Birth Doula Services
Birth Doula Package May Include:
One free consultation: This is a chance for you to get to know Bergen Doula founder, Stephanie Sauer Pasternak.* Discussion will focus on the services you’re looking for and the services/pricing schedule offered so we can be sure that all your needs will be satisfied. You should be able to determine if we are a good fit for one another by the conclusion of this meeting.
1-2 prenatal visits: These visits give us a chance to discuss your birth options, birth choices and develop a birth wish list if you would like. Stephanie will help you understand labor & delivery procedures and possible complications. Discussion will focus on your dreams, your hopes and your fears regarding your upcoming birth, breastfeeding and the postpartum period. There will be a review of relaxation techniques, comfort measures, breathing skills, supplies that might be helpful to have for laboring at home, and simple exercises that you can do to help ease your labor and delivery. These visits can also be custom tailored to meet your individual needs.
Unlimited communication: You will have e-mail/text/phone support from the initial meeting through your labor, birth and early postpartum. If you have any questions, want to report in on a doc/midwife appointment or just want to check in, don’t hesitate to reach out at any time. Unless you report in that you are in labor or it is an emergency, Stephanie will get back to you within the day.
Continuous labor support: Stephanie will be on call for you 24/7 beginning two weeks prior to your due date. She will come to support you when you are in active labor, anytime of day or night, and/or when you need her. Often, this support will begin at your home and continue on to your place of birth when you are ready to go. You will have Stephanie by your side continuously, from this point on, until you are holding your baby in your arms.
Immediate postpartum support: Stephanie will stay with you after the birth for 1-2 hours so she can help you begin the bonding process with your baby and help you establish breastfeeding if desired.
1 postpartum visit: This visit will usually take place within the 1st week of your return home with your baby. Discussion will focus on topics such as breastfeeding (proper positioning, latch, prevention of common issues, ensuring adequate milk supply) if appropriate, your physical recovery, your birth experience and any postpartum concerns you may have.
Backup doula: Every Bergen Doula client will have a doula backup available in the rare instance that Stephanie is unable to attend your birth due to unforeseen circumstances.
Fees:
Bergen Doula’s birth packages vary from $1,750 – $2,950,** of which 50% (the deposit) is required upon contract signing. This deposit will reserve your due date on our calendar as the number of births attended each month is limited. The remaining balance will be due at 36 weeks. (Payment plans are also available.)
Additional prenatal and/or postpartum visits can always be scheduled. Furthermore, there are no services that you must accept. If you are looking for services not listed above, please feel free to ask if we can provide it for you. The goal here is for you to feel comfortable and completely supported throughout your journey. If you feel you need additional support, or different support, we will make it happen!
To get started: request a free consult, e-mail [email protected] or call 201.245.7614
*Stephanie Sauer Pasternak, founder of Bergen Doula, LLC, is a DONA International trained and certified birth doula who has completed the approved training coursework through Holistic Beginnings, LLC.
**Services performed in NYC are subject to additional fees.