What does it look like to hire me as your doula? (Read about my training and experience on my about page.) I have a full-service approach, guiding you every step of the way through your journey to bring you support like you’ve never had before! I have put together this package based on my several years of practice as a doula with the services that I feel give my clients the most benefit. I offer a 30 minute complimentary consultation to see if we are a good match. If you decide to hire me your support begins immediately. I will listen to your concerns and goals, and give you unbiased, judgment-free, evidence-based information throughout your pregnancy and birth. We will have three in-person meetings before the birth and one postpartum. Whether you are having an unmedicated home birth, an elective c-section, or anything in between, I doula that!
My birth doula and photography service includes:
Prenatal One-This appointment is for us to get to know each other, for me to find out about your learning styles, how you cope with stress or challenges, go over previous pregnancy and birth experiences, address any fears or concerns, discuss what your goals and desires are for this birth, what your current birth education is and what you’d still like to learn, and to begin creating a coping plan, labor plan, and postpartum plan. If your partner has any concerns that hiring a doula will kick them out of the picture, this is a great time for me to show you both how I can help your partner become the center of your team, complimenting the irreplaceable connection they have with you, without them feeling any invasion from having one more person in the room. I prefer to do this appointment as soon as possible after I’m hired. The earlier on in your pregnancy…the more support you have throughout and the longer you have to absorb and process the information we go over, giving you the time you need to make informed decisions. My doula clients also receive 10% off my massage therapy services at P3BW.
Prenatal Two-At this appointment we get physical! I will teach you and your partner how to use counter-pressure and other comfort measures that will help you during labor. We practice different laboring and birthing positions. We discuss optimal fetal position and how it can impact your labor. We practice techniques to encourage an open, loose pelvis for delivery. We learn hypnosis methods, affirmations, breathing techniques, and other positive reinforcements for coping. We review the plans made in the first prenatal and get ready to finalize your birth preferences sheet (example). I prefer to have this appointment around 32 weeks, giving you enough time to finalize any plans and have time to prepare, but not so far ahead of the birth that it’s hard to remember what was practiced.
Borrow Bag-At the second prenatal appointment you have the option of using my doula-client Borrow Bag. This amazing perk is something I have put together to help you utilize the tools and techniques I teach you at the prenatal appointments, without the expense of having to purchase all these items that will only be used for a short time. The bag includes a birth ball with a pump and cover, a labor-specific TENS unit, a fetal doppler, a Rebozo and instructions for use, a labor gown (when requested), massage aides, books and DVDs from my collection, and more! (Agreement to return all items in good condition is required for use of Borrow Bag.)
Pregnancy Support-As your doula I am here for you throughout your journey. I’m most easily available via text but phone calls and emails are also welcome. If you have a question, concern, need someone to vent to, or just want a good laugh, I am here! I do sleep, so I ask that non-emergencies be kept between the 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. hours, and understand that while I can usually respond right away, every now and then I’m in a meeting or with a client and will respond as soon as possible. Emergencies and labor are replied to immediately and you will be matched with a highly qualified back-up doula for the extremely rare off chance that I’m not available (which hasn’t happened yet but I like to be prepared).
All birth and postpartum clients receive a complimentary Comfort Session-This is everyone’s favorite appointment! This one is just for mom. I bring my portable massage table and we start off with a hot-towel foot wrap, followed by a relaxing head-to-toe light-touch massage with hand and foot reflexology. This session is great for your 37-38th week as you prepare to endure the longest days of your final stretch. This is also a great session for last minute questions, venting about life, and reviews of everything previously learned. I take excellent care of my clients! (If you prefer, you may change this appointment to an in-office signature full body massage session.)
Birth-I am ready to attend your birth regardless of when you go into labor or how far along you are. I will come to your home, birth center, or hospital when you are ready for my support, and I stay until about 1-2 hours after delivery depending on your needs. I always take care of myself so you will be getting the best of me. My service also includes birth photography when possible. Doula work is the priority; if birth photography is particularly important to you I definitely suggest hiring a separate professional photographer. In most circumstances I can at least sneak in around 30-50 pictures of your birth, and I edit about two dozen of the best images and put them onto a slideshow for you. Feel free to ask for examples of my work.
Postpartum-My service includes one postpartum visit when you are ready, usually around 5-14 days after delivery. This visit will address any concerns you have as a new parent, review your labor and birth experience, and we will discuss feeding, sleeping, healing, and maternal mental health as needed. This a valuable appointment where I can help your family adjust to the new baby in a way that reduces stress and increases bonds. I will also present you with a USB stick of your birth photos and slideshow, and a keepsake birth timeline and commentary from your team. This is when I pick up the Borrow Bag and end the appointment with a hand and foot massage. Your text support continues through three months after delivery. Additional postpartum care is available as needed.
My full service package fee is $1500.* (Service area is Wasatch/Summit/East Utah County within 30-40 minutes of Heber, some availability for Salt Lake and S Utah County depending on the timeframe, travel fee may be added.) $500 retainer required to secure your due date timeframe, remainder of fee is due by 37 weeks. Looking for a doula trained or mentored by me that is at a lower price point? Check out my Apprentice Doulas.
*This is the full fee for my complete package. If you are looking for different service options please contact me for the rate. I also offer special prices for repeat clients, doula-to-doula services, scheduled c-sections. If you are willing to have a mentoring student attend your birth experience you will receive a $100 credit on your birth package. (This option is not available for hospital births if visitor restrictions don’t allow an additional person present.)