There are two types of people who seek my doula services. One is a first time parent seeking information on childbirth and how to navigate the medicalized system. The second is someone who has had a hospital birth and they are dissatisfied with with the lack of communication during their care leading to a sense of having birth done to them instead of doing the birth process themselves. I help my clients by educating them on what procedures will be offered while they are in the hospital and help them seek out how they feel about each. We learn ways to communicate with their providers so that when any procedure is offered, a decision can be made together. In addition, we discuss when providers allow for no choice.
When it comes to any procedure, I let you decide where you are on the spectrum of desiring to have through wanting to avoid. Then I support you in that decision without judgement by helping you advocate for your options. Do you want an unmedicated birth? Great. I can help with pain management. Do you want an induction and epidural? Awesome. I can rotate you while you are in bed so your body is moving, thereby helping your baby rotate through your pelvis and lowering your chance of a cesarean. Is one or the other your only option? No, and we will talk about the options available. Text using the SMS button at the bottom right of your screen so we can begin the conversations about your birth options.
Supporting birthing families
on their terms is dear to my heart. Therefore, in order to make doula services available to most families, I have a sliding scale of 500 to 1,200. The final amount is based on the family’s ability to pay. What you get for the amount you choose:
- an education session that discusses the stages of labor with a focus on basic hospital procedures, cesareans and how to communicate with your caregivers. Allow two to three hours.
- an education session that focuses on which comfort measures work best for different stages in labor, an introduction to breastfeeding and developing a postpartum strategy. Allow two to three hours
- up to eight hours in home postpartum services for breastfeeding support or other as needed.
An invoice for the terms agreed on will be emailed to you with the option to pay online. I accept cash and checks. I give instructions on how to apply for third party reimbursement from your insurance company after your baby is born.
A Note From the Midwife:
The average time I spend with a first time laboring woman is around 16 – 20 hours; add to that the 6-8 hours of time spent prenatally and up to 8 hours of after care when they come home from the hospital. In addition to this time scale average, I base my fees on my investment, both time and money, that I have put into my business as a birth worker. My first expense was my education, two DONA approved workshops and the required reading list which I now use in my lending library. Additionally, I have continuing education requirements in order to maintain my certification. There are trade membership dues. Then there are the tools of the trade like my birth balls and T.E.N.S unit. Next are the business basics such as cell phone service, internet, website, business cards, and office supplies for hand outs and other education materials my clients may require. Most of my clients average an hour driving distance one way, so my gas bill easily adds up when meeting in their homes three times prenatally, three to four times postpartum, and the trip to the hospital on the birthing day. In preparation of the birthing day, I block out up to six weeks on my calendar for availability. During this time, I alter my lifestyle by not imbibing in alcohol, not even a beer with pizza, nor do I schedule out of town trips for continuing education or family vacations. Speaking of family, there are times when we have to change our plans or make special arrangements because I get a call to go to a birth. We sometimes take two vehicles to an event so that I may leave if I get a call to go to a birth. I also limit the number of clients I will take in order to avoid the possibility of missing one birth because I am at another. This, in turn, limits the potential of what I can earn to support myself. I love what I do, and I give a lot in order to be there for you.
Rebecca
Do you have more doula questions? Use the SMS button at the bottom right of your screen to text the midwife.
Looking to get something exceptional for the expecting parents in your life? See our beautiful gift certificates for doula services on our Gift Certs page.