Doula/Labor Support Services
Danielle Gauss, CCE, CD (DONA):


Private Childbirth Classes Labor Support with a Birth Ball

In childbirth, often the greatest challenge lies in the fear of the unknown. By taking childbirth preparation classes you can often eliminate that fear by receiving evidence based information to make the choice that is right for you. After all knowledge is power! I highly encourage my clients to take a childbirth preparation class around the seventh month of pregnancy. If you are unable to attend a hospital based childbirth prep course, then private classes are available for a set fee. I will come to your home for three separate classes. Course includes an overview of the labor and birth process, various labor positions, medical interventions and pain relief options, cesarean sections, relaxation techniques, and basic baby care.

Prenatal

As your doula I am available to you for unlimited phone consultation to answer any questions or concerns you may have concerning your pregnancy and upcoming labor and birth. I prefer to have one prenatal visit to meet with you and your partner before labor to become acquainted, explore and discuss your priorities and talk about any fears or concerns as well as plan on how we might best work together to provide the birth experience you desire. We will discuss your preferences regarding management options and the use of pain medications as well as your best ways of coping with pain and fatigue and how you and your partner foresee working together. A doula is not to replace the role of the partner, but to work along side the mother and her partner to have a successful birth experience.

I will inform you of times when I am unavailable for labor support. To cover those times, I will arrange for one or more back-up doulas that you may also meet. Of course, you have as much choice over your back up as your primary doula.

When you are in labor.

I prefer that you call me when you think you are in labor, even if you do not yet need my assistance. This will allow me to answer any questions you may have and make suggestions to you over the phone. After assessing the situation we will be able to determine if I should come right away or wait for further change. I usually need approximately one hour to get to you from the time you ask me to come. At this time we will decide where to meet, whether it be at your home, hospital, or birth center. Except for extraordinary circumstances, my back up, or I will remain with you throughout your entire labor and birth.

Labor Support with Baby in Postpartum Postpartum

I will remain with you for one or two hours after your birth to help get breastfeeding established, tend to any needs you may have or until you and your partner feel comfortable. I will be available for phone contact to answer questions about the birth or your baby. Three to four days after your birth I would like to meet with you for a postpartum visit to assess you and your baby, answer any questions you may have, review the birth, and get feedback from you about my role.

Limits As a doula I will not: Failure to provide service.

I will make every possible effort to provide the services described here. If my failure to attend your birth is due to my error, there will be no charge for my services and I will refund the retaining fee. If it is due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control (for example a precipitous labor) or your failure to call me, I will keep the retaining fee, but there will be no further charges.