Services
I prefer to meet with you and your partner at least once and preferably twice, before your birth. The first visit is to get acquainted, discuss your priorities, your hopes for this birth, and answer any questions you may have about hiring a Doula to attend your birth. This meeting does not obligate you to use my services. If you do decide to contract my services, please expect the following from me:
v 24 hour on-call from the 37th week of your pregnancy
v back-up arrangements in case of illness or emergency
v assistance in drafting an informed birth plan
v complement and supplement information received in childbirth classes
v pre-natal visits x 2 and phone contact
v early labour support as needed in home or hospital
v post-partum visit x 2 and phone contact
v assistance in unexpected outcomes, providing support, guidance and information
v breastfeeding referrals, if needed
v parenting and newborn information and referrals, if needed or requested
The following are procedures that I do NOT carry out:
v I do not perform clinical tasks such as vaginal examinations, fetal heart checks, blood pressure, etc.
v I do not make decisions FOR you. I will help you get the information you need to make informed choices, but the decisions to have, or not to have a procedure or medication is yours alone.
v I do not speak to the medical staff in your place regarding matters where decisions are made. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you and your partner must speak on your own behalf to the medical staff.
I would appreciate the following from you:
v a written birth plan
v open and honest communication on all issues that will have a bearing on your birth experience. I hold whatever you tell me in the strictest confidence
v a phone call (please no texts) to me when you think you are in labour. I can answer questions and give suggestions over the telephone. We can decide if I should come at that time, or wait until further changes in your contractions. We will also decide on the best place for us to meet – your home or your birth place.
Fees
Deposit (non-refundable): $300.00
Balance due on or before 7 days after birth: $550.00
As your Doula I will make every effort to provide the services described. Sometimes, although very rarely, this is impossible. There may be circumstances beyond anyone’s control that prevent me from attending your birth, i.e. I am unavailable due to an emergency, or I am sick. In these cases I will do my utmost to arrange for my back-up Doula to support you. If my back-up Doula is unable to attend, the balance of $550.00 is cancelled. If your labour begins before the 37th week of your pregnancy when I am not officially on-call, please call my home number as well as my mobile number. I will do my absolute best to attend. If my failure to attend your birth is because of your failure to call me, (please do not text) or because your primary care provider will not allow a doula to be present at your labour and birth, or because your labour is so rapid that I am unable to arrive in time, the remaining fee is still due.
My services can be cancelled, without penalty, up to the 37th week of your pregnancy. After that time period, should you wish to cancel my services, the balance of the remaining fee is due.