A Doula
...recognizes birth a a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life.
...understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
...assists the woman and her partner in preparing and carrying out their plans for birth.
...stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor.
...provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and objective viewpoint and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions.
...facilitates communication between the mom, her parner and clinical care providers.
...perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience.
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Advantage of Labor Support
50% decrease in cesarean sections
60% decrease in epidural use
30% decrease in use of IV pain medications
25% decrease in length of labor
30% decrease in use of forceps
40% decrease in use of pitocin
Addition Longterm Benefits Include:
Improved Breasefeeding Success
Decreased Postpartum Depression
Greater Maternal Satisfaction
Better Mother-Infant Interaction
Compiled from Mothering the Mother, by MH Klaus, JH Kennell, and PH Klaus; Addison Wesley Publishing Company, 1993.
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Comprehensive Doula Package #1
(Includes private childbirth class)
Free initial consultation
1-2 Prenatal Visits
Private childbirth class series in your home
Phone/email support pre & postnatally
24 hour on-call support +/- 2 weeks of your due date
Continous physical and emotional support during labor
1-2 hours initial postpartum support
Photos (Color & Black & White) taken of baby and family during the first hour and burned to a CD for your personal use
Postpartum Visit
Written account of your birth
Happiest Baby Class
Happiest Baby parent kit with DVD and a soothing sounds CD
Comprehensive Doula Package #2
Free initial consultation
1-2 Prenatal Visits
Phone/email support pre & postnatally
24 hour on-call support +/- 2 weeks of your due date
Continous physical and emotional support during labor
1-2 hours initial postpartum support
Photos (Color & Black & White) taken of baby and family during the first hour and burned to a CD for your personal use
Postpartum Visit
Written account of your birth
Happiest Baby Class
Happiest Baby parent kit with DVD and a soothing sounds Cd
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Doula Service Fees
Doula service fees are as follows:
The Complete Doula Package has an all-inclusive fee of $475. It provides an opportunity for a personalized childbirth class in your home at your convenience. This allows me to become a familiar face and to get to know you and your vision for bringing your baby into the world.
The Basic Doula package has an all-inclusive fee of $400. This is perfect for those who have previously completed a childbirth preparation class and are looking for doula services that provides support for the entire family not only through labor but prenataly and postpartum as well.
A non-refundable $225 retainer is due with the signed contracts to secure doula services. The remaining amount is payable anytime thereafter up until your due date. A $25 discount is applied if payment is received prior to delivery. Payment accepted by cash, check or credit card. Payment plans/bartering are available-Just Ask!
