Ø   Fee:  $450.00 (1/2 due as a retainer fee, remainder preferred at birth, due no later than the postpartum visit).

Ø   First Prenatal:  The first prenatal will cover in detail your health background, your beliefs and philosophies about birth, previous birth experiences, intentions regarding a birth plan and some discussions about how you and your partner handle stress, challenges and life changing events.  The purpose of this discussion is for me to truly understand the birth experience you are seeking so that I can better facilitate creating it with you.

Ø   Second Prenatal:  The second prenatal appointment occurs so that we can discuss laboring & birth positions, the anatomical happenings of birth, relaxation techniques, massage tricks, aromatherapy preferences as well as review your birth plan and explore the different ways that I can/will assist you during the birth process.  This appointment is much more hands on so that we are able to assess barriers or preferences before labor begins as well as identify any additional questions or concerns. 

Ø   Availability:  Once you have determined to utilize my services, please feel free to contact me by email or phone for any questions you may have.  I want to ensure that you feel confident and empowered by your choice and well prepared as your due date arrives. 

Ø   Labor:  I am available 24/7 for you consistently from 38-42 weeks (if I do leave town, it's with your "approval" to utilize one of my backups in case you go into labor).  When labor begins I can either meet you at your home, the birth center or the hospital.  I will stay with you throughout the duration of labor providing consistent support and nurturance.

Ø   Post-Partum:  Once the baby is born, I can offer breastfeeding guidance, some light massage and ensure that you are comfortable and well taken care of.  I typically depart within 1-2 hours after the birth.  However, if you would like on-going support please let me know and we can make additional arrangements.

Ø   Post-Partum Visit:  This visit generally occurs 2-4 weeks after the birth.  It’s an opportunity for me to give you your written birth story (if you would like one) while also answering any other questions that may have come up. 

Ø      Additional Points:  In case I am unable to attend your birth, I have a variety of experienced and reliable backup Doula's who can provide you with the quality of care you are seeking.  This is a rare occurrence but can happen.  Please let me know if you would like to meet my backup.  

 
My support is not at all limited to the actual birth date and I want you to be sure you have the rapport and relationship with me you need to feel confident about your birth experience, so please utilize my services to the fullest degree!    

View locations and fees to see the territory I cover and the typical cost for my services.   

Implied Responsibilities:

Recognizes birth as a key life experience, UNDERSTANDS the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
Assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out THEIR plans for the birth.
Stays by the side of the laboring woman THROUGHOUT labor with no change in shift.  
Continuous emotional support, practical comfort measures, & an OBJECTIVE viewpoint & information to aid decision-making.
Facilitates COMMUNICATION between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical careproviders.
COMPLEMENTS the care provided by the woman's partner and birth attendants.
Protects and NUTURES the memory of the birth experience because she understands the impact birth has on a woman's life.

Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, Mothering the Mother, 1993

Definitions:

Birth Doula:   A woman trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a woman during labor, birth and the immediate postpartum period.

Postpartum Doula:   A woman trained to care for new families in the first weeks after birth providing household help, advice with newborn care and infant feeding as well as emotional support.