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birth doula services
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Doulas accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. As your doula, I will draw on my knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other techniques for comfort. I am independent and self-employed. I work for you, not your care provider or hospital.
My support is designed for the couple, both expectant parents. I am happy to support couples in almost any birth setting, of any ethnicity, religion, nationality, marital status, gender, or sexual orientation. Each partner has different needs, and while my focus is on meeting the needs of the laboring mother, I will strive to provide appropriate support to her partner as well.
My standard doula services include the following:
Initial consultation
There is no charge for this meeting. This is when we will begin to get a feel for whether we are a good fit. We will usually spend about an hour getting to know each other. I will answer any questions you have about my philosophy, experience, and services and you will share with me what you are looking for in a doula. This is an important, very personal decision. Take your time and go with your heart.
Prenatal Meetings
After the initial consultation, I will meet with you and your partner twice, where we will discuss your pregnancy, past birthing experience, your preferences regarding pain management options, and prepare a written birth plan. I will also provide support via email or phone at any time during the contract period.
Labor and Birth
Beginning two weeks before your due date, I will remain on call 24 hours a day to be notified of the onset of labor. I must be notified early in labor or if your water has broken to allow time for me to meet you at your home or hospital. In most cases, I will arrive within 1 to 2 hours.
I will provide continuous support to you and your partner for the duration of the labor and up to two hours after the birth, providing breastfeeding support if needed. I will also provide one postpartum visit at your home 3 to 5 days after the birth.
Limitations:
As a birth doula:
~ I do not perform any clinical tasks such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, or other medical procedures, nor do I provide medical advice for you or your baby. I am not a health care provider.
~I will not make medical decisions for you. I will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision. I will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan.
~I will not speak to medical staff on your behalf. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest possible options, but you or your partner will speak on your behalf to the medical staff.
~ In the event of a very long labor, (more than 18 hours) I may call in a back-up doula to provide me with a break of up to 4 hours.
~ If for unforeseen reasons, I am unable to attend your birth, I will contact a back-up doula, who will attend your birth.
Fees
My fee is $500 for two prenatal visits, home and hospital support, and one postpartum visit. A deposit of $200 is required at agreement signing and the remainder is due before your due date.
I offer a discount of $100 if you are taking a Bradley Childbirth Education class from me.
Every woman should have a doula if she wants one. If the cost prevents you from being able to hire a doula, please call me. In some cases I am willing to barter for services, or I can refer you to a doula in training who may attend your birth at a greatly reduced cost.
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