Services
All services can be offered virtually or in-person.
Fertility Doula
I offer a supportive holistic approach to fertility. I will help you establish new goals, understand and educate you on your options, and help you create a mind-body balance for a more positive fertility journey.
Support includes:
90 min initial consultation, in-person or virtual
Personalized holistic fertility tools for mind & body Weekly coaching sessions
Evidence-based education on the latest reproductive techniques
Nutrition and supplement guidance Email/phone support during care
Birth Plan Assistance
I offer the opportunity to help create a birth plan that reviews your health, birth history, and desires for your current birth.
Support includes:
Review questions to ask your provider prior to birth
Suggest additional comfort measures
Advise support person in ways to assist during labor and how to best advocate for the birthing person
Finalize your customized birth plan to share with your provider, nurses, family and clothes who will be present for your birth
Birth Doula
I offer non-medical emotional and physical support during pregnancy and the birthing process.
Support includes:
On-call time from 37-42 weeks until birth of baby
2 prenatal support sessions
2 postpartum in home visits
Support during all stages of labor & delivery Support approximately two hours postpartum
Assistance with birth planning
Handouts on pregnancy, birth, labor & postpartum
Phone/email/text message support during care
About
My passion is to connect people with resources and education that will empower their lives. I have been involved in health education for 11 years, but in the last year I grew eager to embark on the journey of supporting and improving people in Iowa's conception and birth experiences. Currently, I am a DONA International trained birth doula, a certified National Black Doulas Association holistic fertility doula, and a co-founder of the Iowa Black Doula Collective.
My doula philosophy is that everything about you is natural. So are all aspects of your birth —whether it is an unmedicated or a medically assisted birth, at home, at a birth center, or in the hospital. I am honored to be able to empower families as they begin their journey of birthing new life. I approach birth holistically and I serve families from all diverse backgrounds with a culturally competent focus on minorities.
I create a space for birthing folks to consider what they want for their conception and birth experiences and help educate and prepare them for what is possible. I support birthing people on whatever journey they choose, provide prenatal evidence based education and preparation, help advocate for your choices, and maintain your autonomy with informed consent.
My mission is to help you birth in power and confidence by advocating and supporting your vision for your birth. Amethyst Beginnings services are focused on a safe, mentally, physically and emotionally positive birth and reproductive health outcomes empowered by knowledge and compassion.
— Selchia Cain-Hinton
Features & Highlights
These Black Doulas Are Taking On Iowa’s Maternal Mortality Crisis (Vice News
The Eavesdrop Ep. 7: Holistic Fertility Journey: A discussion about fertility with Selchia Cain-Hinton (Podcast Spotlight)
Iowa Black Doula Collective Proves Representation Matters, Even in Birthing Community (Fox 17 News)
In Iowa, Maternal Mortality Highlights Deep Racial Divide In Health Care (Iowa Public Radio)
The Doula Book Project (International Doula)
Iowa Black Doula Collective proves representation matters, even in birthing community (OurQuadCities.com)
Distinguished Finalist (Prudential)
Kohl's Department Stores Awards $10,000 Scholarships to 10 Outstanding Young Volunteers (Kolh’s Corporation)
FAQs
+ What does a doula really do?
“A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.” (DONA International)
+ What are the benefits of having a doula?
There are several ways to help further offset the cost of my doula packages: • I offer payment plans • You can use your HSA or FSA card to pay for doula services • Add doula services to your baby registry and let your family and friends invest in you having holistic support during labor & delivery Schedule a free consultation to discuss pricing.
+ I’ve never heard of a holistic fertility doula, how do you support women trying to conceive?
Today more and more women are seeking holistic support in becoming pregnant. I provide non-interventive ways to walk a woman through preparing her body for pregnancy. I focus on both you and your partner to discuss nutrition, stress factors, sex, understanding you ovulation, decongesting your womb and herbs to increase fertility.
+ This all sounds great but, do you take clients in my area?
I serve the greater Des Moines area, Ames & Iowa City, if you are located in any of those areas, let’s doula this!
Contact
Your birth journey is the beginning of a new life chapter. I look forward to learning more about how I can help empower your experience from trying to conceive to the day you first hold your child in your arms.
