Services & Fees

THE ROLE OF A DOULA

The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek and means “servant.” Today, “doula” refers to a trained professional who assists before, during, and after birth by providing continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother!

A doula can greatly improve the quality of a woman’s birth experience through being a calming and supportive presence. Doulas also provide reassurance and perspective to the mother and her partner, make suggestions to help labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other techniques for comfort. Doulas are extremely helpful for helping you achieve the birth experience you are seeking – whether that is at home or in a hospital, with as much or as little intervention as you desire.

Doulas are independent and self-employed, and as a doula I work directly for the family who hires me – not their care provider, hospital or birthing center. I live in Covington, and serve women planning to give birth within 60 minutes of the Northshore.

PHOTOGRAPHY

In addition to being a certified birth doula, I also operate a photography business! You can see more of my work at lauraretzphotos.com.

I love to combine birth work + photography! I find that my clients benefit from the working relationship we create through preparing for birth, which results in comfortable and natural photos from your most precious moments. See below for combo packages.

SERVICES & FEES

BIRTH SUPPORT ($700 + $350 deposit)

  • Free consultation at third party location
  • Two 90-minute prenatal visits in your home
  • Informational support by phone (call & text) throughout your pregnancy
  • On call 24/7 starting 2 weeks before your EDD
  • Continuous emotional, physical and informational support throughout your labor
    • wherever you choose to deliver
    • however you choose to deliver (medicated or natural)
    • up to 24 hours
  • Coordination with and compensation of a back-up doula, if necessary
  • 2 hours of immediate postpartum support & help with establishing breastfeeding (if desired)
  • One postpartum visit in your home

BIRTH SUPPORT + BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY ($1050 + $400 deposit)

  • ALL the services listed under “birth support” PLUS:
  • Professional photography throughout your labor & delivery
  • Immediate postpartum photos, while bonding with your baby
  • A digital gallery with download rights, delivered within 14 days of your birth

BIRTH SUPPORT + FRESH 48 PHOTOGRAPHY ($1050 + $400 deposit)

  • ALL the services listed under “birth support” PLUS:
  • Professional photos of you & your little love AFTER birth (30 minute session)
  • This is the right package for you if you would prefer to have a chance to shower & refresh before taking professional photos
  • These photos tend to be more “staged” and less “live action” – you have an opportunity to choose outfits, a swaddle, etc.
  • A digital gallery with download rights, delivered within 14 days

BIRTH SUPPORT + BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY + FRESH 48 NEWBORN PHOTOS ($1,450 + $400 deposit)

  • ALL the services listed under “birth support” PLUS:
  • Professional photos throughout your labor, delivery, & immediately postpartum
  • An additional 30 minute session while still in the hospital or within 2 days of giving birth
  • A digital gallery with download rights, delivered within 14 days

BIRTH SUPPORT + IN-HOME NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION ($1200 + $400 deposit)

  • ALL the services listed under “birth support” PLUS:
  • A 45 minute lifestyle session in your home within 2 weeks of giving birth (typically combined with my postpartum follow up visit)
  • A digital gallery with download rights, delivered within 14 days

BIRTH SUPPORT + MATERNITY PHOTOS ($1000 + $400 deposit)

  • ALL the services listed under “birth support” PLUS:
  • A 30 minute maternity session in the location of your choosing
  • A digital gallery with download rights, delivered within 14 days

BIRTH SUPPORT + *THE WHOLE SHEBANG* ($1800 + $400 deposit) 

  • ALL the services listed under “birth support” PLUS:
  • A 30 minute maternity session in the location of your choosing
  • Professional photos throughout your labor, delivery, & immediately postpartum
  • A 45 minute lifestyle session in your home within 2 weeks of giving birth (typically combined with my postpartum follow up visit)
  • A digital gallery with download rights, delivered within 14 days

NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT

The deposit is collected to hold your spot on my calendar. It is used to cover my travel and childcare expenses for in-home visits, compensate for prenatal appointments, as well as to stock my doula bag with supplies specific to my client’s needs and requests (i.e. specific essential oils or homeopathics). Deposits are not refundable.

The remaining fees for services are due before I go on call for a client’s birth. The exact date is determined on a case-by-case basis with my client (based on previous history, special health concerns/high-risk pregnancy), but is no later than 2 weeks prior to a client’s EDD. I encourage potential clients to contact me even if they may have trouble paying my fees. Ultimately, I have to place value on my time, training, and expertise, but I wholeheartedly believe that every woman who desires the support of a doula deserves to have one. I am willing to work with mothers/families to come up with a payment plan or negotiate on fees – please just communicate with me about your specific situation!

PAYMENT

I am happy to receive payment by check, cash, Venmo (@LauraRetzloff), or Stripe (Credit Cards). I do add a 3% processing fee to all payments received digitally to cover expenses for transferring funds.

Some insurance companies will reimburse individuals for doula expenses, and I am happy to provide any documentation required by your insurance company (receipts, descriptions of service, etc.). However, it is the responsibility of the client to reach out to their insurance company about their benefits, and to provide me with details about required documentation.