Your questions answered here.
What is a doula?
The word, "doula," comes from the Greek word for the most important female slave or servant in an ancient Greek household, the woman who probably helped the lady of the house through her childbearing. The word has come to refer to "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth." (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, Mothering the Mother)
Why should I consider hiring a doula?
A birth doula is a trained labor support person who provides emotional and physical support to a laboring woman and her partner. While she is not a medical professional, she can offer a wide range of comfort measures during labor - from massage to aromatherapy to continuous reassurance and coping techniques.
Women supported by a doula during labor have been shown to have:
50% reduction of cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
How much do you charge?
Currently, I am charging $600 for my services. I am willing, though, to take clients on a case by case basis and work on a sliding scale. I believe every woman should have access to a doula despite her financial situation. If you are looking for a doula, but are afraid that you can't afford much, please contact me and we can discuss options.
When will you be available for my questions and prenatal/postpartum appointments?
Once you decide to work with me, I am available by telephone 24 hours a day for your questions and concerns surrounding your pregnancy.
I like to schedule 2 prenatal appointments, one around 30 weeks into your pregnancy and one around 35 weeks. At the first prenatal, we will go over topics that will become items in your birthplan and of course, any questions you may have. At the second prenatal, we will go over birth postions, breathing and I will show you goodies in my birth bag.
Once you are in labor, I will be available to you non-stop in your home and at the hospital until your baby is born and you are settled and comfortable.
I offer at least one postpartum appointment in your home to talk about the birth, check on your breastfeeding success and see how you are doing with the transition of having a newborn in the house.
I can help you with things like massage, counterpressure, aromatherapy, guided imagery, birth ball usage, birth positions and breathing techniques. I can also help show your partner techniques to help you. I can also help communicate your desires to the hospital staff. After birth, I can help you through the initial stages of baby latching on and breastfeeding. Of course, I am also there to go on food runs for your partner and other everyday tasks that may come up during your labor.
I know that you probably have MANY more questions. Please feel free to email or call me.