Scope of Service
Basic Birth Doula Service includes the following:
Initial Interview: This is a time for you, your loved ones, and I to become acquainted with each other. We will interview each other during this process, so please be prepared with questions. I encourage to to ask anything that is important to you, as I am a potential player in one of the most memorable experiences of your life. This should last about one (1) hour, but could be shorter or longer.
First Meeting: Upon deciding you would like to use my service, we will meet to get to know each other better, go over your birth plan, discuss what to expect during the rest of your pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. I will also go over exercises and positions that support pregnancy, labor, and delivery. This appointment should last two to three (2-3) hours, but could be shorter or longer.
Doctor Appointment (Optional): I accompany you to a doctor appointment to discuss your birth plan and meet your doctor.
Birth*: When you are in labor and are ready for me to be with you, let me know, and I will come to you to help you through your labor and delivery, and to help you stay on track with your birth plan. I will stay with you until a couple of hours after the delivery to make sure you and your little one(s) are settled.
Postpartum: I will meet with you within the first couple of weeks of returning home to see that you and little one(s) are settling in and adjusting well. This visit will last one to two (1-2) hours.
Unlimited phone calls, emails, and texts, upon completion of contract.
In the event of an emergency, I will gladly accompany you to emergency room and emergency office visits.
I will block off 5 weeks of my calendar to be on call for you when you go into labor. This will be two and one half (2 1/2) weeks before and after your estimated due date. If I have to travel out of town during this period, I will contact you immediately and we will work together to come up with the best course of action.
Additional Services (subject to additional charge):
Doctor Appointment (Free - $50.00): I will accompany you to doctor appointments. The first doctor appointment is free, as are any emergency visits. Further well visits will be charged $10.00/ hour, not to exceed five hours.
Preparing for Baby ($10.00/hour): I will help you create your registry list, go with you to register, help you with any last minute preparations for baby, assist in packing your hospital and birth bag, and any other additional meeting or preparation not included in the basic birth doula scope of service.
Cost of Services
At this time, I am opting not to charge for my basic birth doula service. A simple thank you note is plenty. However, due to the cost of certification, continuing education and training, supplies, and gas, I will gladly accept whatever payment you feel is appropriate.
If you opt for additional services, the fee is listed in parentheses to the right of the service.
Unforeseen circumstances/ Limits to services:
In the event of unforeseen circumstances (car problems, illness, early arrival, etc.), I will do my best to arrange for another doula to assist you. Because there are not many doulas in the Auburn/Opelika area, I can not guarantee another doula will be available.
*At the first sign of labor, please contact me. Because some births last for a long time, if you are in early labor, I will encourage you to rest, eat, walk or do what you normally would do at that time. I will do the same. Stay in touch with me if anything changes and I will meet with you at that time, or when you are ready.
