What is a doula?
The word Doula is an ancient Greek term that translates into
"caregiver" or "woman of service"
A Birth Doula provides non-medical support such as comfort measures, position changes, massage, visualization and encouragement during labor as well as companionship and nonjudgmental support to the new parents.
Why should I hire a doula?
Doulas can help you in ways no one else can!
Your partner may be a fantastic source of support, as the two of you share a special bond and become parents together...but partners have their own journey to parenthood, and it can be a heavy load to provide support during labor as well as manage their own inner questions and experience.
Doulas can help by providing practical support for partners, to allow them a break every now and then to rest, eat, and regroup. A doula is there to enhance the experience...not replace your partner.
Many partners also appreciate having an experienced supporter present who can reassure them about what is happening, and offer tips and demonstrations of comfort techniques. With a doula present, many partners actually feel more confident about their role at the birth and are able to be more active.
Your doctor or midwife will also play a key role in supporting you. But providers are usually only able to check on you briefly throughout your labor, and cannot provide support in your home in the early stages. Doulas can!
Nurses are able to stay with you for longer periods, once you are in the hospital, but with shift changes, paperwork, and other women to care for, they can't always give you the undivided attention you deserve. Doulas can!
Think of birth like a wedding:
Parents = bride and groom
OB/midwife = officiant
Nurse = assistant of the officiant
Doula = your maid of honor
What this means for you is that doulas are part of a whole team where each member has a special role to play in supporting you for your birth. We’re there to make your day go more smoothly, to smile, to reassure you, and to remind you of how beautiful and amazing you are.
What do you charge?
My doula fee is $850.00
My doula fee + a class (childbirth or VBAC) is $1,000.00
My 9 hour childbirth class is $250.00
My 9 hour VBAC class is $250.00
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash/Check/Zelle
I can also be paid through HSA & FSA.
I am an in-network provider for TRICARE EAST military insurance.
I'll also consider payment in bartering or trading of services.
*I truly believe everyone who wants a doula should have one so I am willing to work with you to come up with payment plan*
Do you have any limitations on the births you attend?
It doesn't matter whether you prefer medicated, unmedicated, or c-section as long as your birth in a hospital, birth center, or at home with a licensed care provider.
What are your previous birth experiences?
My previous clients births:
Medicated - 30%
Unmedicated - 47%
C-Section - 23%
What kind of births have you attended?
Low risk, High risk, Inductions, VBAC, Scheduled C-Sections, NICU babies, Single Moms, Teen Moms, Sexual Abuse Survivors, Parents with PTSD, Parents with Anxiety, Special Needs babies, Bradley Method & Hypnobirthing.
If there are any questions I haven't answered, please feel free to contact me.