Frequently Asked Questions
Doula Services
Where will you travel to accommodate me?
At what hospitals do you attend births?
Do you attend home births?
What are your credentials?
What about my partner? Will you replace him/her?
What is the quickest way to contact you?
I'm planning an epidural. Can I still have a doula?
I'm having a cesarean birth. Can I still have a doula?
Childbirth Classes
Can I attend childbirth classes if I've already had children?
Hee hee hoo! Won't Lamaze just teach me how to breathe?
So why should I take your classes instead of a hospital class?
Am I going to have to listen to you lecture for every class?
How much does it cost?
Where are classes held?
Doula Services
Q: Where will you travel to accommodate me?
A: I aim to serve women in Lincoln, Tecumseh, and surrounding areas in Southeast Nebraska. You should always contact me to find out if I am willing to travel to where you are located.
Q: At what hospitals do you attend births?
A: I will attend births at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, Bryan LGH, and Johnson County Medical Center. Contact me if you are unsure if I will attend a birth at your hospital.
Q: Do you attend home births?
A: I do not attend home births at the present time.
Q: What are your credentials?
A: I am certified with DONA International as a labor doula as of October 2010 and with Lamaze International as a childbirth educator as of December 2010. I attended my DONA doula training in February 2009 and my childbirth educator training in April 2010.
Q: What fees do you charge?
A: Contact me for more information on my fees. Try not to let money be your deciding factor. Payment plans are available. I am also open to bartering.
Q: What about my partner? Will you replace him/her?
A: No! I can never replace your partner. I work with your partner to provide you with the physical and emotional support you need during your labor. I can also support your partner by reminding him/her of ways to comfort you or giving him/her a break when s/he needs one.
Q: What is the quickest way to contact you?
A: The quickest way to contact me is by phone. I will return any phone message within 24 hours. I am also always available by e-mail. I will return any e-mail messages within 24 hours.
Q: I'm planning an epidural. Can I still have a doula?
A: Yes! A doula is an asset no matter what type of birth you are planning to have.
Q: I'm having a cesarean birth. Can I still have a doula?
A: Yes! There are still many things a doula can do to support you during your cesarean birth. A doula can also be a great support to your partner during this time.
Childbirth Classes
Q: Can I attend childbirth classes if I've already had children?
A: Yes! Childbirth classes are full of resourceful, useful information, even for women who have already been through pregnancy and labor. You may learn comfort measures you weren't aware of before or new positions to try.
Q: Hee hee hoo! Won't Lamaze just teach me how to breathe?
A: No! You already know how to breathe. You do it every day. And when you do something physically demanding, your breathing adjusts to accomodate that. Lamaze started in 1960 as a method for giving birth where breathing patterns were taught as a means of distraction from the pain of labor. Since that time, Lamaze's understanding of normal birth has grown through evidence-based research. The organization has thus evolved from a method for giving birth to a philosophy of birth that encompasses Six Healthy Birth Practices.
Q: So why should I take your classes instead of a hospital class?
A: I am not affiliated with a specific hospital, so I can give you unbiased, evidence-based information. This will help you to make a truly informed decision regarding your care and birthing experience. I am competitively priced and conveniently located. There's no need to drive all the way to Lincoln or even to Tecumseh for classes when they are held right here in Sterling. That way you save a little time and money while learning how to have a healthy birth experience.
Q: Am I going to have to listen to you lecture for every class?
A: No! My classes are about "moving and shaking" while learning. While some information can only be taught in lecture form, many topics are taught using fun, interactive activities with plenty of time for discussion built in. Classes are limited to only six couples (twelve people maximum) so we can build a safe environment to discuss fears and cornerns as well as interact and learn from each other.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Class series are $50 per couple due on the first night of class unless otherwise arranged. If you are on Medicaid, the price is $30. Contact me to discuss a payment arrangement.
Q: Where are classes held?
A: Classes are held in the Cornerstone Financial office building located at 655 Maple Street in Sterling. We are right across the street from the Jet Stop, right off Highway 41.