I offer a full birth package. Here’s how it works.

Firstly we will meet for a free consultation in person or over video chat, whichever you prefer. This usually takes place in an informal setting at a local cafe or bar, but can be an outside, socially-distanced meet up if you prefer. I recommend that your birth partner comes along as well. 

We both need to know that we ‘click’, that is to say we feel comfortable in each others’ presence and have a good connection. Being requested to attend a birth experience is one of the most sacred and priviledged invitations I can think of, so it’s essential that we both feel at ease in one another’s company. If we’re feeling like this fit isn’t quite right, I can recommend one of my superb fellow local doulas to see if you can find a better connection there. 

If after this meeting we decide to move forward together, we will sign a contract and you will pay a retainer deposit to schedule your due date in my calendar. I will then be commited to being your birth doula. At this point I will pay my own personal retainer to ensure my fabulous back up doula is available to you should an emergency arise. 

I will then ask you to complete an intake form (see link at the bottom of this page) which will provide me with a good amount of information about how I can best support you. We will schedule a convenient time to meet for our first prenatal meeting. This usually takes place at your home and I will request that your birth partner is also present if possible. 

While I have a general idea of what I would like to talk about in each appointment, these appointments are about you and your needs! The intake form allows you to tell me what you need, and will help me customize the appointments to more closely align to your wants and needs. 

Before Birth

At our first prenatal meeting we will review the intake form together and discuss any concerns or issues. We will then discuss evidence-based information about risks and benefits of common birth and labour procedures. And finally we will discuss your birth plan / preferences and write this together if you haven’t already. 

I like to do this appointment sooner rather than later, and close to when we sign the contract to open the lines of communication between all parties.

Our second prenatal appointment will ideally be scheduled sometime before week 37 of your pregnancy. Again this meeting takes place at your home with your birth partner present. We will discuss comfort measures in labour and your birth partner will have the opportunity to practice these techniques. We will also make a labour plan so you are clear about when to call me and you feel comfortable knowing your game plan when the big day comes. Finally we will discuss a postpartum plan to make sure you feel confident with your support plan when the baby arrives. 

I will be on call for your birth two weeks (14 days) before and after your due date (38-42 weeks). If you happen to go into labor before or after this period, I will make every effort to be there. I encourage you to contact me with questions, concerns and any updates. After 38 weeks, 24/7 availability is activated for pregnancy and labor-related communication up to 42 weeks.

During Labour

When you call me to say the party has started I can meet you at your home or your planned place of birth, and I will make every effort to be there within one hour. Except for extraordinary circumstances, I will remain with you throughout your labor and birth.

Although I space my clients in order to ensure that I am available to attend every birth, the nature of birth means that there may be the rare occasion in which I am at another birth when you go into labor. In the unlikely event that I cannot attend your birth, you will have a backup doula scheduled. My back up doula is incredible and is very happy to meet you prior to labour if you would feel more comfortable having  an opportunity to meet her in person. 

If you desire it, I can take photographs at birth to document your birth experience. I’m not a professional photographer by any means but I’m proud to say I have captured some beautiful shots for my clients. Thank goodness for iPhone 13’s eh? 

After Birth

I will remain with you for one to two hours after the birth to help with initial bonding and latching if you choose to breastfeed. 

We will then schedule a postpartum meeting within a few days of the birth where I will come to visit you and the baby, review the birth, talk over breastfeeding and baby care and get feedback from you about my role. I will also bring you my resource lists to cover every imaginable postpartum need you may have, as well as all the current available childcare providers within the county. 

Total birth package cost: $1200

Additional prenatal/postnatal meetings: $90 

The issue of price is a hot topic, what if it’s a fast birth, what if I end up having a c-section..? Some would argue that a doula is just as helpful, if not more so, if a labour ends in a cesarean section to provide reassurance, comfort and validation to the birther. 

I’ve covered this question on my FAQ page, but it’s worth clarifying here too. 

I am dedicated to being available to you day and night from weeks 38 - 42 of your pregnancy. That’s four weeks of being on call, which means making sure I have emergency cover for my own babies at the drop of a hat. At the point of signing our contract I pay out of pocket for my backup doula to be on call for you in the event of an emergency. Being on call means that for four weeks I likely won’t leave Summit county, go on a hike, have an alcoholic drink, or be away from my cell phone. I accept that I may miss important events, birthdays etc in my private life. So honestly, helping bring your beautiful baby into the world is simply a wonderful added bonus for me, and is not really a complete picture of what my compensation covers.

I hope that provides you with some reassurance that this investment would be a worthy one for you.