My Doula Services

Hypno-Doula Services

My Role as a Doula

My Fees

 

My Doula Services

I am available to attend births in Corvallis and surrounding areas, up to one hour from my home. I will attend births in homes, hospitals, or birthing centers and I will gladly work with midwives, obstetricians, or family doctors. I normally accept only two clients per month. My birth doula service includes:

Prior to and After Your Birth
* Initial interview and consultation - this is a get-to-know-you meeting. It is free and carries no obligation to use my services
* Personalized assistance in preparing your Birth Plan
* Assistance at finalizing your birth and family arrangements
* Access to my lending library of books and videos on pregnancy, birth, birth methods, postpartum, and baby care
* 2 Prenatal meetings, including 1 with your care provider if desired. Additional meetings can be arranged time permitting when necessary.
* Telephone and email support in pregnancy and postpartum
* 24-hour on-call readiness (within 1 hour) from 37 to 42 weeks
* 1 or 2 postpartum visits in your home, making sure that breastfeeding is going well and Mother, Father, and Baby are recovering and adjusting well
* Your birth story from my perspective

At Your Birth
* Continuous, uninterrupted labor support - starting at your home or at your birth place. Jobs I perform may include but are not limited to: natural pain relieving techniques and comfort measures; labor tricks up my sleeve; massage; encouragement; verbal hypnosis cues and/or script reading; support; making or getting meals; managing birth-related laundry; assistance at navigating unforeseen circumstances that may arise; assistance with family members; an extra set of hands; preparing anything needed by Mom or Dad: food, drink, cool cloths, warm compresses, towels, etc.
* Help in getting your new family off to a positive start in breastfeeding
* Photographing and/or videotaping parts of your labor and birth if requested and prearranged (you provide cameras)
* Documenting your birth if requested and prearranged

For a more thorough explanation of my services, please see my BIRTH DOULA CONTRACT

 

Hypno-Doula Services

For those mothers following a hypnobirthing program, I can serve as a Hypno-Doula. My Hypno-Doula services are similar to my regular doula services. The main difference is that I will focus on your hypnobirthing program, use the language specific to your program, and can assist you with staying in hypnosis during your labor and birth. I am not a hypnobirthing instructor, but can direct you towards different options if you are looking for this service.

I have knowledge and experience with self-hypnosis in birth. I used Hypnobabies in both of my pregnancies and during both of my births, and found it quite helpful. I have completed a Hypno-Doula program that focuses on assisting moms following this program. I am also familiar with HypnoBirthing - The Mongan Method. I have scripts for both Hynobabies and other hypnobirthing programs that I can use.

I have had great success with self-hypnosis in my births. I definitely recommend it, though I also recognize it is not appropriate for all pregnant moms. Feel free to contact me if you are thinking of birth hypnosis and would like to hear about someone's experience.

 

My Role as a Doula

As a birth doula, I accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. I do not replace the father's support, but complement it. I have completed training approved by DONA International. I draw on my professional training, knowledge and experiences to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to women and partners. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other techniques for comfort. I am also experienced in hypnobirthing techniques and can serve as a Hypno-Doula if desired. I am independent and self-employed. As your doula, I am working for you, not your caregiver or the facility where you birth.

As a doula, I do not:

* Perform clinical tasks, such as take blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, etc. I am there to provide only physical comfort and emotional and informational support.
* Make decisions for you. I will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision. I will also remind you if there is a departure from your Birth Plan.
* Speak to the staff on your behalf regarding matters where health care decisions are being made. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you and your partner will speak directly to the clinical staff.

 

My Fees

The fee for my services is $500. I will discuss a sliding scale for those in need. I ask for a non-refundable deposit of $100 (applied towards the total fee) as soon as you have chosen me as your doula. This secures your birth on my calendar. The remainder of the fee is due in 2 equal payments - the first 2 weeks before your due date, and the second 3 weeks after the birth. Cash and checks are accepted. Credit cards may be accepted through Paypal. Insurance may cover some doula fees, and I can provide the documentation necessary for you to submit a request for reimbursement. Please see my Insurance page for more information.