naturopathypregnancyandbirth
Doula/Birth Support

  What is a doula?

  Why have a doula?

  What's involved/the fees?

  Bookings & refunds

  FAQ’s

  Doula Links & Articles

  Testimonials 

* Please note I am now fully booked until July 2012.  So if you are due after this time please feel free to contact me. 

 

 

In 2005, my partner and I experienced firsthand the true value and benefits of a doula, with the birth of our first child. Our experience was very positive, very empowering and ultimately life changing.

I began to question why every woman - and their partner - weren’t experiencing what was possible around birth, when they were all deserving of this. 

This experience changed my entire concept of birth and I was drawn to support other women to achieve their innate potential through birth. As a doula, my goal is to help women birth with a deep sense of satisfaction - not with a particular caregiver, in a certain setting or in a particular way. For each woman this sense of satisfaction is unique, and so is my role in each birth. I do aim to keep birth safe and normal and to avoid unnecessary interventions, as this is repeatedly shown to benefit mother and baby. 

Just as every woman is unique, so is every labour and birth journey. What women value and what they feel is right for them helps shape our work together. From this, I provide guidance, education, ideas, respect and support. The journey is just as exciting as the destination!

I have experience with births at hospital, birth centre and home; natural births, high-risk births, medicated births, water births, vacuum births, posterior births, caesarean births, vaginal births after caesarean (VBAC), first babies, second and third babies, fast labours and long labours.  

By attending ongoing doula/midwifery education, I remain dedicated to offer up-to-date, researched, evidence based medicine and practise for all my clients.

As a naturopath, I have an affinity for natural and normal childbirth. As this is most likely to occur within the home environment, I am a strong supporter of homebirth with midwifery care. If you are birthing at home, there is a 10% discount for the doula service (ie. fee is $720.00)

"Kristin was an huge part of our birth; before, during and after. She is professional, caring and deeply passionate about assisting families to achieve the birth they desire. In our case it was a VBAC, naturally without medical intervention and pain relief, and we did it!"  Jude & Pete, 2011

What is a doula?

A ‘doula’ is a term used to describe a professional birth companion. The word ‘doula’ comes from the ancient Greek meaning ‘woman’s servant’. Another translation is ‘to mother the mother’. A doula is a professional birth companion. They are specially trained to emotionally, physically and practically support a woman and her partner through pregnancy, childbirth and the early postnatal period. They have extensive knowledge of the birth process, and essentially what is needed to allow the woman's labour and birthing hormones work in the most safe and effective way.

Women have complex needs during childbirth and the weeks that follow. In addition to medical care and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. They need individualised care based on their circumstances and preferences.

A doula’s role is to provide continuous, uninterrupted care for the laboring woman and her partner, and help them participate fully in their experience. This relationship usually begins weeks before the birth and extends into the postnatal period. Some couples are surprised to learn that on the big day midwives do not stay with them all the time. They have other women and babies to care for, paperwork to complete and hospital policies to follow. When their shift is over, your care is handed over to another midwife. With this another relationship needs to be formed. Whereas your doula stays with you throughout and is someone who knows you, your wishes, what you value and what you want.Doula

Throughout labour a doula aids the woman/couple by offering physical, emotional and practical support. She provides information about the birth process, the available medical assistance and the less invasive or natural alternatives. She does not take over, or get in the way. She is there to talk things over with, help you make decisions, offer suggestions and support your choices.

A doula is a complementary part of a couple’s care team, particularly for a couple birthing within a hospital setting.

"Thank you Kristin, we both felt you made all the difference to Finn's birthday. My husband now understands why I wanted a doula so much. He is also very grateful and the amazing photos we will always treasure."                       Louisa & Paul, 2010
Why have a doula?

A growing body of research shows doulas really do make a difference. The use of a doula has clear benefits for families during childbirth and the postnatal period.

Doulas improve the overall outcome and experience of women giving birth. Studies have shown that when women use a doula during labour, there are many benefits:

        • 50% decrease in caesarean sections
        • 25% decrease in the length of labour
        • 30% decrease in use of forceps
        • 40% decrease in use of oxytocin to speed labour up
        • 60% decrease in use of epidurals
        • 30% decrease in use of pain medications

Marshall H.Klaus, MD, John H. Kennell, MD and Phyllis H.Klaus, CSW, MFT (2002). The Doula Book: How a trained labour companion can help you have a shorter, easier and healthier birth. Massachusetts: Perseus Publishing

Studies have also shown that women who use a doula have a lower incidence of postpartum depression, breastfeed longer and are closer with their infants. Women who use a doula are more satisfied with their birth experiences, however they birth their babies.

This is because a doula’s role is to ensure that the woman is the central active participant in her birth experience, enabling her to give birth in her own way, whatever challenges present themselves along the path.

Caesarean & VBAC Support Group

 

"You are a birth helper: you are assisting at someone else's birth.  Do good without show or fuss. If you must take the lead, lead so that the mother is helped, yet still free and in charge. When the baby is born, the mother will rightly say, "We did it ourselves".   

Dao De Jing, 500 B.C

 

 

 

"I thought of you as our 'guide', you helped us ask the questions we needed too in order to make our own decisions.  Your support through the long labour hours was crucial, we stayed home longer in the beginning and according to my husband, he couldnt have supported me without you."   LeAnna & Dan, 2011

What's involved and what is the fee?

Doulas in Perth (and around Australia) typically charge between $500 and $1,000 for a standard support package. This mostly depends on their level of training and experience, plus any other qualifications or skills they have. Most 'standard' packages include two antenatal visits, labour/birth support and one postnatal visit.

    My fee for the Doula Package is $800.00.

    My fee for the Doula Package for a homebirth is $720.00 (10% discount).

The Doula Package includes more than the 'standard' doula package (see below). As an experienced Naturopath and Nutritionist specialising in pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period these skills are also used with my clients. Please also see Understanding a Doula's fee below.

A deposit/booking fee of $250.00 is due at the time of booking and signing the agreement. This guarantees your place on my calendar and my commitment to you. The remainder of the fee is due by 38 weeks (when I go on call for you). Payment plans are also available; if you need more flexibility please ask.

Doula Package - $800

    • First meeting of 1 hour - free of charge*
    • 2 - 3 Prenatal visits 
    • Pregnancy nutrition consultation
    • Unlimited phone and email support
    • Comprehensive resource library; books/DVD's/CD's
    • On call from 38wks 
    • Continuous support during labour/birth
    • Back-up doula
    • Postnatal support for first 1-3 hours after birth
    • Labour/birth/baby photography 
    • Photos and edited photo montage on CD
    • Written log of events
    • 2 postnatal visits in early days/weeks
    • Breastfeeding support **
    • Referral to other support and services as needed
    • 12mth subscription to Australian Breastfeeding Association includes "Breastfeeding, Naturally" book (RRP $35)

 

*  This first meeting is a obligation-free and informal time for us to meet and answer any general questions about       a doula’s role. It is very important that you and your partner are comfortable with me, and my role in the birth.

** I completed the Australian Breastfeeding Association 'Peer Supporter Program' in 2008, and have more than          5 years experience breastfeeding my own babies! 

 

"Your care for us throughout our journey was simply wonderful and your knowledge and enthusiasm helped us experience the best in birthing. We will never forget what you gave us, and we will always preach for the work of doulas everywhere!"  Justine & Scott, 2011

 

FAQ:
Can I combine the Private Childbirth Education sessions with Doula Service?
Yes, some parents are looking for more personalised and detailed childbirth education sessions, as well as the birth support/doula service.
The two services may be combined and the fees are:
'My Birth, My Way' ($300) with Doula Service - $990 (less 10%)
'Refresher' ($200) with Doula Service - $900 (less 10%)
 
 
Prenatal Visits:

As part of the doula service there are two prenatal visits of 2 hours each.  A third visit will occur if you reach beyond 41 weeks.  Our time together helps to build a trusting and honest relationship, so you will have the support to navigate your birthing journey confidently.  Therefore, its important that these sessions are attended by both parents.

During the 1st prenatal visit, we will: 

  • Discuss your goals and expectations for the birth, and what's important to you
  • Debrief any prior birth experience
  • Go through the BodyWise BirthWise Workbook
  • Begin to prepare your birth preferences/birth plan
  • Complete the pregnancy nutrition consultation
  • Discuss the importance of optimal fetal positioning
  • Talk about the stages of labour, and further your understanding of possible complications or interventions you may face within a hospital setting (if relevant)
  • Discuss advocacy, informed choice and consent
  • Leave you with some 'home work'
During the 2nd prenatal visit, we will:
  • Work through the principles of 'active birth' and the optimal positions for the labour stages
  • Map your pelvis and explore how to work with it for your birth
  • Explore comfort techniques and relaxation methods you may like to try in labour
  • Finalise your birth preferences/plan
  • Discuss the birthing team's roles and responsibilities
  • Discuss the logistics of labour-day, when to call your doula
  • Leave you with some 'home work'
  • Begin to chat about your postnatal expectations with your new baby
During the 3rd visit (beyond 41 weeks), we will:
  • Review your birth preferences/plan
  • Discuss the role of medical induction, your rights and your choices
  • Explore natural induction methods

Postnatal Visits:

There are two postnatal visits of up to 2 hours each.  The first visit is usually 3 or 4 days after the birth, and the second anywhere up to 2-3 weeks later. 

These provide the chance to see how you and your new baby are doing,   debrief the birth and answer any questions you may have. I will help with any breastfeeding support you may need and/or offer referal to community resources for further support. I will provide suggestions for how to make the early days more comfortable for you and provide any naturopathic support I feel you may benefit from.

I will visit again to give you your photos and photo montage on CD and also your written birth story. I am happy to help around the house during my visit (deal with laundry, dishes, make lunches, school/daycare runs, walk the dog, change nappies, pick up supermarket supplies, and entertain toddlers while you get some rest with your baby).

 

I am always mindful of how tiring the early weeks are with a newborn, so I aim to keep my visits brief if you prefer.

"Just when you think you've accomplished the hard part you were there the days after, to continue your support and guidance.  As you know we wanted nothing more than to be able to breastfeed and although it was difficult and unfamiliar you supported us and referred us for more support. We're proud to say 4 months later she's thriving beautifully."  LeAnna & Dan, 2011
Bookings:

Please contact me early to check availability for birth support. In order to devote as much time as possible to clients, I only support 2-3 births per month. Getting in touch well before your baby is due helps to secure your booking, and also allows you to enjoy the full benefits of having a doula on-call during your pregnancy. The more time we have, the better the opportunity to develop a trusting partnership and help you to navigate your birthing journey confidently.
 
Refund policy:
  • The deposit/booking fee ($250.00) is non-refundable. 
  • You will receive a refund of all fees paid (less the deposit/booking fee of $250) if you cancel in writing anytime before 36 weeks. 
  • If I cannot attend your birth and fail to provide a backup doula, I will refund 50% of your paid fee (less the deposit/booking fee of $250).
  • If I fail to make it in time for the birth because of a very fast labour, there will be no refund issued.
  • If I fail to attend your birth because you fail to contact me, there will be no refund issued.
  • If you go on to have an emergency caesarean, there will be no refund issued.
  • If you have a scheduled caesarean birth there will be no refund issued.

 
Understanding a doula's fee:
 
As mentioned, doulas in Perth (and around Australia) typically charge anywhere between $500 and $1000+ for a 'standard support' package. This 'standard' package often includes 2 prenatal visits, labour/birth support and 1 postnatal visit. The price range mostly depends on their level of training, experience and any other qualifications or skills that they incorporate into their work. For instance, trainee doulas are often not permitted to charge any fee or are limited to a small renumeration only. The following explains the breakdown of the fee for professional support.

Qualifications/training/skills - I am an experienced (13 years) Naturopath and Nutritionist with a strong focus on pregnancy, birth and postnatal care in my practice. I may use nutritional and herbal medicines, homeopathics or chinese medicines/techniques with my clients if applicable. Dietary intake and supplements are also reviewed closely. I am also trained and experienced in remedial massage. My Childbirth Educator training was at post-graduate level (the highest level available in Australia) and I have been teaching since 2007.

Time - Some couples having their first baby may imagine that their doula will only be spending a few hours with them during their labour and birth. In reality however, an 6-8 hour labour would be considered short for a first time mum and most labours can be logged for at least 24 hours. The average time I spend with a woman for her labour and birth is about 12-14 hours. I do not discount for short labours, nor increase my fee for long labours or false alarms. I also spend another 8-12 hours with the prenatal and postnatal visits, another 2-3 hours in phone-calls and emails, and up to 6 hours travel time. I can also spend up to 6 hours on editing the photo montage together and 1-2 hours writing the birth story.

Clients per month - Once I make a commitment to be available for you around the time of your birth, I limit the number of clients I put on my calendar to avoid birth conflicts.  This also ensures that I am reasonably well rested when you go into labour. Alongside my other work commitments, I find that 2-3 clients per month is a full-time workload for me.

Expenses - To maintain a business I have registration fees, membership/association fees and insurances. I run a car, phone and website along with other routine office expenses. In addition there are the printed workbooks, supplies I bring to the birth, the travel expenses (as I usually come to client's homes), keeping the comprehensive library up-to-date, continuing education and professional development costs, and childcare fees.

Being on-call requires a high level of personal sacrifice, including a willingness to be alert and ready to go after 1 hours sleep, and be on my feet for up to 24 hours. I accept that family events are often interrupted or missed for births. When on-call I always ensure I'm well rested and avoid late nights. I need to be prepared to leave suddenly; always having my doula bag and change of clothes with me where ever I go. I have children of my own to consider and I need to ensure I have childcare arrangements for them if I'm called away (any time of day and night). This is not a line of work that one does for the renumeration. Its done out of a passion to support women, their partners and their babies; to make their birth experience as best it can be. I hope this helps explain the doula fees a little better.

Contact Kristin 

See testimonials

Frequently asked questions about doulas
"When a woman feels confident in her body, well-supported and able to express herself without inhibition, the pain becomes just one part of the process, and something that she can respond to instinctively with resources such as breath, sounds and movement."

      Dr. Sarah J Buckley (Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering)
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