LDS Doula Services - Serving Pregnant Mommies-To-Be in Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, Frederick Counties in Maryland since 2003

Each person is different and each birth experience is different. Interviewing and finding the right doula is important. I do a 2-hour in home Interview/Doula Overview where you can meet me, and I can meet you. It is important to me that you are comfortable with who I am and the ways in which I can help you. During this meeting I go over:
- Roles and Expectations,
- What a Doula does, and doesn't do,
- Dads & Doulas
- Pain Relief Options - Narcotics, Epidurals, Pros & Cons,
- Starting a Birth Plan,
- My Contract
Once you decide to use me as your doula and you have sent back your retainer fee and a signed contract, I will set up a second 2-hour Prenatal Birth Planning Meeting. During this meeting we will discuss your birth preferences, wishes, fears and concerns. Because of the nature of this meeting, it's best that it occur after your childbirth classes sometime between weeks 34 and 36 of your pregnancy. During this meeting I answer any questions you may have and go over:
- Birth Plan Review
- Childbirth Rehearsal
- Comfort Measures Overview
- When to Call Me!
I offer unlimited phone and email support. I am also available for telephone support during the postpartum period.
During labor, I meet you either at your home or at the hospital/birth center.
I will suggest and assist in various comfort measures and positions during delivery, for example:
I will be your cheerleader throughout; remind you constantly that this is what your body was made to do;
I will help maintain an environment that welcomes birth: low lights; candles; massage oils or lotions.
I will adapt to whatever it is you need
As a professional photographer, if you like, I can take photos before, during and after your birth, rated either G, PG, PG-13, R or X!
After your baby has been born, I stay with you for an hour or two to help with initial adjustment and breastfeeding (if applicable).
After your birth I visit your home so that we can re-cap your labor and delivery (ok, that and it also allows me to admire your new beautiful baby!) I will also provide all pictures on a Photo DVD, and your own Personal Birth Story.

My Fees

Most first time labors usually last 16 hours or more, rather than the few hours you may be imagining/hoping for. The longest continuous time I've spent providing labor support is 38 hours. Therefore, I limit the number of clients that I take so as to avoid birth conflicts and due to my other family commitments. I only take 1 private client per month. To be fair to everyone, I DO NOT consider myself booked until I have received both a signed contract and retainer fee.

Payment Schedule
My fee for the services described here are to be paid as follows:

$100.00 due as a retainer fee when you select me to be your doula.
$400.00 due when you reach the 34-36th week of pregnancy
$300.00 due 30 days after the birth or at the postpartum meeting.

Total: $800

I accept cash, checks, and credit cards. Credit card payments are accepted through Paypal. I am happy to work with you to accept flexible payments.

Recertification Births
Several times a year, I take Recertification Clients - a client whom I will assist during labor for free. If you want a Doula and you can't afford the aforementioned fees, please contact me anyhow. I'll be happy to work with you so that you can have labor support you need and deserve and hopefully it can simultaneously help me with my recertification requirements for DONA.

Refund Policy
I will make every effort to provide the services described herein.

If I fail to attend your birth due to my error and am unable to provide a backup doula, there will be no charge for my services beyond the retainer fee, which covers the cost of the prenatal visit(s), handouts, and my “on-call” availability.
If it is due to circumstances beyond anyone's control (for example, natural catastrophic events or an extremely rapid labor), there will be no charge for my services beyond the retainer fee.
If it is due to your failure to call me, you will owe me, the agreed upon full fee for service.
If you give birth by scheduled cesarean delivery (scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance of your EDD) and you still wish for my labor support and assistance, the fee is $300.
Speedy Delivery Special! If I am with you, providing labor support, for less than four (4) hours, and you have paid the full fee, I will refund $300.

Insurance
Some insurance companies will reimburse you for service, and some will not. You can talk with to your insurance company to find out if they cover labor support or doula services. I don't file claims for you, but can assist you with the process.

LDS Doula Service
Lauren Dawson Strebel, CD (DONA)
Certification #2763, applicable through 7/3/2009

Hampstead, Maryland
Telephone: 410.913.7085
E-mail: Lauren at ldsdoula.com