AGREEMENT FOR LABOR SUPPORT
General Definition of What a Doula Provides
- Timely information that encourages informed consent and open communication.
- Resources when necessary or requested.
- Support for expectant woman and her partner.
- Information regarding childbirth options.
- Assistance in formulating ideas for the birth of their child.
- Information about a well balanced diet and fluid intake.
- Focus on the comfort of mom and partner throughout labor and childbirth.
- Help with creating a confident and secure environment in which to labor and birth.
- Assistance with breastfeeding and family bonding.
- Labor support at home, hospital or birth center.
Responsibilities of Your Doula
- I will be on call 24 hours a day from 37 weeks through delivery for spontaneous labor or medically necessitated induction (this includes, but may not be limited to, PIH, HELLP, IUGR, AFI lower than 5, SROM with risk associations or prolonged ruptured membranes of 24 hours or more). Prior to 38 weeks, I will make every effort to accompany you, however, it may take longer for me to arrive or a back-up doula may be necessary for all or part of the birth.
- While on call I will carry my cell phone at all times and will not leave the KC area (within an hour drive) without informing the client first, unless it is an emergency.
- I am available by phone or e-mail for questions or concerns during normal business hours.
- I will provide prenatal appointments in the clients home or virtually. These visits include, but are not limited to, birth plan preparation, choices in childbirth, comfort measures, coping techniques, risk/benefits of medications and interventions, defining specific needs and birth preparation practice and usually last 1.5 hours. I aim for 2 appointments however circumstances might necessitate more or less.
- I will provide continuous labor support from the time I arrives through 1-2 hours immediate postpartum. I will not leave unless I am asked to, and will then be available by phone. I have the option after 12 hours of continuous support to call in a back-up doula so I may rest for an hour or two.
- I have every intention of being at the labor and birth however, if through illness or emergency I am unable to attend, I will refund half of the fee. If a back-up doula attends the normal fee will apply.
- I will provide one optional postpartum visit (two if needed/desired) to discuss the birth, answer any questions, offer postpartum information, offer resources, and provide breastfeeding support. These visits will take place within three weeks of the birth. I will also be available by phone or email.
Responsibilities of You as a Client
- Participate in a childbirth preparation class.
- For planned hospital delivery – Tour the birth facility even if facility has been used for a prior delivery.
- Contact me after care provider appointments to update me regarding ongoing health, with questions or concerns. Contact me if a non-medical or convenience induction is scheduled (this includes, but may not be limited to, suspected big baby, AFI above 5, CP vacation or holiday plans, client guest plans, SROM of less than 24 hours without infection or other risk associations, less than 42 weeks gestation, mother over 35 without other risk associations), as her schedule needs to be taken into consideration.
- Contact me if it is thought labor has begun, are changes in discharge, unusual lower back pain, or simply an intuition.
- Contact me when in-person support is desired and understand it may be 1.5 hours before I arrive depending on the distance of the hospital and time of day.
- Discuss needs and preferences with me and clearly state the choices to me. I will support your decisions.
- This is your birth. You take full responsibility for your choices and the outcomes. I aim to help you achieve the birth you desire, however you must understand all your options, ask questions, and state your choices/preferences clearly to me and your health care providers. I am available by phone, e-mail, text, and facebook.
Fees for Services and Miscellaneous
- The fee for services is $1550. A non-refundable deposit of $620 is due with the signed agreement. This commits me (Melissa George) to you. The balance is due at the last prenatal or at 37 weeks when I go on 24-hour call.
- If a cesarean section is scheduled the full fee applies. I will attend to provide support unless it’s requested otherwise.
- In the event I/(back-up) miss the birth due to my/her error, I will return half of the fee. If I miss the birth due to client error, actions, or precipitous birth the entire fee is non-refundable.
Cell Phone (913) -579-5637
Email: Melissa@welcomebabykc.com
Mailing Address: 207 NW Ward Rd, Lee’s Summit, Mo, 64063
Back-up doula: Nicole Elliot-Bays 818-451-8636