Questions are taken from the form at Childbirth Connections. You must register to use this web site, but it is free and they do not sell your information. It is worth signing up for.

Background, Education, Philosophy

1. What is your education for providing Labor Support? Are you certified by a labor support training program?
Yes, I am a certified Labor Doula through CAPPA since May 2002. I have a number of Continuing Education Units in Labor Support, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and other more specific courses.

2. How long have you been in practice? How many births have you attended?
I have been practicing as a Labor/Postpartum Doula since the end of 2000. Because I do not update my site after every birth, please contact me for the number of births I have attended.

3. Do you have education and experience providing any other type of care for childbearing women, such as childbirth education, midwifery care, nursing care, breastfeeding support, or postpartum doula support?
I have education/experience/certification for Childbirth Education through Lamaze, Intl. I have education/experience as a Breastfeeding Support Specialist and Basic Breastfeeding Education. I have education/experience with Postpartum Doula support.

4. How do you view your role at the birth?
This question is not a straight forward answer on paper. I have been the primary support for single and married women. I have been the secondary support for couples at both the moms and/or dad's request. I do not provide any medical support. I do not do vaginal exams or listen to baby's heart rate. I provide emotional, physical and informational support during client's pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. My job is help you feel confident in your body and in asking questions to really particpate in your birth experience. I would love to talk to you more about how I can work with you and your family at your birth.

5. If you were looking for a doula to be with you at your birth, what would you look for?
I would find someone I felt comfortable being myself around. Experience and education are great but I wouldn't make a decision based on this. There is no "one doula" that will fit with everyone. You need to find the doula that is right for you.

Practice Organization

6. What arrangements do you have for back-up if you are not available to attend my birth?
I have two wonderful doulas that I work with for back-up. You can meet them in person or simply talk to them on the phone or email. I will also direct you to their website if you just want to know a bit about them.

7. Can I meet the individual who may be backing you up and providing doula services for me in labor?
Yes, I will give you their contact information. You are free to call them or we can arrange to have them come with me to a prenatal appointment.

8. Do you know of anything now that may cause you to be unavailable around the time of my birth? Do you have any other clients who are due around that time?
I would be happy to look at my calendar, just call me and tell me your due date.

Cost

9. What are your fees? Are there any possible extra costs I should know about?
My fee for Labor Doula services is a $500 flat fee. That includes the $100 deposit that puts you on my calendar. The only extra costs that might be a factor is that I charge a mileage fee if I have to travel over 30 minutes (non-rush hour) to meet with you. The initial consultation is free. Additional services such as postpartum doula or childbirth education are available, for those fees please visit those options on my website.

10. Do you have any experience with reimbursement from health insurance plans?
No, I can provide the paperwork for you to submit. I do not have the coding you need to use, you will have to call your insurance and ask for this code in order to submit it.

11. Do you accept alternate payment arrangement, such as sliding scale, time payments, or barter?
I do have a sliding scale for Postpartum Doula work. For Labor Doula services, I will accept time payments as long as the balance is paid by 38 weeks. At this time I have not bartered for services, but I am willing to discuss it.

Services

12. Will you meet with me/us before the birth to discuss our preferences and concerns?
Yes, my Labor Doula services include 2-3 prenatals at which time we will discuss your birth plan, concerns, and get to know each other. I have specific questions that I go through in order to know you and your family better. I also allow for time just to share what is going on in your pregnancy or any questions you have. I offer an initial consultation for free to see if we are a good match.

13. What services do you provide during labor and birth? What do you bring with you?
I do bring my "birth bag" that is packed with massage tools, fan, rebozo, and other extras to offer you comfort measures during your labor. I provide help with massage, hydrotherapy, breathing, position changes, informational support, emotional support, minute-by-minute coaching, and limited help with aromatherapy and pressure points. I have supported moms who used Hypnobirthing.

14. How do you feel about _______________? (Ask here about any concerns or preference that may be on your mind, such as pain/comfort issues, or the role of your partner.)
Give me a call and we can chat about what is important to you.

15. When would you come to be with me in labor? How long would you stay after the birth?
I am happy to provide early labor support at your home if you would like. I am also happy to meet you at the hospital. I usually stay 1-2 hours after the birth, but I will stay until you and baby are settled in.

16. Do you provide any services in the postpartum period? What about reviewing my labor and birth experiences or helping me with breastfeeding? Are you available by phone? In person? (Note: some labor doulas as work as postpartum doulas and offer care after the birth. This may include breastfeeding support, light housekeeping, errands, and help caring for other children as well as the new baby.)
Yes, as a Labor Doula I do provide 2 postpartum visits; one at one week and one at three/four weeks. At those times I will review your labor and birth and provide you with a time line of your birth (these are notes that I keep as the situation allows, my first priority is your comfort). I do have the Advanced Breastfeeding Support Specialist training from Lamaze, Int. I am available with phone support 24 hours a day for your first three days.
I do provide Postpartum Doula services, however, this service fills up fast on my calendar. I am happy to provide phone support as necessary.

17. How would my partner/husband fit in?
Actually, you decide the answer to that question. Doulas do NOT replace the dad! We are an integral part of the birthing team. Give me a call to discuss how might work out for you.

18. What do you see as your greatest strengths?
I have had a very wide range of birth experiences in my years. I am a calm and collected person to focus on when you feel fear or concern. I think it is important to simply the birthing process, there are so many "experts", books, and TV shows out there! And lastly, I love what I do!

Experience with my Caregiver or Birth Setting

19. Have you provided doula services for other women who have used (my midwife, doctor, or maternity practice)? (If yes:) What was that experience like?
I would be happy to discuss this if you give me a call.

20. Have you provided doula services for other women who have given birth at (the place where I plan to give birth)? (If yes:) What was that experience like?
I have provided doula services, at this time, at the following hospitals: Riverside, Grant, St. Ann's, Mt. Carmel West and OSU. I also have experience with homebirths in this area.

Referrals

21. May I please have the names of some women who have recently worked with you as their doula, for reference purposes?
Certainly, give me a call.