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What is a doula?The word “doula” is Greek for “woman servant”. As a doula, I am there to assist and serve you. Remind you to breathe. Teach you how to advocate for yourself. Suggest different positions. Make sure your voice is heard. Help your partner understand what is happening. Help you learn how to cope with all the changes that come with labor and newborn babies. I am in your corner, 100%. A doula is there to empower and inform, letting you know what your options are and supporting the choices you make!
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Why should I hire a doula?Well, a doula works for YOU! Not your birth location or provider, which allows us to offer personalized education, emotional support and physical comfort as the main priority. The research speaks for itself! A 2017 Cochrane review of 26 trials of labor support and doula care involving women from over 180 countries found the following: -Shorter duration of labor -Decrease in cesarean birth -Increase in spontaneous vaginal birth -Decreased use of analgesia -Higher rate of maternal satisfaction Further evidence of these conclusions can be found at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists or at Evidence Based Birth.
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What birth locations do you serve?I support homebirth, free-standing birth centers and hospital birth locations within a 1-hour radius of Northern Oakland County.
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When should I hire a doula?The earlier the better! There is not a “cut off” timeframe for hiring me but my calendar does have limited availability. The earlier you hire me, the more support you can receive throughout your pregnancy!
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How does payment work?50% of the doula retainer fee is due at time of signed contract to reserve your space on my calendar. Beyond that, the remaining 50% is due prior to 36-weeks along in your pregnancy. You can choose to pay the latter half in small increments or all at once, I am flexible to the needs of your family. Payments are accepted via credit/debit card, check or HSA/FSA. Payment plans are available upon request and will be written into your contract once agreed upon. *I do not accept Medicaid at this time.
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What's the difference between a doula and a midwife?Short answer: a midwife is a medical provider, meaning they can write prescriptions, order tests, perform clinical tasks, etc. A doula is a birth professional that is purely supportive, offering emotional, educational and physical support throughout your pregnancy, labor, birth and early postpartum period. We do not perform clinical tasks or give medical advice or recommendations.
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What's with the "investment starting at" lingo?I work on a sliding scale, which means in a consultation you'll probably hear me say something like "most families pay between X and Y for this package so you can choose the rate within that range that is best for you." The investment for birth doula services begins at $1,200 but I understand that each family's financial situation is different. Offering services on a sliding scale gives me the chance to serve more families where they are. This also allows me to offer pro bono services to teen moms in my area and volunteer my services to families in need. If you have more questions regarding this or need a payment plan in place, please do not hesitate to reach out!
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Does a doula replace my partner?Not a chance! Your partner knows you best, and I know birth. We make a great team! In fact, I prefer to work with your partner and educate them as well. I'm a doula for both of you!
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I think I want photography AND doula services, but I'm not sure. Can I add it on later?Yes! If you know you want me as your doula, but are on the fence as far as birth photography goes, let's chat about it and see if it would be a good fit for you. You may add this service on later in your pregnancy but this service must be booked no later than 36-weeks. The add-on fee is $800.
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What add-on services do you offer?You can choose to add private childbirth education, photography (maternity, fresh 48, birth or family), private lactation course or a postpartum herbal bath to your birth package. See the 'services' tab for more information!
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