A Wonderful New Doula to out Practice:
With the wonderful addition of Danielle Larkin, CD, to my team, we, together, seek to offer you the highest prenatal, labor, and postpartum doula support possible.
Danielle and Rebecca attend the first interview with parents together, answer questions, and get to know that couple a bit. If the parents decide to continue with our services, a prenatal massage, and pre-labor informational meeting is schedualed with Rebecca and mom, with optional dad "coaching" at that time.
At the final meeting, mom and dad get together with Danielle, and discuse birth plan, pain management, relaxation, and breathing techniques. She will also give brief instruction on optional laboring, and birthing positions. This is an opportunity for mom and dad to get to know Danielle better so that they are comfortable with eachother, and will work well together during the birth itself, that will be attended by Danielle.
After the birth, Rebecca will make a postnatal visit to home, or hospital for new mommy massage, and the infant massage instructional for daddy. Both of our Doulas are available for support through postpartum recovery, and through the first few, sometimes challenging, weeks of breastfeeding.
The following is a detailed contract for our services:
Contract Describing Doula Services
Meeting the Doula:
I prefer to meet with you and your partner at least once before labor to become aquainted, to explore and discuss your priorities and other fears or concerns, and plan how we might best work together. This first meeting does not obligate you to use my services, but if you select me, then I would want to become familiar with your birth plan, including your preferences regarding management options and the use of pain medications. I also want to know your own best way of coping with pain and fatigue and how you and your partner foresee working together with me. I will also inform you of times when I am unavailable for labor support. To cover these times, I will arrange for one or more back-up doulas that you may also meet.
Along with the meetings described below, I certainly would like to remain in contact throughout your pregnancy. This contact may be through phone (716) 604-8423, or through email
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Before your Birth:
As part of my services, I offer massage therapy to assist you in maintaining comfort, and flexibility through pregnancy, as well as to speed your post-partum recovery period. My fee includes a prenatal massage visit of 50 minutes, which is part of the last prenatal visit with me, and one home, or hospital visit, between 3 days and 2 weeks. This postpartum visit includes a 30 minute massage for mom, and a brief instruction for both parents in infant massage, with mother, partner, and baby.
At the Birth:
When you are in labor, I would prefer that you contact me immediately, even if you do not think you will need me for quite sometime. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone. You will decide when you would like me to join you at home or at the hospital. I usually need about 1 ½ hours to get to you from the time you ask me to come. Except under extraordinary circumstances, my back-up, or I will remain with you throughout labor and birth.
After the Birth:
I usually remain with you for at least two hours after the birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for some quiet time together. I am more than happy to help you with breastfeeding.In the days following the birth, I am available for phone contact to answer any questions about your birth or your baby. Remember, for medical advise, contact your doctor, or midwife. I would also like to review the birth and get your feedback about my role within 1-2 weeks after the birth.
Limitations of doula practice:
As a doula, I do not make decisions for you. I will help you get the information that you need to make an informed decision. I will also remind you when you or others stray from your birth plan, but this too is your decision. I am here to support you, not decide for you.As a doula, I do not speak to the staff or you. You or your partner will speak to the staff on your behalf.
Fees for the described services:
The fee for these services is $500 to be paid as follows: $250 non-refundable retained fee due when you select me as your doula and sign this agreement and the remaining $250 four weeks before your due date, or at the birth, if you deliver before 36 weeks. After your 36 week due date, I will not be on call for you if you are not paid in full. $250 will be refunded to you, if, because of our own error, my back-up or myself are unable to be at you bedside. We do not automatically refund your fee for precipitous deliveries, or c-section.
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This is the same contract that I sit down and go over with all doula clients. After doing so, mom, dad, and myself sign 2 copies of this document; one for them to keep, and the other for my own records.