Am I cutting this too close?

scarborogal · 08-21-2006, 02:00 PM

I just got a call from a woman who is due September 15th. She says her husband may not be able to stay for the entire birth and that would leave her alone. Plus she lives out of town but will be delivering in the hospital down the road from me. We are going to meet on Wednesday after her appointment and I'm charging her $100 for the simply showing up at the birth.
But I also have my garage sale client who is due Sept 4th. Is that cutting things too close? Should I look into a back up. What should I do?

What would you do?

K.

~Tranquility~Doula · 08-21-2006, 02:03 PM

If you have a back up then I'd go for it. I've taken moms due 2 days apart from each other.

jesscardona · 08-21-2006, 02:19 PM

Hey, I did it.. don't ask me how.. Im hoping my other one doesn't go tonight or tomorrow..cause' Im tired!

syncreo · 08-21-2006, 03:49 PM

Hi,
I don't think it is cutting it too close if you have a reliable back-up in place.

Cheers,
Shawna

Kim Trower · 08-21-2006, 04:28 PM

Take it...it will work out fine! You should charge more than $100 though. I have 2 due sept. 14 and 1 due Sept 26.

doula Michele · 08-21-2006, 04:35 PM

should be fine.. i don't know it always works out. I schedual 2 weeks apart...but I have taken them as close as 1 week.

Michele

scarborogal · 08-21-2006, 05:00 PM

Thanks. I don't have any back up. So I"ll just let her know what the case is and she can decide.
As for the $100. I"m only charging that because of my inexperience, (one birth under my belt) and I'm looking for births for my certification. And actually $100 is up from my previous free and then $50. So I'm working my way up. :-)

Thanks for the input!

One question though? Has anyone had births go on the same day? at the same time?

K.

doula Michele · 08-21-2006, 05:13 PM

never... I had 2, 2 days apart once.
And lots a week apart.

Michele

~Tranquility~Doula · 08-21-2006, 05:14 PM

I've never had anyone go at the same time but I've had 2 separate situations where I had 2 moms go back to back.

AmandaB · 08-21-2006, 07:03 PM

Kimberley!

You always forget that I am available to you for back-up! I am completely free for the month of September! Call or email me and we can set something up. I have had clients as close as 3 days apart and they went 4 days apart. It always works out especially if you tell them about eachother, one will often wait ... it is very funny how that happens. Call me!!!!

AussieDoula · 08-21-2006, 09:04 PM

I would let the mama know that you can take her, but that if your other client goes into labour first she is your priority since she booked first.
If the new mama is okay with that, then I'm sure everything will be fine.

tlcdoula · 08-21-2006, 10:51 PM

I would take them both, but would start charging full fee - you might not be experienced, but you are trained right? Doctors don't charge less their first few births, nurses don't either.

syncreo · 08-22-2006, 09:13 AM

Hi,
I don't know if you are DONA trained but under their standards of practise this is what it says:
II. CONTINUITY OF CARE

The doula should make back-up arrangements with another doula to ensure services to the client if the doula is unable to attend the birth. :

I personally feel that this is really important because it is there to ensure your client has the support and care she is asking for. It may work out most times that people can make it to two births close together but there is a chance you may not be able to and then where would your client be? It is my own opinion but I believe having appropriate backup is part of being professional and taking care of the client needs.

Cheers, Shawna

scarborogal · 08-22-2006, 10:44 AM

Thanks Shawna, I agree with you. I'm not DONA trained and it would kill me personally if I let anyone down. And it looks like I'll be calling Amanda to discuss back up. My only concern with back up is that because I'm not charging full fees, I don't want to rip off my back up and I can't afford to be out of pocket.

Amanda, I'll give you a call later today if that is okay?

Cheers,
K.

syncreo · 08-22-2006, 12:51 PM

Hi Kimberley,
I know you wouldn't want to leave someone high and dry and just by asking the question you demonstrated this.
I have backed new doulas up who are taking volunteer births knowing that I wouldn't get paid if I got called so I don't think your lower fee will be that much of a barrier.. You can also find other doulas who are newer and have a similar fee structure. And you are lucky because you have Amanda - I am sure you two can work out a relationship that works for both of you.

I have never needed to use a back-up, nor have I been called as a back-up but I adhere to Murphy's Law and I know that if I didn't have one in place that would be the time I would need it. Always good to have your bases covered and it is also a good opportunity to start building relationships with other doulas in the area. I started my doula work in the Toronto area I found that doulas were very eager to provide back-up - for many it means the possiblity of more clients which for some is a great and much needed thing.

Good luck - I hope you make it to both births and that they are great. What a wonderful challenge to have - too many births