Mothering the Mother

FAQ

1. How long have you been a doula? How many families have you been a doula for?
   I have supported friends births for many years, I am in the process of going through the qualification process to be a recognised Doula with Doula UK ( see useful links)
   
2. Do you draw up a written contract? If yes, can I see a copy of it?
   I can provide a contract if this helps
   
3. Do you have a backup?
   At present I do not know of any other Doulas close to where I live, however I have excellent support systems in place and anticipate that it would be something very serious that would prevent me attending
   
4. What happens if you miss the birth? Is any part of the fee refundable and would you still do the follow-up visits after the birth?
   Yes 50% of the fee would be refunded if I am responsible for missing the birth and follow up visits would still take place.
   
5. What happens if we fail to call you in time for the birth?
   A refund may still be given depending on whether I had made the journey, the time of day and the reason.
   
6. What happens if we decide nearer the birth that we no longer require a doula?
   We would discuss whether follow up visits were still required etc and agree a way forward.
   
7. What part of your job do you enjoy most?
   Meeting and helping mothers achieve the best possible outcome and a positive lifetime memory of the birth. And the beautiful babies of course.
   
8. Do you have children?
   Yes I have two daughters and a son --see Who is Clare? for birth information.
   
9. Are you insured?
   Yes I have public liability and indeminity insurance
   
10. How long will you stay with me before and after the birth?
    I will arrive when you call me to advise labour has started and will stay until the baby arrives and all are settled. I will only leave if it is a false alarm.
    
11. What is my partner's role during labour?
    I will respect what ever role your Partner wishes to have.
    
12. Will you support my partner and if so how?
    I hope to reassure that all is going well, answer questions, enable him to rest during long labour or deal with family issues that may arise, without feeling guilty that he is leaving you. If he finds the labour too difficult, I will be there for you so he can support in other ways.
    
13. What are your feelings about midwives?
    I am not there to replace the medical professionals role during labour, but to support the mother and ensure that her wishs are known, especially when she may not be able to express them herself. The Midwife has a crucial role to play and I am not there to hinder her in any way but support the whole process.
    
14. How many prenatal visits do you provide? How many postnatal visits?
    See Package for full details but after initial free visit, 2 prenatal, 3 post natal.
    
15. Will you attend a prenatal appointment with us to meet our caregiver?
    Yes this could be one of the prenatal visits
    
16. Can we meet to draw up a Birth Plan together?
    Yes, this is one of the reasons for the prenatal visits and can be done seperately for those not wanting a Doula but just support with this.
    
17. What are the closest due dates of your other clients?
    I book the births three weeks apart unless there are special circumstances
    
18. How long does it take you to get to me?
    I aim for births that would take no more than half an hour to get to. Others by exception or special arrangements. My social arrangements are restricted during this time also to ensure that I am close to hand, any exceptions discussed with mother first.
    
19. How do I contact you? Phone? Home? Mobile? Daytime and night-time?
    I have a email, a mobile and a land line no for mothers to be to use and the service is 24/7 from two weeks before due date to two weeks after the birth.
    
20. Will you come to my home in labour or come only when I transfer to hospital?
    I will come as soon as you need me at home or hospital and only leave if we are both happy it is a false alarm.
    
21. Can we telephone/email you before and after the birth with questions/concerns we have? Meaning - how often may we contact you during the contract period?
    You can call or email as much as you like from two weeks before the birth to two weeks after the birth. See costs for charges for additional visits.
    
22. How do you feel about breastfeeding and what is your experience of it?
    I fed both my daughters until they were six months old and my son until 9 months. I have experience of expressing milk, planning returning to work and continuing breastfeeding. I fully support breast feeding but will offer information on all options and will respect and support the mothers decision. I am a trained peer breastfeeding supporter and have completed other training to support mothers with breastfeeding