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BirthWell Doula Services Doula Services
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Our Initial Meeting I prefer to meet with you, and your partner at least once before labor to become acquainted, to explore and discuss your priorities, any fears or concerns, and to plan how we might best work together. At that time we can discuss fees. This meeting does not obligate you to use my services, but if you do select me, then I will want to become familiar with your birth plan, including your preferences regarding pain management and the use of medications. I would also like to know your own best ways of coping with pain and fatigue, and how you and your partner foresee working together. We will also discuss doula back-up and time availability. We can then arrange for further meetings but will certainly remain in contact through telephone and/ or email.
When You are in labor I prefer that you call me when you think you are in labor, even if you do not yet need me. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone. We will then decide if I should come right away or wait until further progression. We will decide whether to meet at your home or at the birthing center or hospital. Except for extraordinary circumstances I, or my back-up will remain with you through the entire labor and birth.
After the Birth I usually remain with you for one to two hours after the birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for some quiet time together. I can also help with initial breastfeeding, if necessary. I am available for phone contact to answer questions about the birth or the baby, and would like to get together with you within two weeks to see how you are doing, to review the birth, to admire your baby, and to get feedback from you about my role.
As a Doula I Do Not -Perform clinical examinations such a blood pressure readings, fetal heart-rate checks, vaginal exams, etc. I am there to provide only physical comfort, emotional support, and advocacy. -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 medical staff on your behalf. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak on your behalf to the clinical staff. Failure to Provide Service I will make every effort to provide the services described here. Sometimes this is impossible ( as in rapid labor). If my failure to attend your birth is due to my error, there will be no charge for my services, and I will refund the retaining fee. If it is due to circumstances beyond any ones control, or your failure to call me, I will keep the retaining fee, but there will be no further charges.
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Did you know? research show that having a doula: Enhances -birth memories -maternal infant bonding -newborn health -breastfeeding sucess and duriation -relationship with partner -Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) Reduces: -length of labor -use of interventions -requests for narcotics -requests for epidurals -postpartum adjustment period -cesarean birth rate |
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