BirthWays

BirthWays Doula Care

I am a Doula based in Cape Town, South Africa offering a full range of care to both mothers and other birth partners during such an exciting, but sometimes stressful, time in their lives. 

How it works

Initial Interview   

This interview can be at my office or at your home. It allows us to get to know each other and discuss your plans for the birth. Usually this interview has no cost attached, but sometimes for a visit in your home (depending on distance) there may be a fee of R200 - this charge will be deducted from the full fee should you decide to hire me. 

As a doula I will be able to provide you with information and advice during this time and go into a little of your health history and other factors that are relevant to the birth. I will be happy to assist you with explaining any questions you have about how things work with various care providers (obstetrician, midwife, pediatrician, anesthetist), what your options are with regards to the place you give birth (home, hospitals, birth centres) and I will be happy to refer you to various professionals.  

Options for Doula Care 

Once you have decided you would like to hire me as your doula, you will need to make a 50% deposit to secure my services. The cost of care is dependent on your requirements and place of birth, but may range from between R1500-R3000.

Option 1 - R2500

For births at Vincent Pallotti Hospital that includes

  • Interview (30mins - 1hr)
  • Birth Plan Meeting (1hr-1.5hrs)
  • Free Acupuncture Session with Lao Kung
  • The birth itself (no matter if it takes 2 hours or 24 hours)
  • 2 x Postnatal visits (usually, 1 in hospital and 1 at home)
Option 2 - R3000

For births at any other hospital (eg Kingsbury, Constantiaberg, City Bowl & City Centre, Panorama)

  • Interview (30mins - 1hr)
  • Birth Plan Meeting (1hr-1.5hrs)
  • Free Acupuncture Session with Lao Kung
  • The birth itself (no matter if it takes 2 hours or 24 hours)
  • 2 x Postnatal visits (usually, 1 in hospital and 1 at home)
Option 3 - R2000

For homebirths with a Midwife or births at Mowbray LABU with a private midwife
  • Interview (30mins - 1hr)
  • Birth Plan Meeting (1hr - 1.5hrs)
  • The birth itself (no matter if it takes 2 hours or 24 hours)
  • 2 x Postnatal visits
Option 4 - R1800

For a Scheduled C-section in any hospital which allows doula support
  • Interview (30mins - 1hr)
  • Birth Plan Meeting (1hr - 1.5hrs)
  • Night-before-the-Birth Baby Bonding session (optional)
  • Support for surgery
  • Postnatal visit in Hospital
  • Postnatal visit at Home

Name - Sarah Meder

Qualifications:

British Doulas 2004
Birthing From Within Mentor 2008
WOMBS 2010

Other Services:

Usui Reiki Master
Pregnancy massage
Alternative pregnancy, birth and baby celebrations

Pre-natal Visit

With the initial interview already done, in our next meeting we'll go into your birth plan in more detail and perhaps work on a few ideas on how I may best support both you and your partner during the birth process. I can also give you help and advice on dealing with various discomforts, or helping prepare your body to go into labour. Sometimes we might need one or two more sessions and this I generally don't charge extra for and will be covered by the standard fee.

Labour and Birth

We will decide together when you would like me to come and be with you. Sometimes I will come to your house when you are not yet in active labour and will help you to decide when it is appropriate to call your midwife or travel to the hospital; the other option is to wait until you reach active labour and then we meet at the hospital. I will be with you for the labour and birth, and for at least one hour after the birth. I will also stay to help you establish breastfeeding and facilitate your bonding as a family (1-2 hours post birth).

Post-Natal Visits

Within the days following the birth I will come and visit you both in hospital and at your home. This is so you can discuss how the birth went, any concerns around feeding you might have, and just any other information you might need. The remainer of the Fee will be payable at the first visit at your home. If you are struggling with breastfeeding or any other aspect of caring for your newborn, I will be more than happy to visit you two or three more times if I feel it is something I can help you with - or I will refer you to a specialist.

C-section Care

I offer a special Night-before-the-birth bonding session for you and your baby where I lead you through a special relaxation that allows you to connect with your baby and let him/her know that it is going to be time to join us "earth side" very shortly. Although my evidence is only anecdotal, I have found that this works very well and babies who have had such a session are much more calm, alert and able to feed following their birth.

Extended Care Visits   R200

Should you wish to have additional visits from your Doula, over and above those mentioned previously, these visits will be charged at a rate of R200/h unless otherwise arranged.

Reiki and Massage R80 / 30mins

I am also a qualified Reiki Master and offer pregnancy massage from my treatment room in Pinelands

Previous clients 

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