Jennifer McFarland is a Certified Doula (CBI), Certified Happiest Baby on the Block Instructor, Medical Assistant, Montrice, Breastfeeding Educator, Direct Entry Midwife, and Certified Childbirth Educator (Certified Imagery Birthing Instructor).

My Birth By Design offers the following services as a birth doula:

• Each of my clients will receive at least two prenatal visits and educational materials relating to their pregnancy and what to expect at your delivery. I would love to accompany you to at least one visit with your healthcare provider. At the very least...it is important that your provider is aware that you will be using my services prior to your delivery.
• I can help you draw up a birth plan that suits your needs and desires best.
• I can help you find a massage therapist, midwife, chiropractor, or breastfeeding support group near you.
• In most instances, I can arrange for a back-up doula. If you require a back-up doula, please let me know and I will make arrangements to that end. I will let you know the names and contact information for my back-up doulas.
• I can provide you with montrice services in your home but not at the hospital, birth center, or when your midwife arrives for your birth at home. (Montrice services are outside the scope and practice of a labour doula and include taking vitals, assessing fetal heart tones, and dilation. These can be helpful if you are wishing to stay at home for the better part of your labor but want to be sure to make it to the hospital or birth center on time for delivery or if your midwife lives a distance away and you want someone to assess you until she arrives. Montrice services are not for medical treatment, but only to assess your progress in labour.)
• I will help you to fulfill your birth plan to the best of my ability. I am there for you, to be an advocate for YOU! I am not, however, there to be a detriment to your provider when there is a true medical emergency.
• I will provide emotional and physical support during labor.
• I will provide comfort measures and coping strategies for dealing well with labour. (This includes massage, breathing, visualizations, the birth ball, shower/water therapy, hot/cold therapies, change of position, acupressure, walking, and discussions of whether or not you want pain medications and at what point. We will discuss your preferences before the birth.)
• I am NOT there to replace your husband or partner if he/she will also be assisting you at your delivery. I am there to work with you and for you and to be an integral part of your birth team.
• I do NOT make decisions for you.
• I do NOT speak to medical staff regarding matters where health care decisions are being made. I can discuss your concerns with you and suggest options. I can support you in discussions with staff as your advocate, making sure you have the opportunity to discuss concerns, but you or your partner will speak on your behalf to the medical staff.
• I will stay with you throughout your entire delivery and for at least the first one to two hours postpartum, unless you request otherwise ahead of time.
• I will be happy to take pictures of and/or video for you of your birth.
• I will make at least one postpartum visit and will help you establish breastfeeding. (If more extended postpartum services are needed, please discuss this with me and we can make arrangements for my continuing support as a postpartum doula for additional fees.)
• I am available to answer questions at any time. Don't hesitate to call or e-mail me with ANY concerns. I am available, as your doula 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I do not charge for phone consultations.

My services are offered on a sliding fee scale, depending on income levels. $650.00 per birth for professional labor support services is my normal fee. A deposit of $250.00 is required and is non-refundable for professional labor support services. This is due at the time that you sign our doula/client contract. The balance is due by your 37th week of pregnancy. Payment schedules can be worked out, if you talk to me about it in advance. If you have a financial concern, please let me know...we should be able to work something out. Every mom deserves a doula and every baby deserves the best birth possible! I even do pro bono work in certain instances.

Please contact Jennifer at jenmom5@ptd.net
http://www.MyBirthByDesign.com/