Doula Service Package

• Two prenatal visits to get acquainted and prepare for your birth.
• We will discuss your preferences for labor support, pain control and interventions.
• I will assist you in researching and writing a birth plan.
• Professional referrals and resources will be available to you at any time.
• Access to my lending library (books, videos, tapes).
• Uninterrupted support during labor , birth and postpartum.
• Use of my labor support tools such as hot/cold rice packs, TENS Unit, birth ball, aromatherapy diffuser, aromatherapy oils, massage oils & music.
• Help initiating breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth.
• One postpartum visit to discuss your birth experience and any concerns you have for your baby.
• Monthly telephone and e-mail contact for one year after delivery.

Service Area And Fees

It is my goal to provide continuous, high quality support to my clients in the atmosphere of their choice. We can labor at home as long as you like, or meet at the hospital. While there are certain restrictions regarding doulas and out of hospital birth, because I am also a midwife, I will provide homebirth labor support. My service area includes but is not limited to the Cleveland/Akron/Canton area of Ohio.

Many couples feel they cannot afford a doula. However, if you have an insurance co-pay [say an 80/20 plan], you will probably save more by having a doula present than your doula charges. Remember that labor is shorter, there are fewer interventions [continuous external or internal fetal monitoring, induction, Pitocin, vacuum or forceps delivery, epidural, narcotics], the cesarean rate is much lower and the epidural rate is much lower. So, if you add up even 20% of the cost of these interventions, a doula actually saves you money.

My fee for doula services is $800. Because I believe that every woman deserves a doula, I am willing to negotiate if you cannot afford my fee. Also, as of October 1, 2009, doula fees are reimbursable by some insurance companies.

It is entirely possible to have the birth experience you want and deserve. Much research has shown that when women and their partners are provided with continuous, compassionate support, they recall the birth experience with greater satisfaction and bond to their infants sooner, even if the experience they had wasn't what they would describe as "ideal". My goal is to give you the gift of a birth experience you will WANT to remember. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions or comments at erikao@preciouspassage.com I also welcome phone calls at (330) 577-5180.