What is the process to secure you as my doula?

If you decide you would like to work with me, I provide you with a service contract to sign. I require 50% of service fees to be paid as a downpayment, and the balance is due after the baby is born.

Are there any additional charges?

The state of Minnesota collects sales tax on photography services. The photography portion of all services has additional sales tax, which is then paid to the state.

Do you accept credit cards?

I accept credit cards for payment through PayPal. There is a 3% service charge to use PayPal (which is the percentage they charge me as the merchant.)

What happens at the initial meeting?

At the initial meeting, we just get to know each other a bit and discover if we are a good fit for one another. I learn about how your pregnancy has been going, what your goals are for your birth, and what you are looking for in a doula.

What happens at the first prenatal visit?

At the first prenatal visit, we go over the birth plan template and discuss specifics about your wishes for birth and how a doula might help you feel more comfortable and supported. This meeting usually takes about two hours.

What happens at the second prenatal visit?

At the second prenatal visit, we finalize the birth plan and go over comfort measures and logistics of birth-day. Mostly, it is just another chance to get to know one another better!

At what point do you meet me when I’m in labor?

I meet laboring moms whenever they feel that they need support. When you call me and tell me you think you are in labor, I arrange to be ready to go anytime. I have met up with moms one hour after getting the first call, and several hours depending on how early labor unfolds.

What if you can’t attend my birth?

I have a very strong network of backup doulas who I know and trust. It is very unlikely that I would be unable to attend the birth of my own clients. If I were at another birth or in some type of unforeseen situation, one of my backup doulas would attend your birth. Fees remain the same in the event that a backup has to attend the birth, and I pay the backup doula directly.

What about photography privacy?

All doula and photography clients have given explicit permission to use the specific images shown on this site and in any portfolio and/or advertising materials for my photo and doula services. If you do not want a photo shown publicly, I will not feature it in any manor. I am very careful and respectful of client image privacy.

I would like birth photography and I am going with your “doula partner” option; what happens if your doula partner attends the birth?

Both Nicole and I take photos of your birth, so you will have a photo record of your birth regardless of which of us attends. Because I am a professional photographer, we recognize that the aesthetic quality between our images differs. For any couple who orders the “Birth Doula” photography package and ends up working with Nicole during birth, your final invoice will reflect a $100 discount, bringing the price to the “Basic Doula” services instead of the “Birth Doula” photography package.

What is the difference between the “in studio” and “natural home” style?

“In studio” photo shoots take place using backdrops and lights. “Natural home” photo shoots take place using available light and the natural backdrops of your own home.
               
               

What does “portable studio” mean?

The “portable studio” shoots take place at your home or the location of your choice. I set up backdrops and lights to achieve a “studio” look, but you never have to leave home!

What is the difference between birth photography and the “birth doula” photo package?

While I am “on call” for both straight birth photography and the “birth doula” photo package, the roles are actually quite different. For birth photography (no doula) services, I am very much in the background documenting the event and not actively providing emotional or physical support of labor. Specific birth photography services show a lot more photos of labor, offer more angles, and present more overall images because that is my main role at the birth. The “birth doula” photo package, while it includes pregnancy and labor support, does not include nearly as many images or angles because I am busy being your doula and the camera comes second to your labor needs!

What is the “digital darkroom?”

I edit all final images using professional post production software. The digital darkroom ensures that color, contrast, and framing all look their best. The final photo gallery includes both color and black & white images.