Agreements & Fees
Letter of Agreement Describing Birth Doula Services, Limits and Fees Jeanette Adams, DOULA I Journey of Empowerment, LLC
As your Birth Doula I will accompany you in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. I have received education for the doula's role from Sierra Childbirth Institute sponsored by DONA International. I draw on my training and knowledge to provide emotional support, physical comfort and, as needed, communication with the staff to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, making suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other techniques for comfort. I am independent and self-employed. As your Birth Doula, I am working for you, and/or your partner if applicable, not your caregiver or hospital.
I prefer to meet with you and your partner at least once before labor to become acquainted, to explore and discuss your priorities and any fears or concerns, and to plan how we might best work together. At that time, I will want to become familiar with your birth plan, including your preferences regarding management options and the use of pain medications. I also want to know your own best ways of coping with pain and fatigue and how you and your partner foresee working together with me.
I will also inform you of times when I am unavailable for labor support. To cover those times, I will arrange one or more back-up Birth Doulas whom you may also meet. You have as much choice over your back-up doula as your primary doula.
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 decide if I should come right then or wait for further change. I usually need approximately one hour to get to you from the time you ask me to come. We will also decide where to meet- at your home, the hospital (or birth center.) I or my back-up will remain with you throughout labor and birth.
After your baby's birth:
I usually remain with you for two or more hours after birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together. I can also help with initial breastfeeding if necessary.
I am available by phone or email to answer questions about the birth of your baby and would like visit you at your home in the first week after your baby's birth.
As your Birth Doula I will not:
Perform clinical tasks, such as monitoring your blood pressure, checking fetal heart tone, doing vaginal exams, or any other clinical tasks. I am there to provide physical comfort, emotional support, and advocacy.
Make decisions for you. I will provide you with or 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 the staff instead of you regarding matters where decisions are being made. 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 services as a doula:
I will make every effort to provide the services of a birth doula. Sometimes this is impossible (for example, with a rapid labor or if I am unavailable and my back-up is also not available.) If my failure, or my back-up's failure, to attend your birth is due to our error, there will be no charge for my services and I will refund the fee. If it is due to your failure to contact me, I will keep the entire fee. This includes the client's decision, for any reason, to no longer utilize the services of the doula.
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Info by Journey of Empowerment Doula Services LLC Birth Doula