Kelly's Doula Services

10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What training have you had?

I had my DONA birth doula training at Bates Technical College. Then I had my lactation educator and childbirth education training through CAPPA. You can check my certification with these organization. I have had advanced doula trainings in using the rebozo in labor, Optimal Fetal Positioning, Cesarean and VBAC support.

 

2. Do you have one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet her/them?

Yes, I have several here in Charlottesville. You may meet whoever I am working with at the time, which often depends on scheduling.

 

3. What is your fee, what does it include, and what are your refund policies?

My fee is $400, a $75 deposit is due at the first prenatal meeting and the balance is due at the final postpartum visit. It includes a free interview, two prenatal meetings, attendance at the birth, and two postpartum meetings. If you don’t call me for your birth, I will refund half my fee. If I, for some reason, don’t end up at your birth despite your call your entire fee will be refunded. This has never happened. My fee is negotiable and I accept barters.

 

4. Tell me/us about your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor.

Childbirth is a unique experience in the life of the mother and the family. I believe in educating my clients before birth so that they can make informed choices.  I support these choices, no matter what they are, including all choices to have or not have pain medication during labor. It is extremely important that I am able to get to know both you and your partner before labor so that we can have good communication during labor and I can anticipate how to help you as labor moves along.

 

5. May we meet to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me/us through childbirth?

This is the role of the two prenatal meetings.

 

6. May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?

Absolutely. I am on call for your questions from the moment you hire me until our last postpartum visit.

 

7. When do you try to join women in labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the place of birth?

I will join you whenever you want me to, whether this is at home or the hospital. Most women call me at the first sign of contraction, just so that I am aware that labor may be beginning. We stay in phone contact and most women ask me to come in early or active labor, around 3-4 centimeters. It takes me about an hour from your request until I arrive.

 

8.Do you meet with me/us after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?

This is the purpose of the postpartum meetings. If you ask prenatally, I will provide a birth story.

 

9.What is your experience in breast-feeding support?

I will help you with your first latch after the birth. I provide breastfeeding support in person and by telephone to all my birth doula clients for up to 6 weeks after the baby is born.

 

10. Have you had a criminal background check, a recent TB test? Do you have current CPR certification?

Yes, I have a yearly TB test and had a recent criminal background check. My adult and child CPR certifications are current.