Hi, I'm Rare.
I'm a DONA certified Birth & Postpartum Doula, a 200HR Yoga Instructor, a Life Coach, and a sonography student who also cares for infants and toddlers. Founder of BIRF — Balance In Rare Form — a wholesome practice for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
My philosophy is simple: a balanced beginning makes for a brave, settled baby. Together we plan it that way with yoga, education, deep listening, and balanced rituals that make birth feel like yours.
"Your sacred space & form will be protected."
— The Rare Doula
What does BWB & REBIRF mean?
- BBe
- WWell
- BBasic Balance
- RRenew
- EEnergy
- BBefore
- IIt
- RReleases
- FForm
FAQs
If you can't find the answer to your question, email rareintheform@gmail.com.
We will be in business for the next 46 yrs, so we hope to assist you.
As a traveling Birth Doula, do you have restrictions?
There are a couple of restrictions. Those include: not traveling outside of the United States unless I know you or I am paid celebrity status $$$$$ amount. All 50 states, I am able to travel to and assist in being a Birth Doula as long as I have at least 2 months notice.
Do you have an option for payment plans?
Yes. However, the payment plan can only be separated into 4 and nothing greater than that amount. For example, Mother and family choose $1,100 for in-person support, puts $300 for deposit and $200 after. Then, there is 4 payments left.
Do you offer hourly Birth Support?
I do. $50 per hour and it would have to be 4 sessions minimum either virtually or physically within 40 miles of my location or 10 sessions maximum virtually or physically within 40 miles of my current location.
Will you be able to stay at my home before I have my child?
If you are in a state other than MD & WY, you will have the ability to invite me over to your house for a few nights before the baby's due date. After mother and baby return home, I will be able to assist in postpartum recovery and help organize and care for daily tasks around the house. (Fees not listed, but rates can be discussed if needing this service)
Do you encapsulate placentas?
I do not and would prefer to bank it for health reasons and due to more evidence based research for longer term use of it for illness and disease prevention. This applies to the cord as well.
What should I expect for the postpartum period with BIRF?
If you have paid for just Birth Doula Support, then after baby is born (with a vaginal expected birth), I will be with you and baby for 1 to 2 hours. After their birthday, we will schedule our postpartum meeting for the postpartum items dedicated to help you recover, 6 to 10 days after the birth.
What are the non-profits that BIRF donates to?
Each family that chooses BIRF will have a portion of their payment going to 3 balanced non-profit organizations supported by BIRF.
What is the percentage breakdown of service with BIRF's $1,150 Birth Doula Support?
10% goes to securing your spot with $300 deposit ($8 goes to a balanced non-profit). 20% goes to 2 birth plan meetings and 2nd deposit of $200. 20% goes to 10 yoga sessions. 15% goes to tools used in the labor process. 25% goes to transportation and labor & birth process. 10% goes to postpartum items. The other 2 packages include additional postpartum meetings, a violin performance, and fitness and nutritional support after the birth. You also get a 'push nutritional drink gift' once baby is born.
Do you take insurance and Carrot Fertility?
Yes, I take Carrot Fertility and some insurance and Medicaid. All I ask if you're using your insurance, is to let me know which one it is.
Do you give refunds?
I do not give refunds if I or a backup has attended your labor/birth. First and foremost, all deposits are non-refundable. As stated in my contract that is given after the Interview, if my failure to attend your baby's birth is due to my error, there will be no charge for my service (this excludes the deposit). Also, if I offered a backup and you denied backup, no refunds — it's my obligation to provide support when I become unavailable. I spend 4+ months building a relationship with the birthing mother and that is time paid in exchange of my packaged service.
How many clients do you take every month?
It depends on which months, but on average I take 2 or 3 maximum.
Do you take clients after 30 weeks?
I rarely take clients after 30 weeks. The longer someone waits to book me, the shorter the relationship has to develop and blossom. If someone is over 30 weeks, they would need to be really serious on sending the requirements back (deposit and intake information) within 48 hours of receiving them or risk losing their spot for being a BIRF client.
For my postpartum package, would I get to change the schedule after getting it the first time?
Yes, you can alter the proposed schedule once, as long as I have availability. Be aware that I am not allowed to push proposed dates beyond 1 week of the last assigned postpartum shift.
Images that Matter Surrounding You!
You will feel free and formed and ready to take care of your brave baby when it's all said and done!
