Your Birth, Your Baby
Helping you create a beautiful birth and newborn journey...your way.
Becoming a parent can be overwhelming with all the information out there! Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand how my infant care and birth doula services work.
FAQ Regarding Postpartum Doula Services
What does the term Postpartum Doula mean?
Postpartum Doulas may also be referred to as Infant Care Specialists and in the past were sometimes known as "baby nurses". However, most Postpartum Doulas do not have a nursing degree, so that term has slowly been phasing out. Postpartum Doulas are trained and experienced individuals who specialize in newborn care. They do not necessarily have any type of nursing degree or other certifications, but are comfortable caring for newborns and instructing parents about newborn care, feeding, scheduling, and sleep routines.
How many shifts per week and for how long should I hire help?
Every family is different with how much help they need, but generally 3-5 shifts per week is a common choice.
The length of time also varies depending on your family situation. An average length of time is 1-3 months. Generally with multiples you tend to need help on the longer side. Multiples sometimes take a bit longer to sleep through the night and establish a routine because they often start out at a smaller birth weight.
Do we have to sign a contract with you?
I do have a contract that will need signed after I've met with you and determined your needs. It includes the tentative schedule, start date, length of time, payment terms and my duties. I understand it is sometimes hard to determine your exact needs before your baby arrives. Therefore, I'm very flexible and willing to work with you on determining a more exact schedule and length of time once your baby is born. I suggest setting a range on the agreement, such as 2-4 weeks, for example. I ask that you fulfill the minimum amount of time you have put on our agreement. If you'd like to extend beyond what you have written on our agreement, I'm always open to providing more help if my schedule permits.
Do we have to pay you a deposit before services start?
Yes, a deposit of $300 is due at the time of signing paperwork. This is then credited toward your first week of care once I start services in your home.
How does payment work when we hire you?
I get paid weekly after the last shift for the week has been completed. This can be by Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, check or cash. If you have questions about taxes, visit https://www.care.com/hp/1099-vs-employee-why-the-difference-matters-when-you-hire-a-caregiver
How much do you charge? Is it a daily rate or by the hour?
I charge an hourly rate of $30-$45 per hour, depending on the driving distance and number of babies I will be caring for.
FAQ Regarding Birth Doula Services
What is a Birth Doula?
A birth doula is an individual who will completely support you before, during, and after childbirth, with the main focus being during labor. A birth doula will support all of your emotional, physical, and mental needs during labor, as well as help incorporate your partner to participate in the labor. Whether you plan on having medication for pain management or plan to go the non-medicated route, a doula can be very beneficial in supporting you whether it's simply with calming words or by physical touch.
What does a Birth Doula do?
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Helps you and your birth partner prepare for birth.
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Helps you write a birth plan that supports your desires for birth and your baby.
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Continuously stays with you during the entire birth process.
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Helps you through any emotional fears that might emerge during your birth.
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Creates a safe and peaceful space with her energy, candles, aromatherapy and music if you desire.
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Supports your birth choices without judgment.
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Provides encouragement and reassurance in a comforting manner.
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Helps guide you into birthing positions that are optimal for fetal positioning.
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Gives massages, helps with visualizations, meditations, breathing and movement to help with pain management and comfort.
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Advocates for the you and your partner and can help facilitate better communicaton between you and the medical staff present during your birthing process.
Is there anything a Birth Doula will not do?
Doulas are NOT medically trained professionals. They will not preform medical exams, diagnose conditions or deliver babies.
How long do you work with us as the family?
My doula services include 1-2 prenatal visits that last 1-2 hours each. Then, depending on how long your labor lasts, I can be with you for several hours or even a few days. It is best to begin doula support during active labor. Keeping in touch on the phone during the early stages will help determine when active labor has begun. Whenever you decide to call, I will help you determine what is best for your situation and can offer services at home before going to the hospital or simply meet you at the hospital. If you're planning a home birth, I typically join you during active labor. Once the baby is born I like to stay with you for an hour or two afterward to make sure you're comfortable and well taken care of. Once you are settled back at home, I offer an optional postpartum visit for 1-2 hours as well.
How does payment work for hiring a Birth Doula?
My total doula fee is $1,750. Upon signing a contract for booking doula services, $500 is due. Payment plans for the remainder can be discussed and the final payment is due by 37 weeks.