Doula Packages

​

1: The first step is to book a free 30 minute chat so we can explore whether we are a good match 

You can contact me via the 'get in touch form on this website or email me directly clarecoxdoula@gmail.com​

​

2: Decide which package best suits your needs (or wants!) These can be totally bespoke to you 

​

3: Pay your deposit to secure your date (i am happy to arrange payment plans- the final payment must be made at least 14 days before your due date )

There is a 10% fee reduction for payment in full. I am often booked well in advance - so the earlier you book the better!

​

4: Full Terms and conditions are sent to you upon booking - the following is an overview:

​

Once your deposit is received your booking is non refundable 

​

What services can I provide for you?

 

As a doula, I am able to accompany you (and your partner) through the process of preparing for birth and support you during labour, birth and bonding. I can also support you in the first weeks after birth and will visit at least once. I do not give medical advice nor do I undertake examinations or perform any other clinical task. I cannot make decisions for you. I can only act as a spokesperson for you (if this has been clearly stated in your birth plan).

 

 

I am independent and self-employed. I am working for you, not your caregiver or hospital. My role is to be led by you, providing the support that you may need along the way. The kind of support I give is often emotional, practical and informational and will be offered unconditionally and without judgement. Our conversations and all correspondence I keep strictly confidential. I draw on my knowledge and experience to provide you with emotional support and physical comfort measures. If the need arises I can help you communicate with your midwife and medical care givers to ensure that you have all the information you need to make informed decisions during pregnancy, labour, bonding and early parenting. I can provide a continuous friendly face for you (and your partner), make suggestions for planning and preparing your birth and bonding environment and building rapport with your midwives and medical attendants. I am able to make suggestions for labour progress, help with relaxation, positioning and other comfort measures.

 

I can help safeguard your bonding period and am available for consultation after the baby is born. I do not come between you and your partner but rather support both of you. During labour my aim is to 'hold your space' so unless you request my physical support, my role is to 'be', not necessarily 'do'.

 

 

How do I provide this service to you?

 

I prefer to meet with you and (if applicable) your partner at least twice before labour starts and as early in pregnancy as possible. The first meeting is usually used for getting to know each other, to explore and discuss your priorities, any fears or concerns, and to plan how we might best work together. I will keep you informed of the times I am unavailable for consultation but you can call me 24 hours a day from 38 weeks of pregnancy (or sooner if you go into labour or if you are expecting twins or more). 

 

During the second meeting we usually look at your birth preparation and I acquaint you with some of the comfort measures I have found helpful in the past. At this time I will emphasise how your partner and you can work together and how you can help your baby to engage well in readiness for birth. I would like to become familiar with your birth plan, including your preferences regarding management options and your views on pain relief. I also would like to know about your natural coping-mechanisms and how your partner and I could help with these. How can I support you during birth?

 

It's useful if you could call me immediately (at any hour of the day or night!) when you believe that you may go into or are in labour. I need to know about bowel movements, shows and how you feel physically and emotionally. I need also to know about any sensations you may be feeling. After assessing the situation over the phone we will decide together on the best course of action. Even if you plan to go into hospital I usually meet you at home first, unless the baby comes in a hurry or an emergency situation has occurred. Please keep in mind that I may need 60 minutes to arrive locally. If you live further away it may take 90 minutes. Except for circumstances out of my realm of influence, I will remain with you throughout labour, birth and bonding. If you transfer from home to hospital or within the hospital, I will do my very best to stay with you. I will do my best to safeguard those precious first minutes of physiological bonding after birth and can later support you with (breast) feeding if you would like some help.

 

I would like to get together with you within one or two weeks after the birth to see how you are doing, admire your baby and listen to your and your partner’s side of the story.

​

As part of this agreement I am available for consultation by phone (or email) during the first six weeks after birth. If you would like postnatal support from me, we will discuss and arrange that with a separate document.

 

If you want to use natural/complementary remedies during pregnancy, labour and early parenting I suggest you contact a professional therapist. If you’d like me to give you any such remedies please include this in your birth plan.

My agreement with you I will make every effort to provide the services described in this document. It may be that external circumstances may limit my availability (for example rapid labour). If failure to attend your birth is due to my misjudgement or unavailability, only the retaining fee is payable. You may make further payments according to your discretion or further services made.

 

But, if it is due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control (e.g. you call me too late, or you choose to keep vital information from me) the full fee applies and further payments are up to your discretion. My support extends to unforeseen emergency or elective C-Section. This means I will stay with you, in theatre if possible, and continue to provide emotional and practical support during the birth and immediately postpartum. If you and your partner choose an elective section late on in your pregnancy or if you decide you no longer require my services less than 2 weeks before your due date, I quite understand but some further fee may apply. This is because I may already have gone on call for you and/or worked with you for some weeks/months.

 

If your cancellation is due to factors beyond your control, or due to some negligence on my part, we will reach an appropriate agreement.  (suggested contract via Doula UK)

​

​

​