Services & Fees

As a birth doula, I accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth. I draw on my knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and, as needed, communication with the staff to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, soothing touch, positioning and other techniques for your comfort. I am independent and self-employed, and as such, am working for YOU, not your caregiver or place of birth. 


BEFORE LABOR

I am open to interviewing with you and your partner, on Zoom, we will talk about your plans for birth, my role as a doula, and other questions you may have. This meeting does not obligate you to use my services, but if you do select me, then I will want to set up an additional meeting before your labor begins. At that time we will explore and discuss your priorities and any fears or concerns you might have; become familiar with your Birth Plan, including your preferences regarding management options and the use of pain medications. I will also want to know your own best ways of coping with pain and fatigue, as well as plan how you and your partner foresee working together.

Upon signing the contract, I am on call for you 2 weeks before your due date till birth. If an unforeseen situation occurs, I will inform you right away of times and dates when I am unavailable for labor support. To cover those times, I will arrange for one or more back-up doulas whom you may choose to speak with either via phone or video call, if you would like to meet my back up, additional fee may apply to compensate for the backups time. 

We may also decide on other meetings, and will remain in touch by phone/text and/or e-mail communication. 


DURING LABOR

I prefer that you call me when you think you are in labor, even if you do not yet need me. This gives me time to clear my calendar for the next 24 hours and arrange for childcare. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone, and we can decide if I should come to you then, or wait for further change. I usually need approximately one to two hours (+-) to get to you from the time you ask me to come. We will also decide where to meet (home or hospital). Except for extraordinary circumstances, I will remain with you throughout your labor and birth. 

During labor, I offer a variety of comfort measures, including massage, guided visualization, positions and movement, breathing techniques, verbal encouragement, and other essential support. Depending on our conversations prenatally, I can either be your primary labor support or assist your partner in supporting you. I believe that women can successfully cope with labor in a variety of ways, and my goal is to support you in finding the method that works for you in each moment.


AFTER THE BIRTH

I usually remain with you for one or two hours after birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together. I can also help with initial breastfeeding, if necessary. 

I am available to answer questions about the birth or your baby and will also schedule your postpartum visit in the week or two following your birth to see how you and your family are adjusting, assist with any breastfeeding issues, listen and review your birth story and get feedback from you about my role.  

LIMITATION OF SERVICES

As a birth doula, I do not:

1.       Perform clinical tasks, such as taking blood pressure, fetal heart checks or vaginal exams. I am there to provide only physical comfort and emotional support and facilitate communication between you and the staff.

2.     Make decisions for you. I will help you get the information you need to make an informed decision. I will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan.  

3.     Speak to the staff on your behalf. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, as well as encourage you to voice your opinions, questions and concerns to the staff.

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BIRTH DOULA FEES:

$1800 for Suburbs

(This package includes 5-10 FREE Birth Photos, extra package available below)

Suburbs must be within the 25 mile range of Lisle, IL for the birthplace location
(exp. hospital/birth center/homebirth) 

$2100 for Downtown/City/LakeShore area or anything past 25 mile range of Lisle, IL

(This package includes 5-10 FREE Birth Photos, extra package available below)

BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY: (ADDITIONAL SERVICE TO ABOVE PACKAGES)

+$500 this includes 60-100+ digital images with printing rights
See my photos on the GALLERY page.

BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY + DOULA PACKAGE: 

Unlimited photo coverage of labor and delivery including 1-2+ hours after birth
60-100+ edited digital images with printing rights

$2300 for Suburbs

Suburbs must be within the 25 mile range of Lisle, IL for the birthplace location
(exp. hospital/birth center/homebirth) 

$2600 for Downtown/City/LakeShore area or anything past 25 mile range of Lisle, IL)
See my photos on the GALLERY page.

BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY ONLY: 

$1600 for Suburbs

Suburbs must be within the 25 mile range of Lisle, IL for the birthplace location
(exp. hospital/birth center/homebirth) 

$2000 for Downtown/City/LakeShore area or anything past 25 mile range of Lisle, IL)
Includes a meet and greet via Zoom
Arrival during active labor 6-8 cm Unlimited photo coverage of labor and delivery including 1-2+ hours after birth
On call 24/7 surrounding your due date
100-200+ edited digital images with printing rights
See my photos on the GALLERY page.

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1/2 my birth fee (as a retainer fee) is due when you select me as your doula and sign my contract.

Remaining balance will be due at the pre-natal appointment usually around your 35th or 36th week of pregnancy (or four weeks before your due date).