"There is just something amazing about the feeling you get when you know you’ve made a difference in the lives of someone else and that by your presence and assistance, no matter how big or small it might be, you’ve made them breathe a little easier. "

General Information

Name: 

Andrea L Tracy-Scheuffele

Primary & Secondary Languages:

Very limited Spanish 

Email address:

andreatracyscheuffele@lincolndoulas.com

Website:

I’m on facebook under Andrea Tracy Scheuffele

Where are you located? 

 I’ve lived in Kearney NE since 1999. Was born and raised in Arapahoe NE.

How many miles are you willing to travel for a birth? 

It would depend on the situation and my availablility.

Phone number for initial contact? 

308-440-7027

Best hours to reach you for the client's initial contact:

This is my cell phone so I have it on me 24/7

How many years have you been providing labor support services? 

I have never in labor support but have worked in the medical field for 12 yrs as a CNA/MA

How many births have you attended as of June 2010? 

Just my own. I have two children. One boy and one girl.  Both were natural uncomplicated and altogether miraculous and enjoyable.

Will you attend home labors/births as well as hospital labors/births?  Please explain your comfort level…

Yes, I am comfortable with either. I am used to working in the hospital/nursing home setting, and would be more than willing to help someone in their home as well for a natural birth.

What is the max number of births you feel comfortable handling each month?

It would depend on the situation and my availability and the hours I am needed and will assume it would vary from month to  month.

Training & Credentials 

What are your current credentials & individual experiences with doula care & labor support?

I do not currently have any credentials with labor support other than the experience I received with the birth of my own two children.

I feel that the more support the better and that it makes all the difference in the world to have someone there to hold your hand, laugh with, cry with, and help out. 

Do you have any current plans for additional training? 

I would still love to go back to nursing school and pursue possible midwifery training.

Do you provide breastfeeding support & what is your basic theory of breastfeeding? 

Absolutely. While unfortunately I was unable to breastfeed myself, I know that it is always the best option for the baby.

Do you typically provide postpartum support to your clients? 

Yes!! I am most certainly interested in providing postpartum support.

If yes to the previous question; for how long & what do you feel are your strong points in this area? 

Fees & Payment Plans 

What is your typical fee schedule for attending births? 

I am interested in doing some sessions on a volunteer basis and also for fees for some, which would be entirely negotiable.

Do you require a down payment? 

I am not sure. 

Are you willing to be on a call list for "free" services when low income families contact our website?  

Absolutely. On a case by case basis. If funds and income allowed me to do so at the time.

How much do you charge for postpartum doula care? 

 This would be negotiable by the hour unless I was doing a free session on case by case basis.

Do you send a detailed bill to your couples & when is their payment due?

I would yes. I think that and a receipt would be very important, and outlining everything.

Do you charge additional mileage when you have to travel outside of your hometown?

I would have to say yes, in order to pay for gas, unless it was for a free session.

Do you charge "cost" for labor supplies used during a birth? 

I believe I would.

Will you provide a sliding fee for lower income couples?

Yes, that would be a possibility.   

Are you open to trading or bartering for services  

Yes.

Miscellaneous Information 

How many times do you typically meet with couples prior to attending their birth?

As many as were necessary to ensure that were to ensure that all parties have all the info necessary to be completely comfortable with each other and the experience.

Do you provide a "whole house labor rehearsal" for your couples? 

Yes, if they so desired. A birth plan is always a must and so is practice.

Do you guarantee backup services in case you are unable to attend due to illness or sudden conflicts? 

If not, would you encourage your couple to find a 2nd choice doula for backup?     

I’m not sure I have anyone who could fill in for me.

Yes.

If it felt "right" to you & your client, would you ever consider working as a team with another beginning doula to help her gain experience?

I would most definitely consider that. It would be good experience but of course the birth family would have to be in favor of it of course, and if they were comfortable, I’d say absolutely.

Is it ok for other doulas to contact you to help secure their own reliable backup?

Yes.

How do you honestly feel about attending a birth for a couple you have never met either as a last minute doula or backup doula?

I would be willing to help if they needed me

How do you describe yourself religiously? 

I am a Christian. I grew up in a loving Christian home by two amazing parents who always taught me the value of the golden rule and to be a loyal, empathetic, hardworking, god fearing individual.

How does your religion effect how you work with clients?

I do not believe it would. It would be up to the client if they wanted to bring religion into it via prayer, devotions, etc.  If they did not want to, it would be entirely their decision.

Do you provide a doula contract for detailed expectations of your care to be signed by all parties?

I would if it was recommended.

Have you ever worked with same sex couples?

I would not be opposed to doing that