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OUR SERVICES

In practice since 2001, Doulas of CNY have worked with many local care providers and hospitals.

  • Caring comprehensive services are offered to birthing women and their families.
  • References available on request.
  • Fees for services are affordably set. 
  • Sliding fee scale is available, and services will not be refused based on ability to pay.

When considering hiring a doula, all of our Doulas work along side your care team but it is possible that your doula may be the only continuous support system available to you in a hospital environment.

Our birth Doula services include:

Complimentary interview: At the initial interview, we will go over your questions -- about our personal background, experience, methods, and knowledge -- to allow you to decide if we are the right doula for you. We offer this consultation free of charge, without any obligation from you. If we are not the right doula for you, the agency will provide another referral to help you find the one that is right for you. It is important for you to find the right 'fit'.

At least 2 prenatal visits: *But each mother and family is unique. So you might need more than 2 visits. We will meet with you and your partner before labor to become acquainted and to understand your desires for labor and birth. During these meetings, we will discuss the details of your birth plams, childbirthing options and goals. *We strive to personalize our care to fit your needs and this may mean additional prenatal meetings. Our goal is to support your needs in any way that are best for you.

Email and phone support throughout pregnancy: Throughout our professional relationship, feel free to call or email us with any questions or concerns you may have. We will provide you the information and resources necessary for you to make informed, empowered decisions. We can provide explanations and information on alternatives, and can refer you to reliable resources of thorough, balanced information.

Access to resources, library and movies.

Monthly FREE parenting/educational groups and classes. Childbirth education and breastfeeding education at convenient locations.

On call 2 weeks prior to due date until birth.

Continuous labor support starting at home and then at your birth place: When you go into labor, your doula will meet you at your home, the hospital or the birthing center, according to your wishes. She will remain with you until after the birth of your child, whenever you feel comfortable enough for them to leave after your birth. During labor, she will provide physical comfort measures, labor position suggestions and pain coping techniques. These include the use of hot and cold compresses, massage, visual imagery, breathing techniques, and verbal coaching. During labor, she will strive to effect good communication between you and your care provider, facilitate the achievement of your birth wishes and ensure that you have both the time and information necessary to make decisions you can be comfortable with.

Our birth doulas will stay with you to assist you with breastfeeding, according to your wishes.

We support family centered births, if this is what you choose and support home birthers as well!

Follow up phone call and if desired, breastfeeding assistance in hospital following day

1 postpartum visit including lactation counseling if requested. Additional postpartum support and doulas available!

Our agency charges fees on a sliding scale based on financial ability in the range of $450-$600*. If you would like a Doula and have a
financial need, please contact the office for a Family Needs Based Application.
Determining how much you can afford is based on an honor system. Our mission is: For every mother, there shall be a Doula!
All of our Doulas are willing to work within your budget!

**Certifying Doulas may charge less because they are working towards certification and will politely ask mom for a birth evaluation after
delivery** Please let us know if you would like to work with a DONA trained, Certifying Doula!

A non refundable deposit of half the total fee is required as a non-refundable deposit at signing to hold the date open for your birth. The final 50% is due 1 week before your due date. All arrangements are negotiable.

There is a $35 fee for returned checks.

*Some insurance companies will reimburse doula services. FSA funds can often be used for doula services. Please check with your insurance company. We can assist you filing for insurance.

**As doulas we cannot provide any medical services or offer medical advice

Will a Doula Help if I Want an Epidural?*
Absolutely!  Even if you are planning to get an epidural, a doula can still provide resources, prenatal education, support at home and at the hospital, assist with position changes during labor, advocacy, assist during pushing stage, facilitate partner's involvement, assist with siblings, & offer support with breastfeeding initiation.  Some women still feel some pain and discomfort even with an epidural, a doula can help with other comfort measures.

Why Would I want a Natural Birth?*

baby also benefits from the mothers endorphins secreted during labor
freedom to move around during labor and after
Mothers who have natural births feel empowered and this tends to carry over into toddler years
Mothers are better able to work with their body during labor and especially for pushing
less likely to need forceps or vacuum for delivery
easier and faster recovery postpartum
no side effects
first breastfeeding easier

*info taken from DONA International*

NEED help with your Birth Plan?
Doulas of CNY will come to you and assist you with any questions and or concerns that you have regarding your birth options!  Experienced in over 1250 births, we have been thru every experience and can ease your fears or concerns.  Birth Planning Consultation  $35.

Specialty Services

 
© Doulas of Central New York 2002