Birth Doula Services

I prefer to meet with you and your partner at least twice before labour to become acquainted, to explore and discuss your priorities and hopes and any fears or concerns, and to plan how we might best work together. At that time we can discuss fees. This meeting does not obligate you to use my services, but if you do select me, then I will want to become familiar with your Birth Plan, including your preferences regarding management options and the use of pain medications. I also want to know your own best ways of coping with pain and fatigue and how you and your partner foresee working together. We may decide to have more than two meetings and will certainly remain in touch by telephone.

I will also inform you of times when I am unavailable for labour support. During any such times I will arrange one or more back-up doulas that you can also meet. Of course, you have as much choice over your back-up as you do over your primary doula.

My Availability:
I will stay within one hour’s distance for the two weeks before your estimated due date up until labour begins. If I need to travel a distance greater than this in the period between four to two weeks before your due date, I will contact you to let you know my plans, and to confirm that my back-up is aware that I will be out of town, and that she will be available for you should you go into labour during this time.

When you are in Labour:
I prefer that you call me when you think you are in labour, even if you do not yet need me. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone. We will decide if I should come right then or wait for further change (I usually need approximately one hour to get to you from the time you ask me to come).

We will also decide where to meet - at your home or the hospital. Except for extraordinary circumstances, I or my back-up will remain with you throughout the labour and birth.

After the Birth:
I usually remain with you for one or two hours after the birth until you are comfortable, and your family is ready for quiet time together. I can also help with initial breastfeeding if necessary. I am available for phone contact to answer questions about the birth or your baby and would like to get to together with you within one to two weeks to see how you are doing, to review the birth, to admire your baby and to get feedback from you about my role.

As a Doula, I do not:
- Perform clinical tasks such as blood pressure readings, foetal heart checks vaginal exams and others. I am there to provide only physical comfort, 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 to the staff on your behalf. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak on your own behalf to the clinical staff.

Failure to Provide Service
My commitment is to provide the services I have outlined. Sometimes this is impossible (as in a very rapid labour).

If my failure to attend your birth is due to my error, there will be no charge for my services and I will refund the retaining fee.

If it is due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control (as in very rapid labour), I will keep the retaining fee, but there will be no further charges.

If it is due to your failure to call me, I will keep the retainer and invoice for 50% of the remaining fee.

If my back-up is called for this birth, financial arrangements for her payment will be made by me.

Fees:
My fee for the services described above is $600.