New Beginnings Birth Doula & Placenta Encapsulation Services story. Tell us more about the business.
My business offers birth and postpartum doula support, Monitrice services as requested, birth consultations, and placenta encapsulation services.
As a birth doula/monitrice, I am most proud of my ability to educate expectant parents before, during, and after the birth of their baby. Some parents are overwhelmed entirely with what to expect during their journey, what the pros and cons are to certain procedures and practices, and what their rights are as parents. I am blessed with the opportunity to help guide them and give them the information that they need to make informed decisions. I offer support mentally, emotionally, and physically. My support is not only for those planning for a vaginal birth. but planned cesarean sections as well. I will support you if you want a natural delivery, epidural pain management, inductions, etc.
As a postpartum doula, I am most proud of the work I do once the family is home from the hospital. Most new and seasoned parents are exhausted and need some extra help overnight. It is my job to take care of their precious newborn(s) while they get some sleep, assist with laundry/bottle cleaning/formula prep, and offer them resources for any support that they seek.
The resources that new parents seek usually include lactation consults, new parent groups, pediatricians, and even baby products.
As a placenta encapsulation specialist, I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to help lessen any chance of mother’s developing postpartum depression, increasing their milk supply, increasing energy levels, and just offering a more pleasant postpartum recovery period. I offer two methods of encapsulation (mothers can also choose to have both methods done), I send placenta kits via mail, and offer pick up/drop off options.
If parents decide that my doula fees are out of their price point, I offer birth consultations. These consultations include two prenatal visits which include creating a birth plan, phone support before, during, and after the birth of their baby, and one postpartum visit.
What sets me apart from others is my educational background and training. I am not only a certified doula and certified placenta encapsulation specialist, but I am also a licensed registered nurse in the state of Illinois. I am certified in CPR and neonatal resuscitation.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe that what you give is what you get. Working hard and giving 100% every day to your clients and your business is what creates success. I believe that there is always room for improvement and learning opportunities.
Pricing:
- Placenta Encapsulation – $300.00 for raw OR traditional chinese method. If you prefer both methods their is a $25.00 upcharge.
- Birth Doula/Monitrice Services – $1500.00 for first time parents and VBACs, $1250.00 for subsequent pregnancies, $800.00 for scheduled cesarean sections (C-sections), $500.00 for birth consultaitons.
- Postpartum Doula Support- $30/hour for singleton, $33/hour for twins, and $36/hour for triplets.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.newbeginningsdoula.com
- Phone: 847-385-4843
- Email: b.hargens3@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newbeginningsdoula
Image Credit:
Katie Hall Photography 2017
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