My role as your Doula
As a self employed, independent doula, I do not work for any clinician or facility. My role is non-medical. Although my training and experience has afforded me an understanding of some medical aspects involved in labor and birth, I do not perform any clinical tasks such as blood pressure readings, fetal heart checks or vaginal exams. I will help you gather the information necessary to make an informed decision. I will also remind you of your birth ideals that you shared with me if changes arise in the course of your labor. I will discuss your concerns with you and your birth support team and suggest options, but you and your partner must speak on your behalf to the clinical staff.
What My fees cover:
* 2-3 prenatal visits with you and your partner to get acquainted and go over any questions, concerns, requests, ideas or thoughts that you want to cover before your labor begins. I can help you develop your birth plan during these meetings. One of these prenatal visits can also include accompanying you to one of your appointments with your care provider if you so desire. In general, I like to begin our meetings around your 28th week of pregnancy; however our meetings can begin at any time after you have hired me.
* I will be available by email and by phone between 9am-10pm up until your 38th week for pre-labor support; to answer questions, make suggestions, and for any other non-emergent contact. If you go into labor before your 38th week please call me as soon as you know you are in labor or feel that you may be even if during the middle of the night.
* I will make myself available to you 24/7 during your "birth month" which begins 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks following your EDD until you deliver. That means that you can call me anytime day or night when you think you may be in labor even it you don't feel you're ready for my assistance yet. This gives me a heads up so I can start making my arrangements to be ready when you do want me with you.
* I will provide continual labor support from the time you request my presence during your labor until after your birth and first breastfeeding session if you plan to breastfeed; which is usually about 1-2 hours after birth.
* I will also make myself available after your birth to meet with you again and go over your birth and answer any questions that you may have about the course of events; preferable between 2-3 weeks postpartum but any time that you feel ready.
* I usually take notes and take a few pictures during labor and birth and write a birth story or time line that I like to give to my clients as keepsakes if they choose. However this is optional and you can decline pictures and the birth story. Please know that I am not a professional photographer and my primary role will be as your labor support person so if you think you may want more professional quality/quantity photographs, you may consider hiring a professional birth photographer; of which I can provide you with a list of local maternity/birth photographers.
I firmly believe that every woman who wants doula support should have access to doula support regardless of her financial situation. Please feel free to contact me so we can discuss how I can help you receive the support you need.
What My fees cover:
* 2-3 prenatal visits with you and your partner to get acquainted and go over any questions, concerns, requests, ideas or thoughts that you want to cover before your labor begins. I can help you develop your birth plan during these meetings. One of these prenatal visits can also include accompanying you to one of your appointments with your care provider if you so desire. In general, I like to begin our meetings around your 28th week of pregnancy; however our meetings can begin at any time after you have hired me.
* I will be available by email and by phone between 9am-10pm up until your 38th week for pre-labor support; to answer questions, make suggestions, and for any other non-emergent contact. If you go into labor before your 38th week please call me as soon as you know you are in labor or feel that you may be even if during the middle of the night.
* I will make myself available to you 24/7 during your "birth month" which begins 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks following your EDD until you deliver. That means that you can call me anytime day or night when you think you may be in labor even it you don't feel you're ready for my assistance yet. This gives me a heads up so I can start making my arrangements to be ready when you do want me with you.
* I will provide continual labor support from the time you request my presence during your labor until after your birth and first breastfeeding session if you plan to breastfeed; which is usually about 1-2 hours after birth.
* I will also make myself available after your birth to meet with you again and go over your birth and answer any questions that you may have about the course of events; preferable between 2-3 weeks postpartum but any time that you feel ready.
* I usually take notes and take a few pictures during labor and birth and write a birth story or time line that I like to give to my clients as keepsakes if they choose. However this is optional and you can decline pictures and the birth story. Please know that I am not a professional photographer and my primary role will be as your labor support person so if you think you may want more professional quality/quantity photographs, you may consider hiring a professional birth photographer; of which I can provide you with a list of local maternity/birth photographers.
I firmly believe that every woman who wants doula support should have access to doula support regardless of her financial situation. Please feel free to contact me so we can discuss how I can help you receive the support you need.