I recently decreased the rates for classes, and will be increasing my rates for henna appointments and doula services in the fall. Book now to save money!

I’ll see you at the Great Peninsula Future Fest! Swing by the henna booth, get a massage from the gifted Cyndi Hawkins and then a little henna to finish your pampering. Mention that you saw my doula website and I’ll give you $5 off of a $20 design. See you there!

Usually I will speak with a client over the phone to make the appointment, but not always. Often it’s done just over email. I will email a package to the client for her to review before we meet which includes my contract.

When we meet I like to ask what the client is looking for. Sometimes they’re very specific and sometimes they aren’t sure, they are just looking for some extra help. There are no right or wrong answers! I try to talk with them a little more to see if we can get a better idea of what the vision for the birth is so we can discuss what my role might be in that scenario.

Clients will sometimes have a list of questions that they’ve created or from a website, and sometimes they aren’t sure what to ask at all.

I answer all of the questions that arise and then if there aren’t too many or the couple seems unsure of what to ask, I offer my ’spiel’. I will tell them a bit about myself, my training and experience, and my values about birth. I speak to them about how I envision the role of fathers and encourage the partners to ask me questions. We discuss the rates, payment, expectations of me and my expectations of them.

At the end of the consultation, which typically occurs in the couple’s home but sometimes we meet at a neutral location, I let them know that I do not book anyone until we have a contract and that there is no obligation to call me back unless they wish to hire me. Clients who wish to hire me will call me later with the rate they’ve chosen and to confirm they’ve mailed the contract, and we’re off and running!

Common questions I’ve been asked:

* How long have you been practicing? How many births have you attended?
* What kind of training have you had?
* What got you started as a doula?
* Where do you attend births?
* When will you come to me when I am in labor and how long do you stay afterward?
* How many prenatal visits do I get?
* How does your sliding scale work?
* Have you ever had a client unhappy with your services?
* What other services do you offer?
* What do you envision your role to be as a support person?
* How do you support my partner?
* Can you help me with breastfeeding?

A few tips:

* She is interviewing you just as much as you are interviewing her. There should be chemistry when you are together – does the conversation naturally flow? Are you relaxed and comfortable in her presence? Does she seem comfortable in yours?

* If there are issues about which you feel very strongly, reveal them up front. For example, some parents wish for cultural or religious observances to be upheld. Speak to the doula about it at your consultation to make sure that you don’t discover down the road there is some type of conflict.

* Don’t be afraid to ask for references! Most doulas can go back to previous clients and ask them to speak on her behalf. Some (like me) offer a letter of reference along with our introductory package. Sites like www.doulamatch.net have testimonials on doula profiles.

Take the time to explore your options! Check out other local doulas on Peninsula Birth Network, or DoulaMatch.net.

I have a few events scheduled over the summer and I’m always looking for more. I’m also available for private parties if you’re having a baby shower, blessingway, girl’s night out, headed to a wedding or big party – connect with me and we can set something up. Otherwise, find me at a booth event I list here and mention you saw my website and I’ll give you $5 off of a $20 design!

I am open for clients due from September on, and looking forward to what is to come! I have decided to pursue midwifery and it looks like a long road to get to where I want to go. I’m excited that I will be working with local midwives and learning in the traditional way while I work concurrently to get into midwifery school.

I’ve been working hard to redesign the Peninsula Birth Network website too – please swing by if you’re interested in finding providers for your pregnancy and birth. There are amazing doulas, chiropractors, massage therapists, yoga, photography, and more. I should be uploading the new design today or tomorrow so keep your eyes peeled!

I’ll be making a few changes to my DynamicDoula.com website as well, so check back.

Pregnant belly embellished with henna

During the summer months I don’t take doula clients or teach classes – it’s a restorative time for me to hang out with my kids without worry that I’ll be called away in the middle of something fun. I know many doulas take the holidays off so it’s great to be available at a time when other doulas aren’t, and know that other doulas are available when I want time off.

This summer I’m planning to do henna at several local events, including the Great Peninsula Future Festival, Olalla Blue Grass Festival, Crosby Days, and others I have my eye on.

If you see my booth and mention that you heard about the event from my website, I’ll give you $5 off a $20 design of your choosing. Stay in touch here; I’ll be posting once I know for sure what my henna schedule will be.

I’m also always available for events like baby showers, blessingways, private celebrations or just when you want to be embellished and feel sexy and beautiful.

I’m pleased to say that I’m officially booked for March! I take two clients per month and I have two lovely couples that are looking forward to their babies coming this spring. My winter class begins on January 16th and I’m looking forward to teaching at the WellBeing Center in Poulsbo.

I’m also taking the summer off for a little break and so that I can sling some henna at some local events. I can’t wait! I’ll post here as I have dates to share.

I’m currently filling a class that will start on January 16th and is perfect if you’re due in the spring. The class will be held at WellBeing yoga studio in Poulsbo. Have questions? Post a comment!