Anyone use Doula Care program?

Amores0121

I really want to get a doula, but seeing that they range around $700, DH and I don't think we can afford it. I found out about Doula Care, which is a non-profit program that either provides a free doula (if you meet the income limits) or charges $350 if you are above the limit. Idk what the actual income limit is, but if we are above it, I am definitely going to make it so I can swing $350. I was just wondering if anyone had used this program and if so, how they liked it?

 

 TIA!

luvmybundle

where are they located? i was just looking up doulas and didn't realize it was so expensive!  and i would certainly love to be able to afford one at my birth.

Amores0121

Well they are for Michigan. They have Doulas all over, I guess. I haven't called yet. I need to do it soon!

gobbo1985

$700 is actually very cheap for a doula. We live in Canada and our doula costs $1200. But it also includes a lot. 3-4 visits during pregnancy at our house, in te labour room with us, 1-2 visits at our house post partum and it also includes 2 visits from a lactation consultant. But I are doula is awesome and I talk to her all the time so she is pretty worth it. Definitely look around and go with the one who offers the most.

MamaWombat

I'm not familiar with the organization, but it sounds like it's worth a call! I think the cost varies a lot depending on where you live, but if you're willing to go with a less experienced doula, or one in training, it's easier to find someone on the lower end of the scale. 

We interviewed 3 doulas off doula match, with varying standard charges ($300, $450, and $650). Ultimately, we decided to go with the most expensive (and experienced) one, but she agreed to do extra prenatal visits with us to (at  no extra charge) to cover childbirth biology/physiology, comfort techniques, etc. That meant that we opted out of doing the Bradley classes we'd originally planned on, so we're still saving money.