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General Information |
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Name:
Linda Ensign |
Linda Ensign |
Primary & Secondary Languages:
English |
English |
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Email address:
lrensign@aol.com
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lrensign@aol.com |
Website: |
None |
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Where are you located?
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Lincoln, NE |
How many miles are you willing to travel for a birth?
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50-60 miles.
Each situation will be evaluated. If the need arises the miles can be negotiated |
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Phone number for initial contact?
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1-402-475-3172 |
Best hours to reach you for the client's initial contact:
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8:00AM-5:00PM.
The answering machine is always available. |
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How many years have you been providing labor support services?
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28 years. |
How many births have you attended as of June 2010?
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Officially: nine |
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Will you attend home labors/births as well as hospital labors/births? Please explain your comfort level...
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Yes.
Home birth: I will work with a midwife who delivers the baby. The mother needs an emergency backup plan, should the mother need to be transported to the hospital.
Hospital birth:
Would encourage the couple to have a birth plan and to know the hospital policies/protocols. |
What is the max number of births you feel comfortable handling each month?
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Two |
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Training & Credentials |
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What are your current credentials & individual experiences with doula care & labor support?
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“toLabor” trained Professional Labor Assistant
Experience with some Rebozo techniques. (Rebozo is a Mexican shawl.) |
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Do you have any current plans for additional training?
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Yes. |
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Do you provide breastfeeding support & what is your basic theory of breastfeeding? |
Yes.
I believe it is the next step in the journey after the birth.
Not only does breastfeeding help the mother bond with her baby, but it has beneficial value as well.
The breast milk contains colostrum, beneficial for its nutrients and antibodies. This gives the baby immunities to invading bacteria.
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Do you typically provide postpartum support to your clients?
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Yes.
I will help out, if the mother does not have much support. |
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If yes to the previous question; for how long & what do you feel are your strong points in this area? |
Each family has different needs.
The time will vary with each situation.
I like to help the mom keep up with daily chores those first weeks or so: dishes, laundry, etc.
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Fees & Payment Plans |
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What is your typical fee schedule for attending births?
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No fee. Donation if you so desire. |
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Do you require a down payment?
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No. |
Are you willing to be on a call list for "free" services when low income families contact our website?
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Yes. |
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How much do you charge for postpartum doula care?
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No fee. Donation if you so desire. |
Do you send a detailed bill to your couples & when is their payment due? |
No. |
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Do you charge additional mileage
when you have to travel outside of your hometown?
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Donation if you so desire |
Do you charge “cost” for labor supplies used
during a birth?
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The mother would be required to have her own labor supplies.
Home Birth:
The mother can order a home birth kit, prior to the birth.
Hospital:
The hospital should provide the medical supplies needed.
The mother might consider some supplies to take to the hospital.
Examples: personal items, CD player (if hospital does not have one) snacks, birth ball, etc.
The mother should consider packing a bag for dad (snacks, grooming supplies, copy of the birth plan etc.)
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Will you provide a sliding fee for lower income couples?
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This has been addressed previously. |
Are you open to trading or bartering for services? |
All my services are no fee or donation. |
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Miscellaneous Information |
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How many times do you typically meet with couples prior to attending their birth?
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This will be determined with each individual situation. |
Do you provide a "whole house labor rehearsal" for your couples?
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Yes, if requested. |
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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?
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No.
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?
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Yes. |
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Is it ok for other doulas to contact you to help secure their own
reliable backup?
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Yes. I would evaluate each contact situation to determine, whether the timing of the estimated time of arrival would fit into my schedule. |
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 will be
happy to
help, if
I am
available. |
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How do you describe yourself
religiously?
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A Christian. |
How does your religion effect how you work
with clients?
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My religious beliefs positively affect my work as a caring doula for my clients. |
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Do you provide a doula contract for detailed expectations of your care to be signed by all parties?
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Not at
this time. |
Have you ever worked with same sex couples?
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No. |