The Birth of Love

"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." ~ Dr. John Kennell 

Birth Doula Services

This service includes the following:

• Free face-to-face meeting in an agreed upon location.  This meeting is designed to allow you and your partner (if applicable) to get to know me and to see if we are a good match. Your comfort is of utmost importance to a good doula-birthing relationship. At this meeting we will briefly discuss your pregnancy, your previous pregnancies and birth experiences (if applicable) and your desires for your current pregnancy and birth. This meeting usually lasts about an hour. At the end of the meeting, you will have the option of either signing a contract with me at that time or you may have a week to think about your decision. During that week, I will reserve your due date on my calendar. Should I not hear from you by the end of the week, I will be under the assumption that you are not interested in my services and your due date will once again be available on my calendar. A retaining fee of $150 is due at the time of the contract signing. This fee covers the work that I do with you at your prenatal visits and is non-refundable. It also holds your due date on my calendar and assures that I will be on-call for you two-weeks before and two-weeks after your due date.
• Two Prenatal Visits - During the first visit, we will discuss in detail the wishes that you have for your birth. I will provide you with informational materials and resources.  I may show you some video clips to familiarize you with certain birthing concepts as well. During your second visit, we will work on or review your birth preferences (birth plan).  I will then work with you in exploring the various options of relaxation and comfort techniques that can be used during labor.  We will demonstrate various positions that can be utilized for your physical comfort and optimum positioning of the baby during labor. These visits should take place in your environment if you are planning a home birth. If you plan on giving birth in a birth center or hospital, these visits can take place in my home.  For those who are on bed rest, these visits would take place in your home. I will also provide you with some basic information regarding breastfeeding and newborn care at this time. The remainder of my fee, $350 is due at the time of the second prenatal visit.
  
• Unlimited phone and e-mail support and contact to discuss the progress of your pregnancy, any changes during your pregnancy, etc.
  
• My presence at your birth beginning with the onset of labor and up until 2 hours post-partum. During this time I will provide you with comfort measures and support to help manage your labor; including, but not limited to...massage, counter pressure, positioning, hydrotherapy, birth ball, accupressure, visualization, etc. I will also assist your partner if he/she is actively involved in your labor by allowing him/her to take periodic breaks, use the restroom, etc.
  
• 2 hours of post-partum support to establish breastfeeding (if desired) and continued support to the mother.
• For breastfeeding moms, I will provide a postpartum visit to assist you with any issues or concerns that you may be having. I will help to verify proper latch and positioning as well and answer any questions you might have. We will also discuss your birth at this time. This visit should take place within a few days of the birth.  For mothers who are not breastfeeding, this visit can be postponed for up until 2 weeks post-partum. 
  
• A $25 discount on my fee of $500 will be applied if payment is received in full ($475) at the time of contract signing.
  
• At your request, I will either film or photograph moments of your labor, birth and post-partum bonding period with your newborn. You will be given these photographs on a CD (or DVD for video) at your post-partum visit.
• Additional Services Available - Please inquire.