MAUREEN H. HINDS, BCCE, AAHCC

Birth, Babies & Beyond

Certified Bradley Method Natural Childbirth Educator & Childbirth Assistant

(408) 297-BABY

www.birthbabiesandbeyond.net

DOULA INFORMATION & GUIDELINES

Childbirth Assistant: One who is specially trained to provide skilled non-medical support to the birthing woman and/or couple for pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period; assists clients in choosing the birth and parenting path which most appropriately meets their needs.

Doula: One who "Mothers the Mother" during labor and postpartum

Here are a few guidelines to understand how I function as your childbirth assistant/doula:

My birth philosophy is a personal one and will not be a basis for judging any client's decision

My goal is to help create the best possible birth experience within the goals of my clients & within each birth situation as circumstances arise

I see it as one of my main functions to help protect the dignity of your birth experience and help preserve a positive memory of your wonderful experience

A minimum of one prenatal appointment is required prior to the birth to discuss your desired goals. Ideally, everyone you plan on including in your birth experience (aside from your primary careprovider) should be in attendance. This way, we can meet and become familiar with one another and discuss the roles which the parents wish each party to play. Please allow approximately 1 hour (sometimes more) for this meeting

A written birth plan is extremely helpful to not only the medical staff, but also me. I recommend that your desires be written down to show their importance to you, as well as the thought you put into your decisions. I also suggest that you include on your birth plan any allergies or pertinent medical conditions that may be relevant. Written desires always help clarify to all involved exactly what you wish

If time allows, I would also be happy to attend a prenatal visit with you to your careprovider appointment if they would like to meet with me

I enjoy taking pictures & videos, chronicling both the labor & birth, and can do this for you if you desire. I have a special 8mm camera that I would be happy to film your birth with and to make into a video for you if you will provide me a tape

You may have the use of one of my birth stools and/or birth ball at no extra charge if you so desire. Please reserve the stool you wish in advance so that I will not rent it out at the time of your birth. I will reserve it for you 1 week prior to your EDC and through 2 weeks after your EDC or until the birth, whichever comes first

The first week after the birth is usually quite a whirlwind for most parents. Some desire more telephone support than others, often dependent upon the amount of outside family and friend support you will have. I will leave this need to be expressed to me up to you. I will call during that week and ask you what you think you will need. I’m happy to call daily or just wait until you’re ready for a visit. Totally up to you!!

A postpartum visit is made usually within the first week or two at your home, when you are ready

If additional support becomes needed, I have post partum doula packages available to further serve you. Please ask me about these services and rates if you are interested

My birth doula fee is based upon the following:

A non-refundable "on call" fee

A separate sliding scale fee for the birth itself

The non-refundable "on call" fee is also your deposit, and is required to secure your place, as I only take up to two births a month

All birth fees begin en route to the birth

No couple is ever turned away because of finances. Please discuss this with me if interested (bartering, payments, etc., can always be arranged)

For specific price information, please contact Maureen directly

"On Call" fee includes the following services:

Personalized help with your birth plan

24 hour phone support in pregnancy and early labor

Minimum of 1 prenatal visit ~ additional visits may be negotiated

Sliding Scale Birth Fees include:

Continuous support during your labor and birth

Support beginning in your home or at the hospital; wherever you begin needing my help

Postpartum visit in your home

For specific details regarding services included, please refer to the Labor Assistant Agreement, or contact Maureen directly.

Hiring a doula in no way constitutes any guarantee of any medical outcome or intervention use. Doulas can be as effective as they’re allowed to be. Things that may restrict a my effectiveness at your birth may include, hospital and / or doctor protocols, sometimes family members and as well as how receptive the laboring mom is able to be during her labor to suggestions made.

The cooperation of my family and friends allows my service to you to run smoothly. In the event of an emergency, I have an extremely qualified back-up support person who will work with you for no extra charge. Because we have so rarely had to rely upon one another, an in-person visit wouldn't be called for, unless there is a known time that I will be unavailable around your due date. We may possibly arrange something in this case. However, you may call her for introductions or to ask questions if you wish at any time. Her name and number is listed on the Agreement.

I believe that this is not just the birth of a baby, but the birth of a family as well, and base my support fully on empowering all in attendance in their chosen roles. I consider it an honor and privilege to be invited to witness and assist in each & every miraculous event of new life.