People often ask exactly what will I do as their doula. Below is a breakdown of exactly what I do and do not do. Please feel free to read it, and ask any questions you want to about my services.

Birth Doula:

Post Partum Doula:

As a your BIRTH DOULA I include the following:

Prenatal Visits:

1. An informational meeting between you, your partner, or any other person who will be with you during labor, and myself. At this meeting we can become acquainted, I can inform you of my background, training, and experience and you can describe your priorities, concerns fears and questions regarding your upcoming birth. This meeting does not obligate you to select me as your Doula. I encourage you to meet other doulas and to take some time before deciding whom you want.

2. Discussion of how you and your partner believe I can be most helpful to both of you.

3. Once, you have decided to go with me as you doula, we will have one-two prenatal visits to talk about the preparation of your Birth Plan/Vision, practice positions for labor, relaxation techniques such as massage, and go over the basics of breastfeeding (this is a good refresher session for those who took a breastfeeding class a few weeks prior, or for experienced moms, who might want a refresher on the basics of positioning and latch).

4. Phone contact as needed and as desired.

5. A reliable method for you to reach me.

6. I am on call for you two weeks before your due date and two weeks after your due date.

7. You will receive the names of one or more reliable back up doulas with whom you can also become acquainted. The back-up doula(s) will be available if for any reason I am not.

DURING YOUR LABOR:

8. Early labor phone contact for information and for us to decide where and when to meet. I usually need approximately one hour to get to you from the time you call.

9. I will meet you where we decide--at home, birth center, or hospital. I will stay with you from the time you want or need a Doula throughout the labor and birth of your baby.

10. I will use my knowledge and experience to provide you with physical comfort, emotional and educational support.

11. I will help your partner(s) by offering reassurances, assistance, suggestions and information, as we had previously discussed.

12. I will act as a liaison between you and the staff, if it seems appropriate or necessary—establishing rapport, reminding them of your Birth Plan and asking questions so that you have the information you need to make decisions.

DURING YOUR POST PARTUM PERIOD:

13. I will stay with you until you have completed third stage, you are comfortable, and your family seems ready for quiet time together. I will show you how to latch your baby on for his/her first breastfeeding session, if you so desire. All this usually takes approximately one to two hours.

14. I will contact you by phone to answer any questions, check on your well being, briefly review your labor and birth, and arrange to get together at a convenient time.

15. I am available to answer questions by phone.

16. I will meet with you after the birth of your baby:

1. to review the birth experience with you, compare notes, and clarify events that took place around you;
2. to check in on how breastfeeding is going;
3. to admire and answer questions about your baby; and
4. to get feedback from you about my own role.