Birth Doula Services, Rates, and Packages
What is a Birth Doula?
A birth doula can be described as a trained professional who works as a support person for the mom during labor, providing evidence-based information and care.
A birth doula helps (to):
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Mom identify her needs and wants during the prenatal/consultation visits (and also involve Dad in prenatal visits)
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Provide comfort measures
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Advocate for mom and her birth plan
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Be her one-on-one support person
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Help mom stay grounded during labor
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Discuss the birth and share resources during the postpartum visit
Services
With hiring me as a birth doula, you will not only be getting me as a support person during your labor, but will also receive two prenatal visits before labor and a postpartum visit after birth. In addition to this, from weeks 36-42 (if Mom carries that far), I will be available via phone 24/7 for questions, concerns, and emergent needs.
Another helpful thing is that from the time I am hired until your 6th week postpartum, I am available by email or phone to answer questions and provide resources.
Prenatal Visit
After we have our initial meet and greet to talk about you, Dad/support person, your possible birth history, and to determine if we will be a good fit, we move onto the prenatal visits (which can be 1-2 hours long) where we:
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Go over your birth plan and the top two or three things you want during your labor
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Talk about expectations of my role versus the role of Dad/support person
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Discuss who is on your birth team
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Tell me more about yourself, your family, and your current situation
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Help you with finding out more information and networking
Labor Support
Labor support for the Mom is not just for homebirths, but is also for births at a birth center and also at the hospital.
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From the time I arrive to the first two or three hours after your birth, my goal is to be with you one-on-one throughout your labor
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Provide comfort measures during labor
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Help to put your birth plan into motion, as much as we can
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Advocating for you if anything begins to change
Postpartum Visit
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During our last time together, I will go over notes I took during your labor
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I will do a last check in and support you by connecting you with resources such as postpartum doulas, chiropractors, lactation consultants, etc.
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This visit can be 1-3 hours in length
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Although not around the clock, after our postpartum visit, I will be available via email and phone for up to six weeks postpartum to answer any more questions you may have and to provide additional resources you may need.
FAQs
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Q: Are birth doulas medical professionals?
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A: No, birth doulas are not medical professionals and do not do cervical checks, check babies heart rate, etc. Birth doulas are not a replacement for midwifes, the OB, nurses, or other medical personnel.
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Q: Can birth doulas attend hospital births?
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A: Birth doulas are welcome to hospitals that welcome a Mom having a support person. Although, some hospitals can be stricter on allowing birth doulas into the OR. It is beneficial to ask your planned hospital for their policies on doulas, especially in the OR.
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Q: Where am I willing to offer my services as a birth doula?
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A: Whether it's in your home for a planned homebirth, a birth center, or a hospital, I'm willing to be in the setting you need me.
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Q: Can I have a birth doula if I am getting a c-section or epidural?
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A: Yes. Regardless of how a situation changes, or what Mom plans on doing, a birth doula's job remains the same: advocate, support, and provide information.
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It is good to keep in mind that a birth doula can help Mom manage her pain before she receives an epidural as well. And in the OR (Operating Room), in an unfamiliar environment and unsettling situation, a doula can provide emotional support.
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Q: Can I have a birth doula if I am being induced?
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A: Yes, you can. A birth doula will provide the same services if a Mom is being induced. Although, due to inductions being longer, the rate will likely be increased.
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Q: Does having a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) disqualify me from having a birth doula?
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A: No, it does not. A birth doula's role does not change even in this situation, which means you can still have a support person who advocates, informs, and provides physical and emotional support during your labor.
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Rates
I am flexible with traveling up to 37 miles for prenatal visits (and planned birth location).
I am also open to traveling 38-50 miles away for prenatal visits/planned birth locations. Although, due to distance, I will charge a higher rate.
Birth Doula+Four Nights of Newborn Care
2,280
*0-37 miles away; this is a package for birth doula services and four overnights ten hours of newborn care. Newborn care in this package is valid for the first two months after Mom's date of birth.
Valid for 2 months
Entire Birth Doula Services
Four Overnights of Ten Hours of Newborn Care
Birth Doula+Three Nights of Newborn Care
2,050
*38-50 miles away; this is a package for birth doula services and three overnights ten hours of newborn care. Newborn care in this package is valid for the first two months after Mom's date of birth.
Valid for 2 months
Entire Birth Doula Services
Three Overnights of Ten Hours of Newborn Care
Birth Doula and Newborn Care Packages
Below are two different packages (based on mileage) for the complete birth
doula services and several nights of ten hour overnight newborn care.