Prenatal Care
Before your due date, I will arrange to meet with you and your partner to discuss plans for your birth and decide how best to work together. We often schedule two meetings before your due date, if time allows. This time together allows me to really understand your unique needs and desires you and your partner have for the birth. We also spend this time going over labor positions, relaxation techniques, etc. You may find that questions or concerns arise while you are waiting for your baby to come or as things come up in the pregnancy. Please call me anytime you feel the need. I am available to you by email, phone or in person depending on your need.
When You Are In Labor
I prefer you call me when you think you are in labor, even if you do not yet need me. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone. We decide when and where we will meet. Keep in mind, I will need an hour and a half to get to you from the time you call. Except for extraordinary circumstances, I will remain with you throughout your entire labor and birth. If your labor support needs go beyond 24 hours, I will need to call in my back-up doula to cover you while I get some rest.
After The Birth
I usually remain with my moms for one to two hours after the birth or until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together. During this time, I can be helpful with the initiation of breastfeeding. I am always available for phone contact to answer questions and would like to get together again at your home within one week of the birth for a postpartum visit. This time together allows for me to see how you are doing and if there is anything I can do to help you, to review your birth, admire your baby and receive any feedback you have for me.
What Doulas Do Not Do
As a doula, I do not
-Perform clinical tasks such as monitor blood pressure, fetal heart rate, or give vaginal exams. I am present to provide physical comfort measures, emotional support and advocacy.
-Make decisions for you. I will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision. I will also remind you if there is a departure from your Birth Plan.
-Speak for you to medical staff regarding matters where decisions are being made. I will discuss your concerns with you and, when asked, suggest options. I will respectfully help you and your partner explore questions and feelings so you can feel confident and comfortable with decisions made and be able to express them to the staff on your own behalf.
Failure to Provide Service
I will make every effort to provide the services described here. Sometimes this is impossible (for example, with a rapid labor, extreme weather or I’m not notified you are in labor). In this case, I retain the full payment. However, if my failure to attend your birth is due to my error, there will be no charge for my services. In this case,however, I will keep the $200 retainer fee to cover travel and time for the prenatal visits.
Fees
My total doula fee for the service described here is $1200.
I ask that the $400 non-refundable retainer fee be paid at our first visit. This retainer ensures I will be available for your birth starting three weeks before your estimated due date until the birth of your baby
The remaining $800 is due by your 37th week of pregnancy. ______
Note: I believe everyone should have access to labor support regardless of income and I am willing to accommodate the financial needs of my clients, if arranged in advance.
I have read this letter describing Bridget Ballenger’s doula services and agree that it reflects the understanding we have with her.
Client______Date______
Client’s Partner______Date______
Doula______Date______