What is a Doula?
The word Doula means “a woman who serves women”. Today, the word is used to describe a woman who has been specifically trained to give physical, emotional & informational support to a pregnant couple during labour, birth and beyond.
A Doula…
- offers (and/or demonstrates to birth partner) different physical comfort measures such as
- massage
- counter pressure
- body positions
- movement
- breathing techniques
- heat & cold therapy
- and much more
- is present throughout the entire process, while medical staff come and go, giving continuity of care and thereby reducing stress
- brings a sense of calm and safety during what can be an anxious time for couples
- provides information, explains what is happening, and helps facilitate communication between the couple and medical staff
- is there to support the birthing woman and her partner, thereby reducing anxiety in both
- can greatly reduce the need for pain medications and interventions
- offers reassurance, encouragement, praise, attentive listening and care
- ensures that the parents’ privacy & dignity are protected
- is an extra pair of hands
- can take pictures, if the couple prefer to delegate this task
- empowers the couple to have the birth they want
- helps the couple have a positive labour and birth experience
Research shows that the COMBINATION of partner + doula gives the best outcomes
A Doula DOES NOT…
- give medical advice
- diagnose
- perform any medical procedures
- prescribe treatments
- make decisions for her clients
- speak on behalf of her clients
- pressure her clients into any choices
- take over partner’s role
SERVICES OFFERED
VAGINAL BIRTH SUPPORT
- Introductory meeting (no charge, no obligation; just to see if we are a good fit)
- Birth plan & preferences meeting
- Labour & birth support (at home/hospital, however long it takes)
- Breastfeeding initiation directly after birth
- WhatsApp support before & after birth
- Fee: R3000 (also applies in the event of unscheduled caesarian section)
SCHEDULED CAESARIAN SUPPORT
- Introductory meeting (no charge, no obligation; just to see if we are a good fit)
- Birth planning & preference meeting
- Support in theater & recovery, during and after birth
- Breastfeeding initiation directly after birth
- WhatsApp support before & after birth
- Fee: R1500
ADD-ON SERVICES
- Labour & birth preparation: R360-R540 (60-90 min; remotely/at clinic/at home ~ travel fee may apply)
- Breastfeeding preparation: R360-R450 (60-90 min; remotely/at clinic/at home ~ travel fee may apply)
- Breastfeeding Support in Hospital: R380-R570 (60-90 min)
- Breastfeeding Support at Home (includes weighing baby): R400-R600 (60-90 min) plus R3.00/km for travel
- Breastfeeding Support at Stellenbosch Clinic (includes weighing baby): R360-R540 (60-90 min)
- Weigh & go: R60-R90 (10-15 min)
- Breastfeeding Support via WhatsApp: R60-R90
- Telephone/video consult: R360/h
*** PLEASE NOTE that these fees may not be covered by your medical aid, and/or might only be covered partially/under specific conditions/from your own savings.
T&Cs
– 50% deposit payable upon booking
– Outstanding amount payable at the end of last service provided
– Valid for Stellenbosch area only (for other areas, additional travel fee may apply)
* Fees are adjusted if the consultation is significantly shorter or longer
** R3/km for home visits outside of Stellenbosch
If you are interested in hiring a Doula, please WhatsApp me at 083 292 5252 or e-mail ericaneser@gmail.com.
*IMPORTANT: Medical Aid requirements
Discovery Health
- Please note that Discovery will cover my services from your available Medical Savings Account (MSA) and that these claims will not accumulate to your benefit limits.
- Discovery Health will make this arrangement available to the other schemes under its administration. Such schemes will automatically be included in this arrangement if they elect to participate.
- Participating plans and schemes:
Discovery Health Medical Scheme (All plans with medical savings account)
Quantum Comprehensive
Quantum Essential Saver
Tsogo Classic (All plans with medical savings account)
UKZN Medical Scheme (All plans with medical savings account)
- Participating plans and schemes:
- The member may submit my invoice to Discovery Health Medical Scheme or other scheme administered by Discovery Health for reimbursement if they have funds available in their MSA.
- The client must pay me directly and claim back from Discovery Health Medical Scheme or other scheme administered by Discovery Health.
- For services provided before, during and/or after a normal vaginal delivery, the client can claim back R2125.70
- For services provided before, during and/or after a caesarean section (even if it is a normal vaginal delivery with complications, which then results in a caesarean section), the client can claim back R1433.80.
Momentum
Momentum Health will authorize the Doula Benefit for Members of Momentum only if all the following criteria are met:
- Registration on the Maternity program within the specified 8-20 weeks of pregnancy.
- If the Member is planning a natural delivery, using a WOMBS accredited Doula and a Momentum Associated Gynecologist. (Note: this does not include Midwife births.)
- For services rendered prior to delivery, the client can claim back R1950,00.
- For services rendered following delivery, the client can claim back R1950,00.
Fedhealth
Fedhealth covers R3000 for Doula support at a vaginal birth and emergency Caesarian section.
- Fedhealth offers a Doula benefit/subsidy of up to R3000.
- Where there is no Doula in the member’s area, no benefit will apply.
- Should the member be medically required to have a caesarian section (pre-booked), no benefit will apply.
- Any pregnant member who does not fall into the above categories (point 2 or 3), the benefit, regardless of number of births and actual birth process outcome, will apply.
- The benefit shall apply if a pregnant member is required to undergo an emergency caesarian section. Medical proof may be required.
- Should a termination of pregnancy occur, Fedhealth will refund R185.00 per visit undertaken.
- Only a recognized Doula from DOSA, ICEA, Mama Bamba, DONA and/or Wombs shall be permitted.
Affinity
Affinity covers R4000 for Doula support. No further details are available at this time.
Erica Neser 