Jennifer Linstad - Birth Doula
Because how we birth means everything.
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What you can expect
Every family and pregnancy is different. Please understand that at the heart of being a doula is service - and if there is something less or something more that you need - let me know and I will do everything I can to accommodate that need. I am also available for consultations and interviews to see if you think we would be a good match.

Ante Partum 
Once we have contacted each other, I offer two ante partum meetings. Those meetings can serve as many functions - you might just want to talk about your birth hopes and expectations, you might want advice and education, or you might want to actually practice some of your labor management techniques. Although I am prepared for anything, the meeting is for you so I am open to what you think might be beneficial. Also, if you are giving birth at a place I am unfamiliar with, I am happy to go on a birth tour of that facility to familiarize myself with the facility.

Labor and birth time
Once you are in labor, and you want me there I will be there. If you want support during your early labor, I will be there. If you want me to meet you at the birthing facility deeply in active labor, I will be there. Usually we will discuss your expectation before labor begins, but I also understand that needs change when labor begins and will be flexible. Of course during active labor and birth, I will be wherever your birth location is supporting you.

During labor and birth I can also take photographs or video, and if you would like take notes to create a birth record for you.

Should something happen and you are in need of a cesarean birth, with the permission of the anasthesiologist I can accompany you and support you through that as well. DONA training includes a session on supporting a family through a surgical birth.

Post partum
Immediately following the birth I will stay with you for at least an hour, ensuring breastfeeding is established and the family is settled in. I will also provide post partum visit to help with any breastfeeding difficulties, to listen to the family about their experience as a new family, and help in any other way I can.


Fees
My fee is currently $400.

A $100 non-refundable down payment is due upon signing of the contract, and the remaining payment is due upon my arrival to your birth.
 
There is no fee for the initial consultation.

While I appreciate the full fee for my services, which is especially helpful off-setting the volunteer birth work I do, I am willing to consider individual situations to help you get the birth you dream of and deserve.

What if
What happens if something happens - family emergency, illness, or other unforseen event? First I want to assure you that I will do everything I can to make certain that when I commit to your birth, that I have not overcomitted myself. When scheduling, yours will be the only birth within a week. Birth timing is unpredictable, so I will not take on any more than 4 clients per month.

In the event that something happens such as an illness, at your discretion I will contact another area doula to be there at your side. We can arrange a meeting, or a phone consultation with that doula ahead of time if you wish.

Refunds
You may wonder under what circumstances would I feel you are entitled to a refund. If, after the prenatal visits, you chose not to have me at your birth, I will not ask you for the remaining $225.
 
If you contact me and I am unable to attend your birth and am unable to find an alternate doula, you will be refunded the normally non-refundable$100 down payment.

I will at all times uphold the DONA ethics and standards of practices, but if you feel I didn't perform to your expectations, we should absolutely discuss how we can make it right.

If there is a situation that concerns you - please bring it up to me! We can personalize our contract to be most appropriate to your situation.