Doula Services
Initial Contact and Meeting
When you contact me regarding doula services, we will set up an initial doula consultation. It is best if both you and your partner can attend this meeting. We will spend about an hour getting to know one another, and we will discuss your needs and my services. I do not charge for this meeting and there is no obligation to hire me. Prenatal Contact In addition to being available to you 24/7 for phone consultation, emails, and texting, I will meet with you again at least once (often more depending on how close your due date is) before your birth to further explore your priorities and any fears or concerns you may have. We will discuss your preferences regarding pain medication, and I will give you a worksheet for you to use in formulating a birth plan if you don't already have one. We will discuss how you and your partner foresee working together and what you will be expecting of me. We will discuss your postpartum plans. We may also schedule an additional meeting(s). At a second meeting, or by e-mail, we will need to finalize your birth plan and make sure everyone is as prepared as possible for your birth. |
Labor and Birth
I will ask that you call/text me as soon as you think you are in labor. Even if you do not need me to be with you yet, I can answer questions, make suggestions, and make whatever arrangements I need to make to ensure I can join you when you do need me. If I join you at home, I can help you labor as comfortably as possible there and I can assist with the move to the place of birth, if you are not planning a homebirth. Throughout your labor and birth I will draw on my training, personal experience, and professional experience to provide caring, emotional support. I will assist your partner in participating as much as he/she is comfortable. I can provide reassurance to you and your partner on what is considered normal behavior for a laboring woman. I can provide an educated and independent perspective, make suggestions for labor progress, help with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other techniques for comfort. I can help preserve your birth plan by making every effort to be sure you are aware of and agree to deviations from your birth plan. If needed, I can communicate with your medical team to help you obtain information needed to make informed decisions. After you have given birth, if you wish, I can assist you in getting your baby properly latched on and breastfeeding comfortably. When you and your new family are settled in, I will leave you to get to know each other better and to rest. I am usually present for 1 to 2 hours after the birth. |
Postpartum Contact
You can expect me to call you daily after the birth to check in on how you, your baby, and your family are doing. At minimum, I will want to visit you at around 2 weeks after the birth. This gives us a chance to go over your birth experience and answer any questions you may have. I can also give you contact information for different professionals, mom's groups, and/or support groups in your area. Fees Birthing Baby charges $2400 for doula services. Cash, check, credit card, and debit card payments accepted. |