On-call: What does it mean?

An explanation of Doula services for the birthing person.

Often clients ask, “what does it mean when you say that you are “on-call” for me?”

The short answer is –

It means that I am available to you 24/7, that no matter what I am doing, I will drop it and support you!

The longer answer is –

It means that I always have my phone on me and will answer, or call you right back, 24 hours a day! Yes, even if it is 2 am.

It means if you call me in early labour and you are not yet ready for me to come to support you in person, I am available to support you by phone, text, or jump on a quick zoom call.  

It means in the unlikely event that I am not available; I have a backup doula ready to jump in for me. This is always a doula that I trust and know will support you similarly to how I would and has been filled in on any necessary details you and I have discussed. Behind the scenes, I am always preparing for that possibility by having a document ready to go just in case there’s an emergency and I need someone to step into my shoes.

It means that when I am on call, I always need to have plans for the care of my kids. I am lucky that my husband no longer has long work hours and that we have people we can count on to be there for our kids at any time.

I want my clients to know that I am always available to them, even before the official on-call period.  I am happy to answer any questions at any point in your pregnancy.