General Information

Name:

Stephanie Dank

Primary & Secondary Languages: 

English

Email address:

stephaniedank@lincolndoulas.com

Website: 

Lincoln Doulas : ) 

Where are you located? 

Lincoln, NE

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

I'm open to serving southeastern Nebraska.

Phone number for initial contact? 

402-438-4880

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

Afternoon, 1-5pm, but I take messages all day.

How many years have you been providing labor support services? 

1

How many births have you attended as of June 2010? 

2

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

I'm comfortable attending all births as I hope to be a viable choice for all mamas.

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

2

Training & Credentials 

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

I'm still in training!  I have yet to attend a birth as a doula, but I've been immersed in birth literature, breastfeeding research, and positive sexuality resources for several years. 

Do you have any current plans for additional training? 

Yes.  Right now, I am on an academic track to becoming a registered nurse, with hopes of going on to a graduate level.  I am also becoming more familiar with the world of plant medicines- growing and wildcrafting, and implementing them in my practice.  I plan on taking a course to be a Certified Women's Herbal Educator. 

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

I will work with all mamas to be informed and empowered towards breastfeeding, and can offer counseling and support in those first few weeks getting established.  I feel like in our society it's far too easy for mamas to give up nursing their babies, due to lack of support and the availability of less-than-optimal alternatives.  I struggled a lot with nursing my son, but feel that with the right attitude and support, I was finally able to enjoy it.  I think that all it takes is one person to encourage you, and I hope to offer myself as that support.

Do you typically provide postpartum support to your clients? 

Absolutely.  I want to discuss the needs of my individual clients, but I think that this is an integral part of mother-care.  The physical birth may be over, but the birth of the new mama and the mother-baby bond is still happening.

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

As stated, the needs of each client would determine the duration of their care.  However, I would suggest visiting 3 days, 1 week, and 3 weeks after the birth, to come over, listen to the mama/family's concerns, help clean, offer support, hold the baby, or whatever I could be a help by doing.  I want to work on becoming more intuitive to each mother's needs, as I understand how hard it is to ask for help or to delegate when all you need is rest or to vent.

Fees & Payment Plans 

What is your typical fee schedule for attending births? 

Sliding scale.  I'm particularly interested in working for low-income families and marginalized women. 

Do you require a down payment? 

A deposit, yes.  This secures my time to be on call, as well as prenatals.

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

Yes!

How much do you charge for postpartum doula care? 

Sliding scale.

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

I'm not in the routine of doing this, but it would be no problem.

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

Yes, and rates would be decided with each client.

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

No, unless the mother wants to take anything home.

Will you provide a sliding fee for lower income couples?  

Yes, yes, yes.

Are you open to trading or bartering for services?  

In a perfect world, this would be the only way I'd get paid!

Miscellaneous Information 

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

After the interview, one meeting to discuss labor options and resources/information, one to meet with my back-up, and, if desired, one to practice relaxation and positions.

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

Yes!  It's important that coping techniques are practiced before the birth to understand what relaxes the mama the most and to feel confident going into labor.

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, I have a backup doula that the family will meet prior to the 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?

No, certainly not until I felt I was in the position to handle both a laboring mother and a student!

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

Sure!

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 feel alright about this- it takes an intuitive person to be able to advocate for a stranger, and I hope to rise to the occasion.

How do you describe yourself religiously? 

Well, I'm sort of a pantheist, tree hugging goddess worshiper to tell you the truth! 

How does your religion effect how you work with clients?

I feel as though my spiritual convictions lead me to a deep respect for the power that women hold to be the agents of their own experience.  Birth is a sacred act, no matter what your beliefs or religious background is.  I want to create a safe space around birth across religious borders and would be delighted to have a diverse client base.  I am also available for more in-depth spiritual discussion if so desired/required.

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

As much as I would love to not, I think that this is an essential part of understanding and communicating each parties expectations, so that there are no mix-ups or disappointments.

Have you ever worked with same sex couples? 

No, but I would be delighted at the opportunity!