I accompany women in labor to help facilitate a safe and satisfying birth experience.  I draw on my knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and the information you need to make informed decisions as various situations arise in labor.  I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions to further the laboring progress, and help with relaxation, positioning and other techniques for comfort.  I am independent and self-employed - I work for you, not your caregiver or hospital.

I prefer to meet with you and your partner at least once before labor to become acquainted, to explore and discuss your priorities and any fears or concerns, and to plan how we might best work together.  I would also like to become familiar with your birth plan, including your preferences regarding pain management options and the use of pain medications.  I want to know your own best ways of coping with pain and fatigue and how you and your partner foresee working together and with me.

I will inform you of times, if any, when I am unavailable for labor support and always have at least one certified backup doula on call.

Unlimited email and phone support - I am available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone and email from the date of hire.  Please don't hesitate to call if you have ANY questions or just want to update me on your progress!

Initial Interview Session - The initial interview session is designed to be a time when we can meet and get to know each other.  This will be the time for you to decide how you feel about us working together to bring about the best labor and birth experience possible.  This visit is free of charge and does not carry any obligations to my services.  If you feel that we will work together well, we can begin scheduling our prenatal visits.

Prenatal visits - These are scheduled for us to get to know each other better, to help define your birth goals and to determine how I may help you best.  We will discuss your goals for birth and other options and procedures.  I would also like to become familiar with your birth plan, including your preferences regarding pain management options and the use of pain medications.  I want to know your own best ways of coping with pain and fatigue and how you and your partner foresee working together and with me.

Postpartum support - I usually remain with you for one to two hours after the birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together.  During that time, I am available to take photographs of your new family and help with initial breastfeeding.  After my departure, I am again available by phone or email to answer questions about the birth of your baby and/or breastfeeding support.  I would like to get together with you again within two weeks for a postpartum visit, at your convenience, to see how you are doing, to review the birth, to admire your baby, and to get feedback from you about my role.

For no additional charge, I can provide your friends and family with a picture of your new family and baby via email.  As soon as I return from your birth, I will send the email to your friends and family with the addresses you provided.

Birth Photography - If you like, I will take pictures of your labor and birth with my digital camera.  At our postpartum visit, I will provide all the pictures to you on CD.  If desired, I can also place your birth pictures on a private web page for your viewing.

Please be aware that as a doula:

• I do not perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, or other medical procedure that fall under the legal definition of practicing medicine.
• I do not provide information, dosages or advice concerning prescription or alternative medication, or medical advice pertaining to you or your baby.
• I do not make decisions for you.  I can help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision.  I can also remind you if there is a departure from your Birth Plan.
• I do not speak to the clinical staff on your behalf.  I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak on your behalf to the clinical staff (if birthing in hospital).

Copyright © 2007 Allison Grassi.  All rights reserved.