Meet Bridget
What is a doula?
What is a doula?
Bridget is the founder and owner of Abundant Joy. With a passion for working with and advocating for people of all ages and backgrounds, she has taught in the public school system, assisted in resettling refugees, counseled trafficked women, and has worked to raise well-rounded, healthy children in her role as a professional nanny. With o
Bridget is the founder and owner of Abundant Joy. With a passion for working with and advocating for people of all ages and backgrounds, she has taught in the public school system, assisted in resettling refugees, counseled trafficked women, and has worked to raise well-rounded, healthy children in her role as a professional nanny. With over 21 years of experience caring for children and providing education and support to the parents she worked alongside, many of Bridget’s close friends requested her support during their birth. Bridget was often asked to stay overnight to provide friends with her steady, upbeat, and positive presence–in their living room or in a hospital room. These long nights allowed her to listen to the birthing mamas, help them sort out what their goals and options were, and allowed Bridget to advocate for them to make sure they felt comfortable and had their needs met. Bridget has found that women have more positive birth outcomes when a doula is present throughout labor and delivery. These experiences made it clear to Bridget that her talents and passion lie in doula work.
Birth is unpredictable by nature, and Bridget has worked with single moms, families, and teams of medical professionals in order to help parents to be present in the moment. Incorporating the baby’s father throughout the entire process leads to a successful team effort where both mom and dad feel connected to the baby–from the very beginning to the birth. She believes that women can feel confident and empowered during their birth experiences with the right kind of unbiased support and knowledge. Bridget provides guidance through evidence-based education, as well as encouragement and compassion throughout the birth journey. From her varied and deep experiences working with parents and their children, Bridget is adept at helping parents navigate postpartum schedules and transitions. She also assists the mother with her newborn as she heals and adapts to life with a new baby.
Looking forward to being a part of your joyful birth!
Bridget has extensive experience supporting families in hospitals, birthing centers, and home births. She is skilled in supporting mothers with Cesareans, VBACS, high-risk pregnancies, and twin births.
Bridget is a Certified Birth-Labor Doula (DONA International), VBAC Certified (The VBAC Link), Spinning Babies trained, and CPR Certified.
"The joy of the Lord is my strength."
Nehemiah 8:10
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What is a doula?
What is a doula?
What is a doula?
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.
It's my goal to support you in having a calm, peaceful vaginal delivery. I often use Spinning Babies techni
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.
It's my goal to support you in having a calm, peaceful vaginal delivery. I often use Spinning Babies techniques to help babies be in the most optimal position and help moms progress in labor.
Services
What is a doula?
Services
Birth Doula Support
$1,500
payment plans available
Pregnancy:
- Free phone consult
- 2 Prenatal meetings that include personalized information on mother's nutrition, exercises, instruction in breathing techniques
- Support in choosing a healthcare provider aligned with your birthing goals
- Creating a birth plan
- Unlimited text, message, and phone s
Birth Doula Support
$1,500
payment plans available
Pregnancy:
- Free phone consult
- 2 Prenatal meetings that include personalized information on mother's nutrition, exercises, instruction in breathing techniques
- Support in choosing a healthcare provider aligned with your birthing goals
- Creating a birth plan
- Unlimited text, message, and phone support during business hours
- Instruction on Spinning Babies techniques
- On call starting at 38 weeks until your baby's birthday
Birth:
- Arrival in early-active labor before heading to birthing location
- Emotional support
- Birth positions and hands on care
- Breathing coaching
- Assist with advocacy during medical decisions
- Provide support and guidance to your birth partner
- Care for up to two hours after birth
Postpartum:
- 1 postpartum visit to help with any post birth needs
- Tips and support for the fourth trimester
Childbirth Class
Private, in home class $300
•practical knowledge including what to expect in each phase of labor/how to help labor progress
•preparing your mind for a natural or medicated birth
•doula advocacy in the hospital
•when to go to the hospital or birth center
•pain management and breathing techniques
•how and when to push
•hospital packing list/postpartum essentials
•what to expect in postpartum
Postpartum Support
$35/Hour
Adjusting to life with a newborn is a beautiful and sacred time, but not without its challenges. Bridget would love to help you and your family transition as you welcome your newest blessing. Postpartum offerings include but are not limited to:
- Emotional & physical support for mother
- Breastfeeding support
- Bottle feeding support (formula or expressed human milk)
- Infant care
- Establishing routines and safe sleep habits
- Care for older siblings
- Light housekeeping
- Nursery organization
- Baby product recommendations
Bridget especially loves helping babies and parents get more sleep!
For a few days or a few months, she is committed to helping you rest, recover, and bond with your baby.
Doula Mentorship
$500 for 1 Year
Are you interested in becoming a doula or feeling like you need a place to receive guidance as a new doula? I'd love to take a year to support you through the ups and downs and help you start your own business! I offer one-on-one mentorship, and I would love to walk alongside you whether you live in San Antonio or another part of the US.
- What to expect during a consult
- Material for prenatal meetings
- Advocating for families in the hospital
- Hospital births and all it entails
- What to do when baby needs to be repositioned during labor
- Steps to an induction
- Supporting a mom in natural labor
- Signs of labor
- What to expect in each phase of labor
- What to do when labor stalls
- Recommended OBGYN’s in town for specific types of birth
- Important content for building a website
- Seo strategies to boost your website
- Tips to run a successful business
- Taxes and payment
- Recommended Continuing Education
It will bring me joy to encourage you on your journey! Send me an inquiry on my website for a consultation.
Testimonials
"After interviewing several doulas during my pregnancy, I chose Bridget based on her positive personality and energy I knew I would need around me for my labor. She was very organized and supportive throughout pregnancy to prepare me for labor. When I was past 40 weeks Bridget came over to help me with some positions to get baby to descend in hopes we could avoid an induction date set by my doctor. She was such a great resource for me as a first time mom who had many questions of what to expect. Although my birth didn’t go as planned, she helped me make informed decisions and didn’t leave my side during my labor or after delivery when I had a scary postpartum hemorrhage. Her kindness and caring nature were much appreciated when I was in a painful and vulnerable state. I would definitely recommend Bridget as a doula and will be using her again for my next birth!"
-Abbie
"Bridget Perez is a born-to-be doula! She is compassionate, tender, and kind. Her enthusiasm fills a room, and she never failed to stand with me in encouraging support--even as I nervously underwent prenatal visits! She is a kindred spirit and so knowledgeable, patient, and understanding. Thank you, Bridget, for bringing joy into my life and helping me transition into becoming a mom!"
-Lindsay
"My husband and I are so thankful that Bridget walked with us through the pregnancy and birth of our third son. Bridget is truly gifted and excellent at what she does. She brought me immense peace while also being a strong and unwavering advocate in helping me attain my much desired VBAC! She is very knowledgeable and educated and has a very calming presence. She does her job with such joy and passion— it is so clear that she is working in the right field. It was an absolute privilege to have her as my doula and I would definitely recommend her."
-Carolyn
"I highly recommend Bridget to any momma looking to hire a doula. She is extremely attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable. After having a c-section with my firstborn, I knew I wanted to try for a VBAC and hire a doula. She went above and beyond to help me find multiple VBAC supportive providers, a chiropractor, and a recommended pediatrician in my area. During my birth, she was very encouraging and gave me the confidence and reassurance I needed when it came time to push. I got my VBAC!! I’m blessed and grateful to have found such a kind and caring doula."
-Cera
"For my first pregnancy, I knew I’d want a doula to help support me during birth. Not only did I get immense support from Bridget throughout the months we spent getting to know each other, but she also shared so much information and constantly looked for new and best ways to support me consistently. I always felt super prioritized and still do, even postpartum. Bridget always showed me all my options with each type of birth and how she could support me. I loved knowing that with any scenario I faced, I would have a support person, especially one who didn't feel like a stranger and was super easy to bond with. Super grateful I found her and highly recommend her to any mommas looking for a doula!"
-Briana, twin mom
"Hiring Bridget was easily one of the best decisions of my birthing experience. She was absolutely amazing, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. When I called her at 2:00 am to tell her I needed some support with positioning during contractions, she came over immediately. We went for a walk together, and she did a fantastic job providing comforting words and encouragement to me along the way. I was so thankful to have Bridget on my birthing team at the hospital. She helped keep me focused and as comfortable as possible. She was knowledgeable, caring, and supportive. She was assertive with the hospital team and helped me safely achieve my desired birth. Best decision!"
-Cindy
"Bridget is such a great, positive, helpful soul to have in the labor room with you. She has helped me through two births. My first birth was at the hospital. She kept me entertained at the beginning of the induction when not much was happening, and my mind tried to get the best of me, thinking how silly it was to be at the hospital. The next morning, she kept me laughing and in good spirits as the labor pains increased. Our daughter proceeded into the birth canal, and as labor progressed, she was willing to help me do anything I needed to relieve pressure. At our second birth, she was available by phone when I had questions about how to naturally induce labor. She always encouraged me that the Lord had the perfect timing for this little one’s birth. Our third baby was birthed in our home late at night. With the instruction from the midwife, Bridget also helped me deliver my placenta. This experience was amazing!!! Bridget is one of my best friends, and it’s such a sweet thing to have shared these special times with her."
-Georgia
If you are looking for a doula who is kind, thorough, hilariou, and personable,e then you have found the best. Bridget and I connected at the beginning of my pregnancy in the midst of some trying times I was experiencing. She was a light in the darkness. The prenatal visits left me extremely prepared and comforted for the process of labor and even when our plans went completely different in the delivery room she gave me the confidence and education to make an informed decision about my care. She was a friend and an advocate for myself and my spouse during labor. She stayed with us almost the entire time from induction to delivery, nearly 48 hours! She's also trained in techniques to move babies into the proper position which allowed my baby to flip over so I could deliver him! Even though the labor was extremely difficult, Bridget was kind and made me laugh throughout the process. She's a trulyone-of-a-kind human and does God's work helping mommas like me bring our babies earth side.
-Marisa
"Bridget is so much more than a doula. She became part of our family! From my first phone conversation with her, I could hear and sense her absolute love for people and her job. It’s her love that has wonderfully gifted her with empathy, kindness, and a genuine understanding of what a mama needs in the entire journey of pregnancy to the end of labor. Because I was trying for a VBAC, Bridget was always ready to pray alongside me to combat my fears and anxieties. She had just the Bible verses I needed to get my mind refocused and confident that my body could handle what was to come. Her knowledge about different laboring positions was helpful and allowed me to labor at home for longer than I expected! She was alongside me and my husband every step of the way and was instrumental in making my VBAC possible! I cannot recommend her services enough! Thank you, Bridget!"
-Danielle
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14
