Birth Doula Services
Pregnancy, Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Support
Below are what My Birth Doula Services Entail
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Free/No Obligation Consultation
This is a chance for you to see if I am the right doula for you: both my personality and my experience. I am enthusiastic about giving you all the information you need to choose the doula that is right for you.
Prenatal Visits
Once you choose me as your doula we will schedule one to two prenatal visits. At these visits we'll go over my questionnaire, create a birth plan, go over positions to practice before labor, answer any concerns or questions about birth, discuss what to do to promote healing well after birth, and generally become more acquainted with one another. Partners are welcome and encouraged to attend all prenatal meetings!
Birth Plan Assistance
I'm available to provide assistance to you when creating your birth plan. I will provide you with a template, walk you through the process, and answer any questions you may have with evidence based information.
Unlimited Phone, Text, Email Availability
Between visits, if you feel like you need someone to talk to about your pregnancy, birth, or desire evidence based council, you are welcome to contact me via phone, text, or email. Many clients find that they use me as a sounding board when something concerns them and they don't know if they want to "bother" their care provider or not. Then again, sometimes you just need someone to vent to about your pregnancy and I'm happy to be that person!
Continuous Labor & Birth Support
Simply put, I will be there from the time you feel you need me until after your baby is born and you no longer need my support. I am on-call for you 24/7, from 36 week pregnant to 2 weeks postpartum. My job is to meet your needs during labor. I do this by helping your partner show you relaxation and pain coping techniques, running interference with visitors, filling everyone's basic needs (food, drinks, bathroom breaks, etc), helping you acquire additional information about medical interventions and procedures if they become necessary, and generally just making sure your labor and birth go as smoothly as possible. If you don't have a partner or your partner is not going to be involved with the birth, you can expect that I will give you all the one-on-one support you need.
Backup Doula Support
If for any reason I'm unable to attend your birth, I'm sick, out of town, attending another birth, or an unforeseen event occurs, I will have a back up doula come to your side. I can provide the names of the doulas who provide back up support for me with there contact information. There will be no additional fee added to you. Please note, this is a very rare occasion when a back up doula is called but I would rather you have the support of a wonderful doula than go without.
Breastfeeding/Bottle feeding Support
I will help with initial latching on and bonding with your new little one. I am able to advise you on bottle and formula concerns, breast pump questions, latch, sore nipples, positioning, and another questions that may arise when feeding your baby. I'm also available to come to your home during one of our postpartum visits and provide support there. I have nursed all 6 of my children and have experience with a wide variety of issues. If your needs extend out of my ability to help I can also provide helpful referrals and resources.
Labor and Birth Photos
If you so desire, I can take photos of sweet moments between you and your spouse during labor and birth. I can also take pictures of your first few moments as a new family, so you both can focus on enjoying your new little one(s) and the amazing journey you have come through together. I should emphasis: I am not a professional photographer and do not claim to be. The photos will be take from my iPhone or your Phone/Camera. If you desire to have professional photos take, I encourage you to hire a professional. I offer to take photos as a courtesy to you and they are great keep sakes.
Postpartum Visit
After the birth of your baby, I would like to visit you again within a day or two of your birth. This is a great opportunity for us to discuss your birth, troubleshoot breastfeeding/bottle feeding or baby care issues, or just hang out and admire your precious little one(s). Once you're home, I like to visit your family within the first month. This is a great time to talk about how you're adjusting to your new little bundle and answer any questions in regards to feedings or self care. I'm available by phone, text, or email anytime after the birth if you need help or suggestions.
Placenta Crafting
I do not provide placenta crafting services but I can connect you with someone who does. Also, since you will be busy with your new little bundle, I can transport your placenta to the person you choose to craft it at no extra charge.
"What is Placenta Crafting?"
"What is Placenta Crafting?"
Written Birth Summary
I take notes during your delivery and will provide them to you upon request. The notes are to help me answer any questions I have after your birth when I'm evaluating myself. They can also help you to look back on your birth and recount the order of your progression.
Community Resource List and Referrals
You have full access to my lending library and resource list. I can give you helpful council on a wide variety of question from "What cars seat has the minimum amount of flame retardant chemicals?" to "Who can correct a tongue or lip tie?" I am here for you.
Flat Fees (regardless of labor length)
For my all inclusive support package outlined above, your Investment is $1000. A $200 non-refundable deposit is to be paid once my contract is signed to reserve your birth on my calendar. $400 will then be due at 36th week and the remaining $400 is due within two weeks after the birth of your baby. A more flexible payment plan is also available. I believe every woman deserves a doula regardless of their ability to pay. If my fee is a hindrance to you, please let me know at our consultation and we can discuss ways to accommodate your budget. Doula services can often be paid for by a health savings account or healthcare flexible spending account (HSA/FSA) and by some insurance companies. I can provide a business recipe for you to submit for reimbursement.
Read about Why Doulas Charge What They Do.
Read about Why Doulas Charge What They Do.
Health Insurance Reimbursements
You may be able to receive health insurance reimbursement for doula care.
I can help you in your persute to receive reimbursement from your health insurer for the cost of my services. However, in all cases, you must pay me and use my services first in order to receive any reimbursement - and reimbursement is not guaranteed.
Read more about health insurance and doulas.
Read more about health insurance and doulas.
Paying for My Doula Services out of an HSA or FSA Account.
The IRS states that doula services can be paid for IN FULL out of a health savings account or healthcare flexible spending account at the time you engage a doula's services. However, you do need to submit a detailed receipt (which I provide) and a Letter of Medical Necessity, signed by your doctor or midwife, in order to legally use your funds to pay for your doula's services.
Here are more details on how to get doula care paid for with your HSA or FSA account.
Here are more details on how to get doula care paid for with your HSA or FSA account.
