Q: Do you massage pregnant people in their first trimester?
While the state of New York allows massage therapists to provide prenatal bodywork in the first trimester, I opt to have clients wait until week 13 to come for bodywork. Most miscarriages happen in the first trimester, and while massage is completely safe to receive, I tend to err on the side of caution, especially with pregnancy.
 

Q: How do you accept payment for massage, reiki and lacation services?

HH has gone cashless! Payment can be made with any major credit or debit card. At this time we are not accepting Zelle, Venmo, Cash or Checks. The credit or debit card on file will automatically be charged at the end of your session.

Q: What position will I be in during my prenatal massage? Can I lay on my stomach?
As a perinatal massage specialist, I consistently guide my clients into the safest and most supportive positions for bodywork - this means you will be in a side lying position supported by lots of comfy pillows, most likely how you’re sleeping in bed! Being prone (on your stomach) increases your risk for Diastasis Recti, nausea and heartburn or acid reflux, and even takes your pelvis out of alignment - baby too. I do not have a massage table with a belly hole, as it is not the safest option.

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Q: Can I use my own oils or lotions during my massage?
Due to insurance regulations, I will only be able to apply topical agents that I have on hand and have carefully vetted as safe, pure and appropriate for the skin barrier. At this time, I am massaging with organic, cold-pressed unscented Jojoba oil. It is hypoallergenic and similar to the skin's natural sebum.
If you have specific allergies or skin concerns, please let HH know at time of booking.

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Q: When can I expect a reply to my email inquiry?

HH replies to all forms of communications during business hours Tu-Fri 10 am - 5:45 pm and Sat 9:30 am - 4:30 pm and typically within 24 hours of inquiry.

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Q: Are your services covered by insurance?

I do not accept insurance for any service currently, including lactation services. Clients are however able to submit for insurance reimbursement on their own.

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Q: Is there a phone number to call to book an appointment?

All appointments may be booked online. Have a question? Send an email to emily@hardinghatchlings.com.

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Q: How many births do you take per month?

I will personally take on a maximum of two doula clients due in the same month, so long as the on-call windows do not overlap, and typically support my doula partner as the back-up for a maximum of two additional births per month.

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Q: Which hospitals do you support births at?

My personal favorites are NYP Hudson Valley in Peekskill, White Plains Hospital & Northern Westchester in Mount Kisco, though I will support births at most hospitals in Westchester. For a list of hospitals or practices I do not recommend or will not support births at, please email me to schedule a consultation.

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Q: Will you attend my midwife supported home birth?

Absolutely! I attend home births supported by a midwife exclusively in Westchester County. However, I do not work with families planning a "free-birth" aka a birth without any medical professional (midwife) present for liability purposes.

 

Q: Will you support my birth if I have an epidural?

Of course!! There is a common misconception that doulas only support unmedicated home births. I will attend most birthing locations, including a home birth attended by a nurse midwife, and support any birth you have - inlcuding a scheduled c-section. There is never any judgement.

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Q: I want a postpartum massage, but I’m not sure what to do with my baby while I relax!

No problem! I happen to have a knack for baby wearing while massaging. So, both you and your little one will be well cared for and pampered. Many clients bring their newborns and infants with them to my studio for their massage appointments. Kiddos are welcome so long as they are healthy and well.

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Q: Is a doula like a midwife?

A midwife in New York State is a registered nurse (RN) who has had additional trainings in labor and delivery, who replaces an ob/gyn. A doula is a non-medical support person who is experienced and specially trained in the perinatal phase of life. Doulas work in hospitals, home births and birthing centers, with both midwives and obstetricians. We are hired by the client/parent directly, working for you, not your provider.

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Q: My partner will be at the birth with me. Do I really need a doula if they are present?

A doula will never replace your partner as your primary support person but will support both of you. ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) recommends all pregnant people hire a doula. Together, your doula, partner and provider will serve you and ensure you have a fully supported, positive and safe birthing experience.

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Q: How do I book you for my birth/postpartum?

Click on the Contact tab and send me a message! Please include your location, EDD, birthing location and a bit about yourself and overall birth or postpartum goals. Together we will determine availability and set up a complementary 20-minute phone consultations.​​

 

Q: How long will you stay with me postpartum?

My postpartum doula contracts are typically just for the first 12 weeks of life, or 3 months postpartum. My goal is to work myself out of a job and foster maximum confidence and knowledge in the new parents and family unit. If necessary, and when availability allows, my clients and I may collectively choose to work together longer, or sign a new contract for nanny/newborn care specialist/babysitting work.

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Q: What does a postpartum doula do?

Postpartum doula's are trained in the normal course of the postpartum period and specialize in newborn care. As your doula I might:

• Prepare small meals for the family

• Provide newborn education by showing you how to bathe, feed or care for baby

• Assist in light household chores (wash dishes or laundry, prepare bottles, tidy the nursery, etc.)

• Provide up-to-date evidence based information about newborn sleep, infant feeding and lactation

• Offer Sibling support

Doula's companion new families through education, support and comfort. A doula is a walking/talking resource who can provide referrals to trusted practitioners and answer questions you may have regarding your newborn or postpartum period.

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Q: How many times can I reschedule my appointment?

Each appointment may be rescheduled a maximum of one time 48 hours or more before your session begins. Repeat rescheduling of a single appointment is not permitted. Appointments rescheduled within 48 hours of session start time are subject to a rescheduling fee equal to the total fee of the scheduled service,.

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Q: I have a gift certificate for bodywork, how can I redeem this during booking?

During the online booking experience you will be prompted to upload an image of your gift certificate. Acuity requires every client secure their appointment with a valid credit or debit card in order to schedule, but payment of course is not necessary. The gift certificate will be redeemed the morning of the service. 

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Q: Are gift certificates and/or packages refundable?

Gift certificates and packages are nonrefundable, and nontransferable. All sales are final.

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Q: Can I reschedule my appointment last minute in order to avoid the cancellation fee?

Because HH is a by-appointment-only small business, last minute rescheduling requests are subject to a rescheduling fee equal to the full cost of the session scheduled if your appointment time is not rebooked to its entirety by another client. Please familiarize yourself with the 48 hour cancellation and rescheduling policy, as it is strictly enforced.

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Q: Will the 48 hour cancellation/rescheduling fee be waived if I am sick?

While cancellation and rescheduling fees due to suspected and/or confirmed illness were waived for the first 3 years of the pandemic, HH is no longer able to extend this courtesy. Effective January 1, 2024, cancellation and rescheduling fees will no longer be waived due to suspected or confirmed illness.

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Q: Is the cancellation/rescheduling fee waived for clients who cancel due to labor/delivery?

Clients who cancel/reschedule within 48 hours of session start time due to labor/delivery will be charged in full for the scheduled session, but issued one 60 minute postpartum massage credit to be used within 13 weeks from date of cancellation. 

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Q: Which months of the year do you take births?

My on call schedule is September through June. I remove myself from any on-call scheduling and do not take births in the months of July and August, though the studio remains open for bodywork and energy healing appointments year round. 

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Q: Do you offer bodywork to male clients?

HH is not currently accepting any male clients, but will happily make a referral to a trusted and licensed bodyworker who does. At this time, HH exclusively works with women and those who identify as trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming.

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Q: Do you massage clients who are not pregnant or postpartum?

 Yes! While I specialize in the perinatal phase, I am also a specialist in bodywork as it pertains to women's wellness. You do not need to be pregnant or postpartum in order to schedule bodywork with me.

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Q: Can I request to shorten the length of my treatment time? If so, how will I be charged?

Clients may request to shorten the length of their treatment time (say, from 90 minutes to 60), but should this request be received within 48 hours or less prior to session start time, the client will be charged for the session originally scheduled and reserved. Similarly, late arrivals will be charged for the full service scheduled and will receive only the time remaining of their session.

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Q: Can I apply the gratuity pre-paid on my gift certificate towards my service balance?

Gratuity may only be used to tip the service provider, and cannot be used as payment if the cost of your service is not completely covered by the gift certificate balance. Gratuity is paid to the practitioner directly.