Services

Service area: Madison, Wisconsin and surrounding communities in Dane County (contact to discuss if outside of Dane County as mileage may be assessed)

Birth Doula

Birth Doula Fee:
For the services described here, the fee is $750 and is to be paid as follows:

A retainer of $100 will be due upon agreement of this contract. This retainer will be applied to the total fee. In the event that you choose not to utilize my services, the retainer will not be refunded.
Balance is due at 38 weeks of pregnancy

Before Labor:

Prenatal consults to explore and address your priorities and any fears or concerns, and discuss your pregnancy journey, one or two for an hour each
Talk about best ways of coping with pain and fatigue and how you and your partner foresee working together
Can remain in touch by phone, text, and/or e-mail communication

During Labor:

Provide emotional, physical, and educational support during labor and delivery
Can also facilitate communication with the staff to ensure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions regarding your baby's birth
Can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other techniques for your comfort

After Labor:

Remain with you for one or two hours after the birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together
Can also help with initial breastfeeding

Postpartum Doula

Postpartum care fee: $30/hour

Postpartum doula services include:

Non-medical care for mother and baby or babies
Non-judgmental guidance through evidence-based research
Assistance with the basics of baby care and feeding support
Nurturing the role of the new family and emotional support
Light household chores and meal preparation
Offering resources and referrals

Postpartum Availability:

Evenings and weekends or special arrangements
Care in the three months following birth with visits lasting one to six hours

Prenatal consultation:

30-60 minute discussion about wants and needs during postpartum and to get to know each other for no fee
Meet at a place convenient to the client and postpartum doula
Additional option of Let’s Get Organized: 2 hour prenatal home visit to set up mother and baby stations around your home and discuss postpartum plans for a $75 fee

Prenatal Assistance:

Shifts similar to postpartum assistance are available before the birth
Organization, meal prep, emotional support on evenings and weekends or special arrangements

Homebirth turned hospital birth or cesarean birth postpartum care:

First hour is free if prenatal meeting is not applicable and can be arranged to take place in the hospital
Can work with your midwife to coordinate clean up at home and preparation for homecoming, if applicable
Emotional support specific to your birth experience

Nancy Wainer Cohen in Silent Knife wrote: “when a cesarean is performed, months of planning go up in a puff of smoke; many decisions must be changed, rescinded, or abandoned by the couple. Choices are limited and sometimes impossible. Couples feel as if they are not qualified to make decisions about their own baby’s life. They often become frightened, disoriented, and confused.”