Frequently Asked Questions
Q: ARE YOU A CERTIFIED BIRTH DOULA?
A: Yes! After attending births for 5 years, I became a DONA certified birth doula in 2010. Certification assures you that I have Doula training that focuses on the emotional needs of women in labor and non-medical, physical and emotional comfort measures. My training consists of an intensive three day seminar, a breastfeeding requirement, required reading, an essay that demonstrates understanding of the integral concepts of labor support and a Basic Knowledge Self Assessment Test. Lastly, I provided positive evaluations from clients, doctors / midwives and nurses along with detailed observations from several births.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR CREDENTIALS AND CONTINUED EDUCATION:
Amy Gilliland Training - 2015
DONA International Weekend Webinar - 2015
Bradley Method Advanced Teacher Training - 2013
DONA Rebozo Training - 2013
TENS Training & Certification - 2013
Gena Kirby Rebozo Training - 2013
HypnoBirthing Doula Certification- 2012
Breastfeeding Conference - 2012
Spinning Babies Training - 2012
Placenta Encapsulation Training - 2011
DONA Doula Training - 2009
ICAN Conference - 2008
AAHCC Educator Training - 2007
Q: WHAT IS YOUR BIRTH EXPERIENCE?
Serving families as a trained doula since 2009 I have attended 115+ births. I have experience in attending home births, VBAC & HBAC, births of twins, births of loss, women over 40, clients on bed rest, and inductions.
Q: CAN YOU HELP ME ESTABLISH GOOD BREASTFEEDING?
A: Yes, breastfeeding is so important for you and your baby! I support women following the birth and help establish a good latch. In addition to nursing my own children, I’ve had excellent training in breastfeeding. I’m available in the postpartum days and weeks to support you in this way.
Q: HOW MANY CLIENTS DO YOU TAKE A MONTH?
A: 2-3 clients per month
Q: WHAT ABOUT DADs?
A: I LOVE dads! I believe that birth is an intimate moment and an opportunity to enhance the relationship between partners. As your doula I work to encourage you to work as a couple. In fact, dads often feel increased confidence because of my presence. They don’t worry about timing contractions, changing positions, stage of labor - they are free to focus their attention on the mama laboring, as I provide the couples with suggestions, enhance the environment, and give dads much needed breaks. My desire is to work with the couple, not just the mom. Often times before the birth dads feel reluctant to invite another person into this intimate moment, afterward they become an advertisement for doulas!
Q: DO YOU TAKE PHOTOS?
A: I have loved having the photos from my own births and enjoy capturing the beautiful moment for others as well. If you would like photos, then I’m happy to serve! I bring a camera and take photos of whatever you would like to have included. This is something we can discuss in our prenatal meetings.
Q: I WANT TO TALK ABOUT ______ IN OUR PRENATAL, IS THAT OK?
A: That is awesome! The beauty of the prenatal is it is your prenatal. We can discuss and talk about YOUR specific needs and questions! I tailor these meetings to what you would like to discuss.
Q: WHAT’S IN YOUR LABOR BAG?
A: To each birth I bring a backpack filled with comfort measures. In my bag you will find: a rebozo, massage tools, tennis balls, battery powered candles, music, heat pack, cold pack, honey sticks, emergency C & other resources.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR LIMITATIONS?
As a doula, I do not:
Q: WHAT DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR SERVICE?
A: My charge for doula service including prenatal(s), labor / birth, postpartum support, 24/7 phone support, is: $900. This is broken down with a $300 deposit to hire me as your doula. Then you pay the remaining $600 at our first prenatal. The full fee is applicable whether the birth is three hours or three days. Many Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA), will reimburse doula fees. Payment plans, trading and fee reductions are a possibility for those in need. Please contact me and I’d be happy to work out something that works for you.
A: Yes! After attending births for 5 years, I became a DONA certified birth doula in 2010. Certification assures you that I have Doula training that focuses on the emotional needs of women in labor and non-medical, physical and emotional comfort measures. My training consists of an intensive three day seminar, a breastfeeding requirement, required reading, an essay that demonstrates understanding of the integral concepts of labor support and a Basic Knowledge Self Assessment Test. Lastly, I provided positive evaluations from clients, doctors / midwives and nurses along with detailed observations from several births.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR CREDENTIALS AND CONTINUED EDUCATION:
Amy Gilliland Training - 2015
DONA International Weekend Webinar - 2015
Bradley Method Advanced Teacher Training - 2013
DONA Rebozo Training - 2013
TENS Training & Certification - 2013
Gena Kirby Rebozo Training - 2013
HypnoBirthing Doula Certification- 2012
Breastfeeding Conference - 2012
Spinning Babies Training - 2012
Placenta Encapsulation Training - 2011
DONA Doula Training - 2009
ICAN Conference - 2008
AAHCC Educator Training - 2007
Q: WHAT IS YOUR BIRTH EXPERIENCE?
Serving families as a trained doula since 2009 I have attended 115+ births. I have experience in attending home births, VBAC & HBAC, births of twins, births of loss, women over 40, clients on bed rest, and inductions.
Q: CAN YOU HELP ME ESTABLISH GOOD BREASTFEEDING?
A: Yes, breastfeeding is so important for you and your baby! I support women following the birth and help establish a good latch. In addition to nursing my own children, I’ve had excellent training in breastfeeding. I’m available in the postpartum days and weeks to support you in this way.
Q: HOW MANY CLIENTS DO YOU TAKE A MONTH?
A: 2-3 clients per month
Q: WHAT ABOUT DADs?
A: I LOVE dads! I believe that birth is an intimate moment and an opportunity to enhance the relationship between partners. As your doula I work to encourage you to work as a couple. In fact, dads often feel increased confidence because of my presence. They don’t worry about timing contractions, changing positions, stage of labor - they are free to focus their attention on the mama laboring, as I provide the couples with suggestions, enhance the environment, and give dads much needed breaks. My desire is to work with the couple, not just the mom. Often times before the birth dads feel reluctant to invite another person into this intimate moment, afterward they become an advertisement for doulas!
Q: DO YOU TAKE PHOTOS?
A: I have loved having the photos from my own births and enjoy capturing the beautiful moment for others as well. If you would like photos, then I’m happy to serve! I bring a camera and take photos of whatever you would like to have included. This is something we can discuss in our prenatal meetings.
Q: I WANT TO TALK ABOUT ______ IN OUR PRENATAL, IS THAT OK?
A: That is awesome! The beauty of the prenatal is it is your prenatal. We can discuss and talk about YOUR specific needs and questions! I tailor these meetings to what you would like to discuss.
Q: WHAT’S IN YOUR LABOR BAG?
A: To each birth I bring a backpack filled with comfort measures. In my bag you will find: a rebozo, massage tools, tennis balls, battery powered candles, music, heat pack, cold pack, honey sticks, emergency C & other resources.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR LIMITATIONS?
As a doula, I do not:
- Perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others. I am there to provide only physical comfort, emotional support and advocacy.
- Make decisions for you. I will 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.
Q: WHAT DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR SERVICE?
A: My charge for doula service including prenatal(s), labor / birth, postpartum support, 24/7 phone support, is: $900. This is broken down with a $300 deposit to hire me as your doula. Then you pay the remaining $600 at our first prenatal. The full fee is applicable whether the birth is three hours or three days. Many Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA), will reimburse doula fees. Payment plans, trading and fee reductions are a possibility for those in need. Please contact me and I’d be happy to work out something that works for you.