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

Prenatal:

Each person is different and each birth experience is different. Interviewing and finding the right doula is important. I do 2 in home Interview/Doula Overview and Prenatal Birth Planning Meetings 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. For the second meeting it's best that it occur after your childbirth classes sometime between weeks 34 and 36 of your pregnancy. During these meetings 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
- 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 and Delivery:

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 can massage your back and legs;
- I can provide counter pressure to help lessen back pain;
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!

Postpartum:

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. For an additional $100, I will also write a Keepsake Birth Story.
Placenta Encapsulation Services. Placenta Encapsulation Service can be added a-la-carte to Doula Services for an additional $250.

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 42 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.

Insurance
A code for doulas in the United States has been approved and defined by the National Uniform Claim Committee. This code went into effect as of October 1, 2009 for services rendered after that date. LDS Doula Services has been approved by the committee, and upon payment in full, clients will receive a statement with the appropriate code to apply for reimbursement from your medical insurance company. Please check with your provider to see if doula services are covered under your agreement. 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 will be happy to assist you with this process.

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.
$300.00 due when you reach the 34-36th week of pregnancy
$400.00 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, however a 3% convenience charge may apply. I am happy to work with you to accept flexible payments and will work with you to accommodate your financial needs. Bartering has been accepted in the past too!

Recertification Births
Once every 2-3 years, I take Recertification Clients - clients 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.

If I have already fulfilled this requirement, I know of several local area doulas who are currently trying to get certified and will be happy to introduce you to them. You will be helping them on their journey to becoming a doula and they will help you with the birth of your baby - it's a win/win!

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 (scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance of your EDD) and you still wish for my labor support and assistance, the fee is $600.
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.

Additional Services
Doula clients will receive $50 off of my PBi Placenta Encapsulation Services. The fee for non-doula clients is $300.

LDS Doula Service
Lauren Dawson Strebel, CD (DONA)
Certification #2763, applicable through 7/3/2012

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