Current research has shown us that using a doula during labor provides you the following benefits:
50% reduction in the cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in oxytocin use
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
Information was obtained from Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993).
Why We Are Different.
We work as a team. To better serve our clients, we work together allowing more flexibility for prenatal appointments, and attendance at your birth. We currently have two doulas on staff, and are mentoring another. We also have more than one backup doula available at any given time in case of an emergency. Each of our doulas brings something different to the table, and we are happy to provide such diverse services: from yoga classes, to placenta encapsulation, to cloth diaper classes, we've got you covered!
What Is A Labor Doula's Role?
As birth doulas, we will accompany you during your birth to help you achieve a satisfying birth experience. We will provide you and your partner with emotional, physical, and informational support, help you communicate your needs and desires to your birth attendants and assist in providing you with education to aide in informed decisions about your birth. We provide non-medical comfort measures during labor and delivery, and are available to photograph the event, should you so choose. Our fee also includes breastfeeding support for the first few weeks. Our main goal is for you to feel empowered during your experience. When you look back on the birth of your baby, we want you to feel that you were well informed and supported in your goals. We will meet at least twice before labor, to get to know one another and to discuss your hopes for your birth. During these visits we will discuss some of the ways that we may help you during labor, and we can also talk about your birth preferences. We are available to you by phone or email for any questions or concerns from the time you decide to hire us and sign our contract.
Packages & Payment Options for Labor Doula Services: We offer a wide range of affordable packages!
We accept cash, personal check, money orders, credit cards, Flexible Spending/Health Savings Account Debit Cards or Paypal.
Reimbursement by your Flexible Spending or Health Savings account is possible; inquire with your Benefits Manager for more details.
Health Insurance reimbursement may be possible; please check with us for more information.
Payment Plans may be available.
Full Labor Doula Package - $1100
Up to 3 prenatal visits. Includes Birth Wish List creation, basic Child Birth Education, Breastfeeding Education, Client Handout Folder with Breathing Techniques, Comfort Measures for Birth, and more!
Access to our Lending Library of educational materials, including books and rebozos for birth.
Unlimited phone, text, and email support until 6 weeks postpartum.
On call two weeks prior to your 'due date'.
Attendance at your home at the onset of your labor, your birth* at home or in the hospital and up to 1-2 hours afterwards, or until breastfeeding is established. Includes Basic Breastfeeding Help and Referral to a Lactation Consultant, if needed. At least one, or possibly both of us may be present for your birth.
One postpartum visit 2-5 days after delivery, but no later than 6 weeks.
We can also photograph your birth upon request, with your camera or mine. We are not professional photographers, but do enjoy snapping candid photos!
No refunds are given for rapid labor, premature labor, failure on your part to contact us during labor, or any unexpected outcome of labor (example: cesarean, planned or unplanned). If I, or my backup doula, fails to attend your birth due to our error, then half of your fee will be returned (the first half will be payment for time spent with you in the prenatal period).
Labor Support Only Package - $800 GREAT for second and third time parents (or more!) who just want to have a Doula at their birth!
Birth Support Only, no prenatal visits.
Includes emailed Birth Wish List.
Phone, email, text, Facebook support from the date you sign the contract.
Access to our Lending Library of educational materials, including books and rebozos for birth.
On call two weeks prior to your 'due date'.
Attendance at your home at the onset of your labor, your birth* at home or in the hospital and up to 1-2 hours afterwards, or until breastfeeding is established. Includes Basic Breastfeeding Help and Referral to a Lactation Consultant, if needed. At least one, or possibly both of us may be present for your birth.
One postpartum visit 2-5 days after delivery, but no later than 6 weeks.
We can also photograph your birth upon request, with your camera or ours. We are not professional photographers, but do enjoy snapping candid photos!
No refunds are given for rapid labor, premature labor, failure on your part to contact us during labor, or any unexpected outcome of labor (example: cesarean, planned or unplanned). If I, or one of our backup doulas, fails to attend your birth due to our error, then half of your fee will be returned (the first half will be payment for time spent with you in the prenatal period).
Virtual DIY Doula Service, includes Birth Wish List - $75 When you just want to pick the Doula's brain!
Includes emailed Birth Wish List. Phone, email, text, Facebook support only, for the length of your pregnancy, until 2 weeks postpartum. Also includes email handouts on the topics of your choice. No actual in person meetings or labor/birth support. Contact me for more information.
Additional Pregnancy Services
Belly Casting with Kiera Lichtenwalner:
-Belly Casting, Level 1. Decorating will be up to you - not included with pricing - $100, approx 90 minute appointment. Cast will go home with me to have additional layer of plaster added, sanding, primer, and holes drilled for you to hang and add your own ribbon (which means it’ll be ready for you to finish/decorate). Upon completion, I will deliver it back to you.
-Belly Casting, Level 2 - (finishing with plaster, sanding, and primer layer of gesso, background colors or theme of your choice, your choice color ribbon for hanging) - starting at $150 - approx 90 minute appointment. Cast will go home with me, and finishing may take up to an additional 1.5 weeks in my studio. Upon completion, I will deliver it back to you.
~Belly Casting bought separate from a Doula Package is payable at the time of service. Finishing & decorating your belly cast may take a few weeks, but this will be discussed in depth at the time of your appointment. Casting will be done in our studio, or the privacy of your home. I will let you know in advance if I need any supplies to be available the day of casting if done at your home. Contact me for more information.