Services and Fees

Cheri Hentschel, CD(DONA)


My Services Include the Following:

  • Free Interview -- I meet with expectant parents to explain what my services include and to answer any questions they may have.  If they are interested in hiring me, they contact me after the interview.

  • Prenatal Visits -- I visit expectant parents to get acquainted and to talk about their birthing preferences and goals.  I provide information as requested to help them make decisions about their birth plan.  When possible, I prefer at least two prenatal visits.

  • On Call -- I am on call for up to two weeks before and two weeks after the estimated due date.  During that time I carry a cell phone at all times so that I can be contacted when labor is underway.

  • Labor and Birth -- When I am called to attend the birth, I meet the parents at home or the birth place when labor is underway.  I stay with them throughout the labor and birth, providing emotional and informational support, as well as help with physical comfort measures.  After the baby is born, I offer help with breastfeeding if needed.  When the family is ready for quiet time together, I leave at that time (usually an hour or two after the birth).

  • Postpartum Visit -- I call the parents to set up a time to meet after they get settled in at home.  At the postpartum visit we remember the birth and I answer any questions they may have about the experience.  I also provide breastfeeding support during this time if it is needed.


My Fees:
$300 for Muskegon County births (Mercy Health Partners/Hackley or homebirths)
$350 for Fremont (Gerber) and Grand Haven (North Ottawa) or homebirths in
surrounding counties. 
A deposit of half the fee is due at the first prenatal visit with the remaining balance due two weeks before the estimated due date.

I can sometimes offer discounts to low-income women or help find a doula in training.  Your friends and family may also contribute to the cost of doula services by purchasing a gift certificate.  I volunteer my services to teen mothers, no charge.

RefundsIf I am unable to attend the birth due to personal circumstances beyond my control, and a backup doula is not available, I will refund half my fee.  Clients who choose not to call me when they are in labor will not receive a refund.

To contact me:
Phone:  231-893-7939
Email:  cheridoula@gmail.com
Whitehall, MI