Doula Services
Providing education, birth and postpartum doula services to nurture the entire family through pregnancy and beyond...
About Delaware Valley Birthing Partners
DVBP is unique among doula services. This is because DVBP is not a doula agency. We are partners, working together with a shared set of goals and values. The doulas working within DVBP are dedicated professionals, all self-employed and therefore motivated to provide you with the very best in support.
Our high standards for participation ensure the quality of knowledge, skills and service that you want for your growing family.
What is a birth doula?
A birth doula completes the birth team that includes the woman, her partner and healthcare providers. The doula provides continuous, non-medical support throughout the labor, however long it takes. Her patience, experience, comfort measures, and knowledge base provide the birthing woman and her partner with support that is custom designed just for them. A doula gets to know a woman and her family during the pregnancy, is always available when you need her, and will serve as a referral source and friend long after the birth.
How does the doula make the difference?
The effects of continuous support provided by doulas have been well documented:
- Fewer medical interventions
- Decrease of cesarean sections
- Shorter labors Success with Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
What is a postpartum doula?
The "fourth trimester", or weeks just after the birth of a new baby, is a time of challenges and changes. Parents can benefit from the support of an experienced woman who comes into the home to support them in whatever way is needed. A doula enhances the parents' own style, and is non-judgmental.
What can I expect my postpartum doula to do during her visits to my home?
Postpartum doulas have received education and training in areas that include:
- Breastfeeding
- Infant care
- Postpartum changes in mom
- Postpartum adjustments
- Postpartum mood disorders
- Working with multiples
Like birth doulas, postpartum doulas are non-medical and do not perform clinical tasks. This allows us the versatility to help with other tasks, like sibling care, meal preparation, running errands, and household organization.
Doula Rates
Birth doula rates vary. Please call 610-892-5051 or email for more information.
Postpartum doula rates:
- Weekday rate: $25/hour
- Weekend/holiday rate: $35/hour
- Less than 48 hours notice: $35/hour; or $45, weekend/holiday
We require $125 to be paid as a non-refundable deposit at the signing of a service agreement. This represents your final five hours of postpartum doula services.
Each doula is independent and not an employee of BirthMark or Delaware Valley Birthing Partners. Potential clients must screen doulas according to their own standards and pay each doula individually.
Your doula(s) will provide you with a written copy of hours worked and total payment due at the end of each week. Payment is expected that day.
Please notify us within 24 hours of the birth of your baby/babies. In order for us to be able to meet your needs, this is imperative. We ask at this time that you present us with a schedule of doula support hours you desire for the upcoming week. We understand that your needs may change and agree to be as flexible as possible. The more notice we have of your desired schedule, the better we will able to meet your needs.
Please inform us each Wednesday of your anticipated support needs for the following week.
Please remember that your doula commits her time to guarantee that she is available to you, often turning down other opportunites for employment.
Cancellation policy: We understand that your needs may change after the birth of your baby/babies, and we will do our best to be flexible in the event that you require more or less doula hours. Your non-refundable deposit of $125 will ensure the availability of your doula. This will serve as a credit toward your doula hours.
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