Kristen Bindel - Birth Doula

As a birth doula, I accompany families in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. I am trained by DONA International, Childbirth Professionals International, Spinning Babies, Birth Arts International, and Birth Advocacy, and certified by Childbirth Professionals International in Birth and the Postpartum. I am also a Lactation Counselor. My professional knowledge of the physiology of breastfeeding/chestfeeding and certified training on counseling parents is a benefit to you as your Doula.

I draw on my professional training, knowledge, and experiences to provide emotional support, physical comfort, and 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 comfort. I am independent and self-employed. As your doula, I am working for YOU, not your caregiver or hospital.

Before Delivery

From the time the letter of agreement has been signed I am available for support via phone, text, or email 24/7. I am available to support you during your labor and birth from 38-42 weeks. I will meet with you and your partner before labor to become acquainted, to explore and discuss your priorities, fears or concerns, discuss your birth plan and to plan how we may best work together. I also want to know your own best ways of coping with pain and fatigue, and how you and your partner foresee working together. We may also decide on other meetings and will certainly want to remain in touch by telephone and/or email. I typically meet with families 2-4 times before delivery depending on the families needs and wants. 

During Delivery

I will inform you of times when I am unavailable for labor support. To cover those times, I will arrange a qualified backup doula(s) whom you may also meet. I prefer that you call me when you think you are in labor, even if you do not yet need me. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone. We will decide if I should come right then or wait for further change. We will also decide where to meet. This could be at your home, the hospital, or birth center. Except for extraordinary circumstances, I will remain with you throughout labor and birth. I typically remain with you for one to 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 desired.

After Delivery

I am available to answer questions about the birth, your baby, or your postpartum care and am available unless otherwise specified to provide in-home lactation/infant feeding support around day 3-5. I also would plan to visit again withing the first month.

I will make every effort to provide the services described here. Sometimes this is impossible (for example, with rapid labor). If I am unable to attend your birth due to a rapid labor (baby is born less than two hours after you call me and ask me to come), I will provide an additional 4 hours of postpartum support at no cost once you are discharged from the hospital. This can include assistance with breastfeeding, laundry, cleaning, baby care, cooking, etc. My full fee applies.

If failure to provide in-person support is due to hospital restrictions, or you or partner testing positive for Covid-19, I will provide virtual support (text, phone, video chat, etc) and extra postpartum support. My fully fee applies. 

If my failure to attend your birth is due to my error, there will be no charge for my services, and fees paid (beyond retainer fee) will be refunded.

If you decide against having a doula up to 36 weeks, you will not be required to pay the Remaining Amount. However, the Retainer Fee, and fees paid prior will not be refunded.

If my failure to attend your birth is due to an error on your part during the period in which I am on call (38-42 weeks), including but not limited to failing to call me or deciding against have a doula present at the birth, full payment for my services is required pursuant to this contract.

Optional Bamboo Birth Plus Add on - Lactation/Feeding guidance. 

What is included:

• My Newborn Care and Infant Feeding e-book
• Bottle Feeding a baby e-book
• Bottle and Pacifier Guide - What bottles are best?

Support

• Optional in-hospital postpartum visit
• Texting/Call support
• 3 in-person visits centered around feeding and the postpartum period

Visit 1: Between 36 and 38 weeks 

• Lactation Education
• How to set yourself up for success
• What to have on hand and in your labor bag
• Common issues, and road maps to support them
• Instruction on Colostrum collecting, hand expressing, etc.

Visit 2: Immediate postpartum

• Guidance and support during the time your milk is coming in
• Debrief from your birth
• Weight check to monitor baby’s growth
• Feeding Assessment
• Troubleshoot any issues
• Connect with resources or other practitioners

Visit 3: Before 5 weeks

• Introducing a bottle
• Sizing for the right flange for your pump
• Pump settings
• How to start pumping, how often?
• Milk storage
• Goal setting, returning to work?

Each visit tends to be about 2-2.5 hours. The timing on all visits may adjust based on your needs. You will be supported through all forms of feeding, even if your goals and plans change. Your goals are always my goals. 

(6-8 hours of in-person education & support)

Kristen Bindel - Doula, CLC

Kristen Bindel
Lakewood, OH 44107

(440) 941-8673

Kristen@bamboo-birth.com