FAQ

While we are a team and work together, we attend births independently. We do provide back-up for each other in the event that we are unavailable for your birth. We may also relieve each other from an unusually long birth. However, when you sign a contract, you are signing a contract with the individual doula. If you wish, you can sign a contract to have both of us present for your birth. 

Natalie and Jessica received our birth doula training through Robin Weiss, certified DONA instructor.

Jessica received her postpartum doula training through Ann Grauer, certified DONA instructor. 

Our instruction was a 3-day intensive live virtual training with an additional 4 hour in-person hands on training. The majority of our training focused on information regarding birth, positioning, and how to be a doula. About 4 hours of our virtual training focused on business. In addition to the training, we had completed additional readings, resource lists, and a breastfeeding class.

We are currently working towards certification through DONA. We have completed the approved doula class. Certification through DONA is a lengthy process that requires classwork, required readings, and attending 3 births. We could have taken a class through multiple sources and labeled ourselves as doulas. However, the certification ensures that we have completed appropriate course work, read additional materials and papers, and are able to practice what we have learned.

We will be glad to work with you however we can through labor. We can use different positions and breathing techniques to help support you during labor. Ideally we like to change positions every 30 minutes during labor to keep your body moving through the process. We come prepared to each birth with a 'doula' bag that consists of items to use with you during your birth.

We are here for you and your family during this process! We love to meet with the birthing person and the support person at least twice before birth. This allows us to get to know you all and find ways to provide support. Some partners prefer to be hands on and other partners prefer to step back and take everything in. If your partner wishes, we are glad to provide your partner with the tips and techniques during the labor to help you! 

We are there in addition to your medical team. We want to make sure that you and your family are being supported during this time. As a doula we do not give medical advice. We may encourage you to ask your providers questions about how interventions will affect your birth plan or treatment. One of our goals is to try to take the strain off of some of the medical staff. We are glad to assist in repositioning you during labor, changing sheets, and getting ice and water in addition to supporting you during labor.

We like to meet twice before your birth. The first in person meeting is usually an introduction to each other and discussion of contract. The second visit is to discuss birth plans, what to expect during labor, and a discussion of postpartum. 

We consider to be 'on call' weeks 38-42 of your pregnancy. If you happen to go into labor before 38 weeks we will try our best to be available to attend your birth. Please see our contract for additional details.

We can discuss this in more detail at a prenatal visit. However, whenever you decide you need us is when we will arrive. We can join you at your house if you are in early labor or we can wait until you are at the hospital or birthing center to arrive. We do like to be kept up to date if you think you are having contractions or you are going to triage, this gives us the ability to look ahead at the next 24 hours and plan accordingly. Please keep in mind we may need at least 2 hours to get to you. 

We will meet once postpartum to discuss how your labor went. We can discuss any breastfeeding issues you may be having, baby blues, or help link you with appropriate community resources. We love to hear feedback about how you think we did during this time as well.

Absolutely! You are always welcome to reach out to us via email, text, or calls. We will also check in over time to see how you are doing. Please note that we may not always respond right away due to other obligations.  

Natalie and Jessica provide backup for each other. If their backup is not available in your due-date window, we will do our best to find another doula in the area to provide backup. Whoever you sign a contract with will be your primary doula. In the event your primary doula is not available, your back-up should be available. If you wish to meet the back-up doula, we can make arrangements for her to possibly sit in on the last appointment before your birth. 

Our fee is $800. It includes a prenatal visit, labor and approximately 1-2 hours after birth, and a postpartum visit after birth. There is not an additional fee for an unexpectedly long labor. We realize that labors may take a while! If either of us cannot stay for an unexpectedly long labor, we would call in backup! We want to be able to provide you with support!  

We serve a 25 mile radius of Charleston, WV included in our fees. Additional fees may apply for areas outside of 25 miles. 

Please reach out to either of us! We will double check our calendars and make sure we are available for your birth and then schedule a time to meet up to go over our contract, fees, and services. If we have already met, please complete a contract ASAP and get it back to us to ensure we are available for your due date.