Find a Doula in Lincoln Nebraska

*General Information*
Name:	Joyce Dykema	Primary & Secondary Languages:	English, some ASL
Email address:	Joyce.dykema@gmail.com	Website:	Click Here
Where are you located?	Lincoln, NE	How many miles are you willing to travel for a birth?	60 miles, but I am willing to travel farther on a case-by-case basis.
Phone number for initial contact?	402-202-9305	Best hours to reach you for the client's initial contact:	Between 9am and 9pm.
How many years have you been providing labor support services?	1	How many births have you attended as of June 2010?	5
Will you attend home labors/births as well as hospital labors/births? Please explain your comfort level...	I have not yet had the pleasure. I would be willing to attend a home birth so long as it is very clear that I have no medical responsibilities. As a doula, I provide emotional, physical, and informational support only. I have no medical training.	What is the max number of births you feel comfortable handling each month?	3
*Training & Credentials*
What are your current credentials & individual experiences with doula care & labor support?	DONA International Training completed in August 2009. I expect to be certified as a birth doula by January 2011. As of July 16, 2010, I have attended 6 births as a birth doula. I have experience supporting women having Cesareans, laboring with an epidural, and laboring drug-free. I also have experience supporting women who have gone into labor naturally and those who have been induced (AROM and pitocin). On a personal note, I had doula care for my only child’s birth, and will have doulas present for all future births I am blessed to have. My birth experience began at a young age, as I watched both of my younger brothers born when I was 4 and 8.
Do you have any current plans for additional training?	Following my certification as a birth doula, I plan to certify as a childbirth educator. After that, I plan to train as a postpartum doula.
Do you provide breastfeeding support & what is your basic theory of breastfeeding?	Yes. I think that breastfeeding is the best way and the natural way to feed human infants. However, it is a learned skill that requires education and positive support from as many people as possible in a woman’s life. That said, priority number 1 is to feed the baby!
Do you typically provide postpartum support to your clients?	I am not trained as a postpartum doula, but I can help out where I can or refer to an experienced postpartum doula.
If yes to the previous question; for how long & what do you feel are your strong points in this area?	Up to 4 weeks postpartum (non-concurrent weeks or days is fine), up to 8 hours per day. I can cook, do light cleaning, play with older children, run small errands, and provide breastfeeding support.
*Fees & Payment Plans*
What is your typical fee schedule for attending births?	$350. This covers everything. Our first meeting is complimentary in the event we decide we are not a good match. In that event, I will do my best to refer you to a doula who is a better fit.
Do you require a down payment?	Yes. $75 locks you in as my client.	Are you willing to be on a call list for "free" services when low income families contact our website?	Yes! I firmly believe that inability or difficulty to pay should NEVER keep a woman from hiring a doula if she wants one!
How much do you charge for postpartum doula care?	$20 per hour	Do you send a detailed bill to your couples & when is their payment due?	Yes. This is detailed in my client contract.
Do you charge additional mileage when you have to travel outside of your hometown?	Yes, over 60 miles. I charge $0.50 per mile, which is the IRS’ standard mileage rate.	Do you charge "cost" for labor supplies used during a birth?	No.
Will you provide a sliding fee for lower income couples?	Yes! Just ask! I firmly believe that inability or difficulty to pay should NEVER keep a woman from hiring a doula if she wants one! I can also do payment plans. I also provide reduced rates to US military families.	Are you open to trading or bartering for services	Yes! Just ask! I firmly believe that inability or difficulty to pay should NEVER keep a woman from hiring a doula if she wants one! I can also do payment plans.
*Miscellaneous Information*
How many times do you typically meet with couples prior to attending their birth?	At least once, but as many as a family needs. On average, I have 3 face-to-face meetings.	Do you provide a "whole house labor rehearsal" for your couples?	If requested or if I think it will be of value, as when a family has not taken childbirth classes.
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?	Yes! Becky Sherman was my doula, and I typically obtain backup through her. I personally feel that if you have hired me to be your doula, I am responsible to ensure you are cared for in the event I cannot attend your birth.	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?	Yes! I have done so in the past!
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 have done so in the past. I do prefer to meet before you are in labor, but I am comfortable and confident in jumping in at the last minute.
How do you describe yourself religiously?	I am a follower of Christ.	How does your religion effect how you work with clients?	My faith drives me to care for all people as I would wish to be cared for. I am respectful of all people, and have no disinclination to support expectant parents with different religious beliefs than my own, or those with different lifestyle choices or situations, such as unmarried or single parents, teenage parents, or same-sex parents. Your lifestyle and personal belief system have no effect on the quality of support I will provide. On a personal note, I do pray for every family’s pregnancy, birth, and health, although if a family were uncomfortable with this for any reason, I will not do so. If a Christian family desires more spiritual support, I am happy to do what I can.
Do you provide a doula contract for detailed expectations of your care to be signed by all parties?	Yes.	Have you ever worked with same sex couples?	Not yet.