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FAQ's
When is the best time to book?
Anytime! From 4 weeks to 42 weeks if I am available! While it is best that we have as much time to connect during pregnancy as possible, I am happy to take on clients at any gestation, subject to availability - Ideally the earlier the better so we can really build a great connection!
If you are only just finding out how awesome Doula's are and you are really close to your guesstimated date, you are still welcome to connect with me and if I can't help you then I will endeavor to help you find someone who can
How do I make a booking with you?
That's easy;
1) Send me an email with your estimated due date and the services/package you are interested in and I will assess my availability
2) Then we book a meet up - either in your home or over a hot drink at your local café. This is free and included in every package. For virtual clients this meet-up will be via Zoom. Here I will send you my information pack and we can figure out how I can best meet your needs. If I can't help, I can connect you with a beautiful network of Doulas to find the right match for you
3) Secure your booking by paying the applicable booking deposit (50% for birthing clients, payment finalised upon booking for postpartum packages), to blank out my calendar for your on-call/calendar dates
4) Finalise the remainder by 36 weeks (either by installments through Afterpay or in full)- You can pay upfront via cash, Paypal or Credit/Debit card
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes - We have Afterpay - you simply pay your applicable booking deposit to secure your dates in my calendar and then set up your Afterpay at 36 weeks for the remainder
Do you offer a refund if i Change my mind?
Yes! If you have finalised your booking and change your mind, you are eligible for a refund, minus booking deposit (this deposit means that I am ALL YOURS for your guesstimated date and means that I do not book anyone else in your space)
This is all set out in detail, in my information pack and written into our Doula Service Agreement when you book
I'm birthing with a privateor G.P Obstetrician - can you still support me?
Absolutely! When you birth with a private or G.P OB, they won't be there throughout your entire labour. You will be cared for by whichever Midwife is on duty (many of whom in the private hospital setting don't actually see many undisturbed and unmedicated births) so having the constant support from a Doula is key!
Let me be real - Some Private OBs state that they don't allow Doulas (this is a bloody big red flag - it is most likely because they would then have someone has the ability to call them out if they start talking crap) so it may be worth finding out what your OBs stance on Doulas are. If they aren't supportive then A) you have to ask yourself why? and B) you have some thinking to do and some decisions to make!
I'm birthing at home with an independent midwife - can you still support me?
Absolutely! Most Midwives love to have another person to help with the hands-on support, whilst they attend to all of your clinical needs. We are very fortunate to have a fantastic Independent Midwife in the great southern - Roxane Wood at www.stirlingmidwifery.com
Contact her asap as she is in demand!
What if I end up booking an elective Caesarean?
Absolutely! There is still so much to prepare for - I can help you explore your options, help you understand the process and recovery, and talk through any concerns that you and your partner may have
On the day, I can come with you and help settle you into hospital, some care providers may allow me into theatre if that’s what you desire, if not I can wait until you have given birth and help afterwards, supporting you both in those precious first few hours of family life
In the event of an unexpected elective caesarean birth, I can offer additional postpartum visits in lieu of labour support
Do You Support Freebirthing clients?
I absolutely love freebirth as an option, it is absolutely taking the ultimate power and responsibility for your body, birth and your baby. I do not attend freebirths although I may be able to connect you with others who can provide this service
What areas do you service?
I'm in Mount Barker WA and for in-person services, cover an area between Cranbrook, Albany and Denmark. Outside of this area may be accommodated depending upon my availability - contact me! I also work virtually for anyone outside these areas, regionally, interstate or internationally
how did you become a doula?
I had met Vicki Hobbs when I attended an optimal maternal positioning (OMP) study day as part of my professional development when I was working as a registered health care professional (I am no longer registered). I began to follow her work and was impressed by her professionalism, knowledge and philosophy on birth. Her course through the Doula Training Academy was a natural choice. It is well structured, easy to navigate, comprehensive, I was well supported throughout the duration of the course and also following completion - to this day!
Vicki shares extensive knowledge through videos, workbooks and links to up-to-date research, articles and websites and an impressive list of outstanding speakers. I genuinely can't recommend this course highly enough. If you are considering taking a Doula training course visit the Doula Training Academy, here is my affiliate link: https://doulatrainingacademy.com.au/back-to-basics-birth-doula-training/?ref=185&campaign=Become-A-Doula (if you sign up via this link I will receive a 'thank you' commission for helping you find the Doula Training Academy)