My Fees

I believe that all women are entitled to the birth that they desire. Financial restraints should not keep a woman from the support she needs and wants during pregnancy and birth. Because of these beliefs I offer a sliding scale on my fees and this can be discussed in our interview.

My Services

Interview Process
During our initial interview we will discuss your desires for your pregnancy and birth. We will also discuss your personal situation and how you see a doula fitting into your vision. This is an excellent opportunity to see if I am a good fit for your needs and desires. There is no obligation to hire me at this time. This is your birth and your journey, so it is best to find a doula that feels right for you!

Prenatal Support
My services include 2-3 prenatal visits at the location of your choice (your home, my home, over a cup of tea) where we will work to develop your birth plan, address any fears or concerns, and work on developing a trusting relationship. If you have a partner or additional support person they are encouraged to be present for these visits.

Prenatal Education
Some parents are just too busy to attend a childbirth class and this is understandable considering the busy lifestyles most of us lead. I am able to provide education as needed and based off of your personal needs and desires. I do offer an “express” childbirth preparation class for families that can be added to their birth package.

Phone Support
From the time that you hire me I am available to you for phone, email, and text support during daytime hours. If you have any questions, concerns, or needs you may contact me from 9am to 5pm every day of the week. From 38 weeks until birth I am on call for you 24 hours a day. I will be available for phone calls and ready for your impending birth regardless of the time of day.

Early Labor
Many people prefer to spend early labor at home and with their loved ones. As your doula, I can join you whenever you feel like my support is needed. I can provide helpful ideas and a supportive voice by phone if you prefer during this phase of labor. I can also join you in your home and help to prepare for the birth (calling a caregiver to pick up other children, finishing that last load of laundry, making tea).

Active Labor & Birth
Once you have entered active labor and are at your birthing location I will be with you throughout the entire process regardless of the length of labor. Some birth their baby within a matter of hours and others labor for several days. It is my belief that having a constant calm and supportive presence during birth is something you are entitled to. I will provide you with emotional and physical support throughout the entirety of your labor. I can provide you with massage, help in positioning, emotional support, and a supportive and encouraging presence.

Immediately After Birth
After the birth I will typically stay with you for one to two hours. I will help you with the initial breastfeeding if you choose to do so, making sure your new family is settled and comfortable, and will then leave you to bond with your newest addition.

Postpartum
I will check in with you by phone in the first few days following the birth. Then at 1-2 weeks postpartum I will come to your home to check in, address any concerns you have regarding your birth, talk about my services and your level of satisfaction, and address any concerns about healing or breastfeeding. I will also provide you with a keepsake record and account of your birth story at this time. If you need a referral for a lactation consultant, night nurse, or other postpartum support I can provide those at this time.

I do offer postpartum doula support to clients at an hourly rate. This service is also offered on a sliding scale and this can be discussed in our prenatal work together.

What is a Doula?

The word “doula” comes from the Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. Here are some remarkable statistics for births with a doula present:

50% reduction in the cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in pitocin use
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery

As a CAPPA doula I believe in the CAPPA mission statement:

CAPPA certified professionals aim to empower, connect and advocate for families in the childbearing year. CAPPA seeks to forge positive and productive relationships between organizations that support healthy, informed family choices.