What's a Doula Do?
The word "doula" comes from a Greek word meaning "woman servant." A doula accompanies women in labor to ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. A doula works along with the mother's partner or other loved ones attending the birth. She is trained and experienced in childbirth to provide physical, emotional, and informational support before, during and after labor. Studies show physical and emotional benefits to having a doula attend a birth.
. 50% Reduction in Cesareans
. 40% Reduction in Pitocin Use
. 40% Reduction in Forceps Use
. 60% Reduction in Epidural Requests
Does the doula take the place of the father or partner?
No! Many partners, especially those experiencing parenthood for the first time, often feel reassured and comforted by the presence of an educated supporter. I am not only supporting the mother, but the partner as well. I will remind them to eat and take breaks. It is my goal to enhance the birth experience for everyone involved, partners included! Check out this great article, Can't My Partner Be My Doula?
What if I get an epidural?
Then you get an epidural. Sometimes an epidural is necessary for a mother's rest, or when our pain relief measures are no longer working. Don't misunderstand me, I believe every woman is capable of having an unmedicated birth, but sometimes it just doesn't happen the way we planned. An epidural is not a failure on the part of the mother. Sometimes it is the best way to avoid a cesarean. If that is your choice, I will support that. If you want to do everything to avoid an epidural, I will support that as well.Even if you plan on getting an epidural, a doula may still be helpful. Most women will experience periods of pain while waiting for an epidural. And, epidurals don't work 100%, all of the time. Sometimes they don't work at all, sometimes they quit working after a while, sometimes they are patchy and only work in certain areas, If you are lacking family support, a doula can be a great option to help ensure you are not alone during the labor. Remember, your nurse and doctor will have other patients to take care of. Your doula's job is only to take care of you!
Can you explain your fees?
Our fee is the same regardless of the length of your labor. Because of the nature of birth, an hourly fee would be out of reach for most couples. It balances out for us, but we can understand why someone with a shorter birth might initially feel it is unfair. I offer this information in hopes it will help explain how we, and other doulas, set fees.
Hours - A doula is a full-time resource, providing emotional support and strength even when not physically present. It's an atmosphere of faith and belief in the woman's ability to achieve the birth she wants that begins at the time of hire and extends past the birth itself. It's time spent gathering, compiling, and presenting information to help you make choices and understand the implications of those choices. Including prenatal, birth, and postpartum, I spend an average of nearly 25 hours with each family, not including at least a couple hours in phone calls and email. This is in addition to being on call full-time, and researching and continuing education to provide you with the best service possible. The long hours I may spend with one couple translate into increased experience and knowledge that carries over into the next possibly shorter birth.
Scheduling - I may turn away potential clients for the period around your due date to avoid conflicts and be reasonably rested when you need me. I will not go out of town (unless family emergency) and am available to you at all times. My family may need to take 2 cars when we go out. I must always have arrangements for my children and other responsibilities just in case.
Expenses - These include advertising, cell phone service, office supplies, photocopying, mileage & car wear, membership fees, self-employment taxes, labor support tools, childcare, food, parking, books, and continuing education. Most doulas in the Twin Cities area charge anywhere from $500 to $1200. The fee charged usually reflects the economy of the area as well as the doula's experience and certification status. If you feel you cannot afford my fee, please let me know; we can arrange a series of payments.
The word "doula" comes from a Greek word meaning "woman servant." A doula accompanies women in labor to ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. A doula works along with the mother's partner or other loved ones attending the birth. She is trained and experienced in childbirth to provide physical, emotional, and informational support before, during and after labor. Studies show physical and emotional benefits to having a doula attend a birth.
. 50% Reduction in Cesareans
. 40% Reduction in Pitocin Use
. 40% Reduction in Forceps Use
. 60% Reduction in Epidural Requests
Does the doula take the place of the father or partner?
No! Many partners, especially those experiencing parenthood for the first time, often feel reassured and comforted by the presence of an educated supporter. I am not only supporting the mother, but the partner as well. I will remind them to eat and take breaks. It is my goal to enhance the birth experience for everyone involved, partners included! Check out this great article, Can't My Partner Be My Doula?
What if I get an epidural?
Then you get an epidural. Sometimes an epidural is necessary for a mother's rest, or when our pain relief measures are no longer working. Don't misunderstand me, I believe every woman is capable of having an unmedicated birth, but sometimes it just doesn't happen the way we planned. An epidural is not a failure on the part of the mother. Sometimes it is the best way to avoid a cesarean. If that is your choice, I will support that. If you want to do everything to avoid an epidural, I will support that as well.Even if you plan on getting an epidural, a doula may still be helpful. Most women will experience periods of pain while waiting for an epidural. And, epidurals don't work 100%, all of the time. Sometimes they don't work at all, sometimes they quit working after a while, sometimes they are patchy and only work in certain areas, If you are lacking family support, a doula can be a great option to help ensure you are not alone during the labor. Remember, your nurse and doctor will have other patients to take care of. Your doula's job is only to take care of you!
Can you explain your fees?
Our fee is the same regardless of the length of your labor. Because of the nature of birth, an hourly fee would be out of reach for most couples. It balances out for us, but we can understand why someone with a shorter birth might initially feel it is unfair. I offer this information in hopes it will help explain how we, and other doulas, set fees.
Hours - A doula is a full-time resource, providing emotional support and strength even when not physically present. It's an atmosphere of faith and belief in the woman's ability to achieve the birth she wants that begins at the time of hire and extends past the birth itself. It's time spent gathering, compiling, and presenting information to help you make choices and understand the implications of those choices. Including prenatal, birth, and postpartum, I spend an average of nearly 25 hours with each family, not including at least a couple hours in phone calls and email. This is in addition to being on call full-time, and researching and continuing education to provide you with the best service possible. The long hours I may spend with one couple translate into increased experience and knowledge that carries over into the next possibly shorter birth.
Scheduling - I may turn away potential clients for the period around your due date to avoid conflicts and be reasonably rested when you need me. I will not go out of town (unless family emergency) and am available to you at all times. My family may need to take 2 cars when we go out. I must always have arrangements for my children and other responsibilities just in case.
Expenses - These include advertising, cell phone service, office supplies, photocopying, mileage & car wear, membership fees, self-employment taxes, labor support tools, childcare, food, parking, books, and continuing education. Most doulas in the Twin Cities area charge anywhere from $500 to $1200. The fee charged usually reflects the economy of the area as well as the doula's experience and certification status. If you feel you cannot afford my fee, please let me know; we can arrange a series of payments.
