Then we will discuss your preferences for pain management and review various labor-coping techniques, positions and comfort measures. I will help you organize your wishes and gain further education by developing birth, newborn and postpartum plans. During this time, we will get to know one another and develop a sense of trust.

On Call Support
I will provide 24 hour on call support beginning two weeks prior to your due date and continuing until your birth.

24/7 Phone & E-mail Support
I will be available for telephone and e-mail support throughout your pregnancy and up to one month postpartum. I can also provide you with other valuable resources and recommended reading.

Attendance at the Entire Birth
I can meet you at home or in the birth location of your choice whenever you feel you need me. I will continue to be with you uninterrupted throughout your entire labor. I can provide suggestions for labor progression and comfort measures, as well as provide practical and emotional support for your partner.

Immediate Postpartum Care
I will continue to remain with you after the birth for up to two hours to provide immediate postpartum support and help with initial breastfeeding and family bonding. I will remain until you are settled and I have answered any questions you may have about newborn and new mother care.

One Postpartum Visit
We schedule a postpartum visit within the 2 or 3 weeks after your birth. I will come to your home to review your birthing experience and check in on your other needs (and of course, ogle over your gorgeous baby!). I will help you find the necessary resources and referrals to assist with any concerns or problems you may be having. I will also continue to be available via phone and e-mail for questions any time of the day or night until your postpartum visit.

Fees
I charge a flat fee of $500 that includes all of the above services. I will provide an invoice with insurance billing codes to aid in the possibility of insurance reimbursement. I request a retainer fee of $100 which is due prior to the prenatal meetings and when you select me as your doula and sign the contract. The balance is due at the postpartum visit.

Gift certificates are available as well and make a much appreciated shower, personal or holiday gift.

Cesarean Birth
In the event of a planned cesarean birth, your birth experience may be different than what you hoped for. I can be with you and your partner before and after the birth to provide, reassurance, and help you cope with all the fears and anxieties of surgery. We will talk at our prenatal visit as to your birth wishes and make sure your birth experience will be all that it can be. Some hospitals today allow only one person to accompany the mother in surgery, but doula support can be very helpful even if I am unable to attend the birth. I can take dad’s place at mom’s side in the event that dad has to go with baby to the nursery, so mom will never be left alone. I can be a contact person between the two of you if needed as well. If I am able to attend the surgery, I can take pictures of the baby to show you, communicate what is going on with the baby and provide comfort measures during the rest of the surgery. I will be there once you are out of recovery and can provide comfort measures, breastfeeding support and remind staff of your birth plan and any special needs you may have. In the event that you partner is not able to attend the surgery for whatever reason, I can be your primary support person. The fee for a planned cesarean surgery is $300, including all of the above services.

Choosing a Doula
I feel it is an honor to attend each birth and understand it is a very personal choice as to who you invite to your birth. It is important that you find someone with whom you feel completely comfortable. You will be considering not only skills and competency, but also personality and style. I always hope that I can provide the support that a family needs, but if I am not the person to fit exactly with your family, I can provide you with additional doula names, to help you locate someone that is.