Karen Guthrie - Birth Doula - San Clemente, CA

About Karen

I discovered a passion for caring for Moms and Dads while helping my daughter give birth to my first grandson. I am interested in keeping you comfortable, getting you the birth you want, and helping to defend your birth plan. I am a Spinning Babies Parent Educator (provisional), advanced VBAC doula and retired Hypnobabies instructor. I am also trained for the use of TENS in birth. In short I employ everything I can find to keep you safe, comfortable and calm. With over 9 years experience and helping with more than 110 babies, I would love to help you welcome your little one.

Birth Doula packages and pricing

First Timers

This package includes a one or two prenatal visits with at least one at your home to talk about your pregnancy and birthing journey, 24 hour on-call suppport, continuous care during your birth, and an in home or virtual postpartum meeting

$2,250 USD · Flat rate

Not my first time

This package includes a one prenatal visit at your home to talk about your pregnancy and birthing journey, 24 hour on-call suppport, and continuous care during your birth.

$2,000 USD · Flat rate

Accepted insurance

Tricare Blue Shield of California CalOptima Kaiser Permanente Carrot Medi-Cal Optum Health Message Karen to confirm coverage for your plan.

What to expect

I will use (and help your partner use) Acupressure, Aromatherapy, Spinning Babies, and Guided Meditation, to support you mentally, emotionally and physically as you welcome your baby. You decide when you want me to join you (typically while you are still at home), then I follow you to the hospital or birth center and stay until you are resting comfortably with your new baby in your arms. My goal is to keep you relaxed, positive and comfortable. This is your birth and I want nothing more than for you to get the birth you want. (I will even snap some photos of the first moments, after birth, on your phone or camera. This captures the fleeting moments of your reactions and the baby's cord cutting).

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Certifications, training, and specialties

Certification and training

Birth Doula Certification DONA (2015)
Hypnobabies Instructor (HCHI) (2017)
Advanced VBAC doula (2023)

Education

BS Engineering (1982)

Memberships and affiliations

DONA
Medi-Cal
Tricare
CalOptima
Kaiser
Optum
RegalMed

Languages

English

Credentials

CD (DONA) HCHI

Specialties

Birth Doula Birth Support Childbirth Education Hypnobirthing Method Labor Doula Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Prenatal Care Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Telehealth Abortion Doula Care Acupressure During Labor Asthma Birth Photographer LGBTQ+ Positive Thinking Postpartum Depression Water birth

Frequently asked questions

I am insured by Tricare, is there any cost to me?

No, Tricare pays me directly, you do not pay one penny.

What if I want an epidural?

I want you to have the birth you want! No matter what that looks like! You need to know that I support your choices even if they change minute to minute, I am there for you.

Will my partner feel replaced?

No. First, I will provide information on how they can support you. The two of you will start there, with check ins with me. Then, when you feel you need or want me, I am there. I am always also happy to step aside and let a partner take over anything I am doing or ask that I just suggest comfort measures.

How much does Karen charge?

Karen's Not my first time package is $2,000 USD, flat rate. Karen lists 2 packages in all.

Does Karen accept insurance?

Karen lists Tricare, Blue Shield of California, CalOptima, Kaiser Permanente, Carrot, Medi-Cal, and Optum Health as accepted insurance. Message Karen to confirm coverage for your plan.