As a Doula, I accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. I have received education for the Doula's role from DONA (approved Doula training). I draw on my knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and, as needed,communication with the staff to make sure that you have the 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 progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort.
I am independent and self-employed. As your Doula, I am working for you, not your caregiver or hospital.
Statistics show that the presence of a birth doula can help reduce:
- Length of Labor by 25%
- Cesarean Section by 50%
- Pain Medication by 30%
- Induction of Labor by 40%
- Epidural Anesthesia by 60%
- Forceps and Vacuum by 40%
Long-term benefits of having a Doula at your birth include:
- Better mother-baby interaction
- Improved breastfeeding
- Decreased Postpartum depression
- Greater maternal satisfaction
When You are in Labor
I prefer that you call me when you think you are in labor, even if you do not yet need me. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone. We will decide if I should come right over or wait for further change. We will also decide where to meet - at your home, the hospital or birth center.
I will remain with you throughout labor and birth.
After the Birth
I usually remain with you for one or two hours after birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together. I can also help with initial breastfeeding, if necessary.
I am available for phone contact to questions about the birth or your baby and would like to get to get together with you within one to two weeks to see you you are doing, to review the birth, to admire your baby, and to get feedback from you about my role.
What Doula's do Not do
As a Doula, I do not:
- Preform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others. I am there to provide only physical comfort, emotional support and advocacy.
- Make 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.
- Speak to the staff instead of you regarding matters where decisions are being made. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak to the clinical staff.
Failure of the Doula to Provide Service
I will make every effort to provide the services described here. Sometimes this is impossible (for example with a rapid labor) and I miss the actual birth itself but upon arrival I will continue to provide postpartum support as outlined above. If the birth and immediate postpartum are missed then all payments made will be refunded to you except the nonrefundable retainer that covers the prenatal visits and being on call for your birth. If you choose not to contact me while you are in labor no further payments are due but your retainer will not be refunded.
Fees
I have chosen to charge one sum versus an hourly rate so that women will get the amount of support they desire without worrying about how many hours I have been with them.
My fee for the services described above is $400.00, which is broken down below.
I will make every effort to provide the services described here. Sometimes this is impossible (for example with a rapid labor) and I miss the actual birth itself but upon arrival I will continue to provide postpartum support as outlined above. If the birth and immediate postpartum are missed then all payments made will be refunded to you except the nonrefundable retainer that covers the prenatal visits and being on call for your birth. If you choose not to contact me while you are in labor no further payments are due but your retainer will not be refunded.
Fees
I have chosen to charge one sum versus an hourly rate so that women will get the amount of support they desire without worrying about how many hours I have been with them.
My fee for the services described above is $400.00, which is broken down below.
- $100.00 nonrefundable retainer due when you select me to be your Doula. I will then place you on my calendar.
- $300.00 due before or at your birth.
If you are interested in hiring me but finances are an issue please let me know, and we can work something out. I believe every mother should have the option of having a doula at her birth.
