Doula Information
MY SERVICES
I will help answer questions and educate you in your options during the labor and delivery process.
Help you write your birth plan.
I will scedule two meetings with you to discuss my role in your birth, as well as showing you comfort measures we will use.
I will be available 24 hours a day in the last month of your pregnancy, for your questions or concerns, and the actual labor and delivery.
Give you the support and encouragement you need through labor and delivery.
Help you understand what you are feeling and interpret the signs of the labor process.
I can provide comfort measures during labor including licensed massage therapy.
Give your husband or partner the chance to be your emotional support while I help take care of your needs.
I can help you apply what you learned in childbirth education, but also help guide you through the unpredictable events of labor and birth.
I will be your advocate. I will help your health care providers follow your birth plan.
I also can provide help with breastfeeding and newborn care.
WHAT I OFFER
During your free consultation (phone or in person) you will receive information on doulas, my services, and a guideline for writing your birth plan. My services begin when you choose me as your doula. After your free consultation, I will meet with you for two scheduled visits. The first, when you choose me as your doula, and the second at about 8 months along. In these visits we will discuss your birth plan, my role during labor and delivery, options for labor, hospital or birth center protocol, what to expect during labor and delivery, and any other questions you may have. I will be available for phone calls and questions throughout your pregnancy. You may have me with you at any time (home or place of birth) when you feel you are in labor. I will not leave you after the birth until your needs are met for recovery. I will be available postpartum for questions and concerns.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Consultation: Free
Doula Services: based on income level
under $25,000 a year: $200 ($50dep.)
$25,000 to $50,000 a year: $400 ($100 dep.)
above $50,000 a year: $600 ($200 dep.)
WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS THE BIRTH?
If it so happens that I am unable to attend the birth, I will have back-up doulas available. You will not be charged the balance of my fees if I do not attend. The deposit from the first visit is non-refundable. You will be charged the remainder of the fees if another doula is present. I will give you contact information on these doulas if you wish to contact them ahead of time.
WHAT ABOUT THE COST?
I would never want any couple to go without the support of a doula during the birth of their baby. The memories of birth last a lifetime. If you are financially in a position that these fees are more than you can handle, we can discuss a payment plan. I also accept credit card payments through PayPal. You may also pay online, below.
WHY I'M A DOULA
I became a doula for many reasons. After giving birth to my three children, and having completely different experiences, I realized how important it is that a mother and her partner feel supported through every step of the birth process. The support of others is often desperately needed and usually when you least expect it. I also realize that many aspects of birth are often unexpected, and being left alone can contribute to fear and unnecessary medical interventions.
I also know that a mother’s fears can lead to complications in pregnancy and delivery. Having the support of knowledgeable labor support professionals can help the new parents have a wonderful birth experience. I know first hand the blessing of a doula during birth, and want every family to have that privilege.
MY CREDENTIALS
I took the DONA (Doulas of North America) doula training in October 2001. I've attended many births, including c-section, VBAC, hospital, birth center and home birth. Each birth has been unique and beautiful, with each one being an honor to have attended. Although I have done all that is required to be a certified doula through DONA, I have chosen not to become certified through any one organization, as of yet. I plan to attend more training workshops before deciding.
WRITING YOUR BIRTH PLAN
(ideas to get you started)
When contemplating what kind of birth experience you would like to have, it‘s important to know what you want, and have an idea of what to expect. This form is a guideline, to inform you of your options. Read each question carefully. Pick out the 2 or 3 things in each section that are most important to you. The simpler you make it, the easier if will be for your staff to refer to. Answer the questions on a separate sheet of paper. Answer as if you are making a statement “I want...”, or “We would like...”. Some of these things can be planned ahead of time, without needing to be put into a Birth Plan. Include which ones are important to you, and what you want others to know and follow. Include anything else you can think of, that you do not see here. Include gratitude to the staff. A staff will tend to go the extra mile for those who appreciate it. Make sure and put your names and other important information on the Birth Plan (address, phone number, date, etc.). Also, please remember birth is an unpredictable event. Each thing in your birth plan may not go exactly as you plan. Some things you can insist on, others you may need to have alternate plans for. Your Birth Plan is exactly that, a plan. Now just relax, sit back and enjoy this time to think about your special day!
LABOR
Comfort
Do you want to try different laboring positions? If so which ones?
Do you want the freedom to walk around?
Do you want to take a shower or soak in the tub?
Do you want massage (back rub or full body massage)?
Would you like to try the TENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) if available?
Would you like to try sitting on a birth/physical therapy ball?
Food and Drink
Do you want the freedom to eat and drink, or are you comfortable with intravenous fluids?
Do you want ice chips or lollipops?
Fetal Heart-Rate Monitoring
Are you comfortable with continuous electronic monitoring (internal/external)?
-or intermittent monitoring (internal/external)?
-or would you rather a nurse or caregiver listen with an ultrasound stethoscope or a regular stethoscope if possible?
Pain Medications
Do you plan to use pain medications? If so which ones?
Would you like the option of using medication ONLY when labor is too much to handle?
Are you comfortable with knowing that there may be a point in labor where you do not have the option of medication anymore?
What is your pain medication preference scale number?
Other
Do you want music playing or look at pictures?
Do you want others present besides your caregivers, Father-to-be, and your doula?
Would you consider having a student caregiver present?
Do you want to give birth in the water (bath or Jacuzzi tub)?
Do you want to wear a hospital gown or your own clothing?
BIRTH
Positions for the Birthing Stage (pushing and birth)
Would you like the freedom to move around and try different positions?
Are you content with staying on your back with your legs in footrests or stirrups?
Pushing Techniques
Do you prefer to use the spontaneous, non-directed bearing-down technique or the prolonged breath holding and straining of directed pushing?
Perineal Care
Are you comfortable having an episiotomy?
Would you like to try warm compresses?
Would you like your caregiver to do perineal stretching?
Would you rather risk a tear than have an episiotomy?
The Baby
Do you want to avoid using forceps or vacuum extraction if at all possible?
Do you want the baby placed immediately on your chest? If so, do you want skin to skin contact?
Do you want to nurse before the baby has exams, is weighed, measured, etc?
After giving birth do you want some time alone with the baby without staff, doula, or family present?
Do you want Dad or a family member there with you through the night? If so, are there sleeping arrangements available in the room?
Who will take video or pictures?
BABY CARE
Routines and Procedures
Are the usual routines for newborns acceptable (suctioning, blood tests, placing the baby in the warmer, etc.)?
Do you want the staff to do most of the baby care (cutting the cord, first bath, etc.), or do you want to do it?
Do you want to be informed in advance of all procedures involving the baby?
Do you want the baby to have the eye drops, the vitamin K shot, newborn exam, etc?
Do you want the baby to receive immunizations?
Do you want the baby to stay with you at all times or are you comfortable having the baby spend time in the nursery?
Feeding
Do you want to nurse the baby? If so, are you comfortable having a nurse feed the baby water, sugar water, or formula?
Do you want to feed the baby when he/she expresses interest or when you are ready?
If the baby is formula fed, do you want to do all the feedings or have the staff help with some of them?
Circumcision
If you have a boy, will you have him circumcised? If so, what procedure does your doctor perform? Will they use anesthetic?
THE UNEXPECTED
Difficult Labor
If labor becomes difficult, are you flexible in changing the Birth Plan? If so, use phrases like “as long as labor proceeds normally” or “unless medically indicated”.
If labor is very long, who else can help if Dad or the doula, need to eat, sleep, or just take a break? Are you comfortable with them just taking turns?
Complications or Transfers
If complications arise and a transfer (laboring mom, or baby) is necessary (transfer from home to hospital, transfer to ICU or NICU, etc.) who do you want to go with you?
Do you want the original Birth Plan to be respected, and do you want to keep whatever options are still possible?
Do you want your caregivers to seek informed consent for all procedures, as long as it is medically safe to do so?
Cesarean Birth
Do you want Dad and your doula present?
Would you prefer to be awake?
Would you like to see and touch the baby afterwards?
Do you want Dad to stay with the baby and the doula to stay with you or vice versa?
What about postoperative sedative medication?
Would you prefer to receive sleep or sedative medications afterwards or to accept some trembling and nausea in order to remain awake and to hold and nurse the baby?
Premature or Sick Infant
How much do you want to be involved in the care of the infant? How much do you want Dad or the doula involved?
Do you want to go with the baby if transferred to another hospital?
Do you want explanations of the baby’s problems, the procedures, and the decisions that need to be made?
Do you want to express colostrum or milk to store until the baby can take it?
Stillbirth or Death
Would you want the opportunity to hold and say goodbye to the baby in private?
Would you want to dress the baby?
Would to take mementos-pictures, lock of hair, hand or foot prints, clothing or blankets?
Would like help from a counselor or religious leader?
Would you want to discuss the baby’s problems with your caregivers or doula?
Would you want an autopsy done, to determine the cause of death?
Would you want a memorial service or funeral?
GENERAL
Do you have any cultural or significant customs you want to include?
If you are delivering in a hospital or birth center, what foods do you want eat? And, how long do you plan to stay?
How long do you want your doula to stay (or family members)?
Will you have other children present for labor and delivery?
When do you want visitors?
When do you want to announce the baby’s birth, by phone or word of mouth? Who will do it?
Will you accept phone calls in your birthing room?