Doula question..

abickman

This is my second pregnancy, and I am curious if any of you ladies used a doula during your labor, and if any of it was covered by insurance.  After going through labor once, I realize that there are a lot of things that mom's are not able to voice, and many things that we are ignorant of during the birthing process.  Having an advocate for you in the room seems like a wonderful idea, but I'm not sure I could afford such a person, and how my husband would feel about this.  Any experiences and thoughts you can share are appreciated 

Mrs.Albie

I'm guessing that they would not be covered by insurance.  I have never looked into one myself, but my friend hired a doula for $300, which included some post partum care as well.  Perhaps its something you coudl save for?

mrs.lizzieb

I used a doula with DS, and it was not covered by insurance.  I ended up having to go to a c/s, so in retrospect, the doula wasn't necessary.  However, it was nice having an "advocate" there in the room for us, especially since all of our family lived out-of-state, so we didn't have family support there.  I also went through a very painful labor, so she was helpful in trying to alleviate the pain.  DH was a little skeptical at first when I mentioned a doula to him, but he ended up going with it in the end.  Looking back, I think he regrets it because she was very expensive and we didn't have the birth that we had wanted anyways(unmedicated natural).  I wouldn't say I regret it, but I definitely will not be using one this time around, even though I will be trying for a VBAC.  I'd rather put the $ towards a college fund.  I know some moms that loved their doula and had a great experience though.  Good luck with whatever you decide!

NebMom

Hi - I am a doula, and i can tell you that while doulas are not necessarily written into your insurance, many of us doulas are having some success at getting "some" of the fees covered by insurance, after the fact. insurance may not cover the entire service fee, but may pay you back for some of it. It can't hurt to interview doulas in your area and check out what they cost near you. i know some of them can cost upwards of $1000 in california, which is ridiculous, but here in nebraska, the fees are less than half that, on average. Some doulas, including myself, will even work for trade, or negotiate rates, depending on clients income, and doulas certified through DONA, DONA strongly encourages we do probono births from time to time, to effectively serve the women that need us.

i guess what i'm trying to say is you have a lot of options! Good luck!

Mellimo83

I am also a doula, but a postpartum one, so I come into the house after baby is born and help mom be her best. I hope I dont step on PP toes here.

• Doulas need to do three births before they're able to apply for certification.
  
• Most of the time, these first three births (or post partum's) are free. The Doula would be fresh out of training but trust me when I say it's really something you're born to.
  
• If you decide to go with a Doula, meet her first. get to know her, make sure you feel good about her. 
• Doulas are not to 'speak' for mom, its about educating her and giving her and her partner a voice.  This is taken from the DONA website. I think it's important people know these details.
• C. Advocacy:
  The doula advocates for the client's wishes as expressed in her birth plan, in prenatal conversations, and intrapartum discussion, by encouraging her client to ask questions of her caregiver and to express her preferences and concerns. The doula helps the mother incorporate changes in plans if and when the need arises, and enhances the communication between client and caregiver. Clients and doulas must recognize that the advocacy role does not include the doula speaking instead of the client or making decisions for the client. The advocacy role is best described as support, information, and mediation or negotiation.
• 
  

Finally, like the pp pointed out, most Doulas will have some kind of sliding scale, just ask.
Good luck.

lwogsland

your labor nurse is supposed to advocate for you as well...rather than paying for a doula and forcing out your nurse..maybe establish a relationship with her and she will be there for you for free

elle_bee

I used a doula for my DD and i was very happy I did, she was incredibly helpful on the drive to the hospital, checking in while DH was parking the car and during labor.  Not covered by insurance, unfortunately.  You never know what the team will be like in the hospital who is working with you (how supportive they will be of your birthplan), so it is great to have someone else in there on your side.  I didn't want the added stress of potentially having to negotiate with the hospital once I was in labor.  I was lucky to give birth in a hospital that supported natural birth, but was still happy to have the doula there.  I plan to use her again this time as well. 

Ihme

NebMom:

Hi - I am a doula, and i can tell you that while doulas are not necessarily written into your insurance, many of us doulas are having some success at getting "some" of the fees covered by insurance, after the fact. insurance may not cover the entire service fee, but may pay you back for some of it. It can't hurt to interview doulas in your area and check out what they cost near you. i know some of them can cost upwards of $1000 in california, which is ridiculous, but here in nebraska, the fees are less than half that, on average. Some doulas, including myself, will even work for trade, or negotiate rates, depending on clients income, and doulas certified through DONA, DONA strongly encourages we do probono births from time to time, to effectively serve the women that need us.

i guess what i'm trying to say is you have a lot of options! Good luck!

That's fantastic. Here in Toronto, a doula charges between $900-$1200. I am thinking of going with a doula, too, but I am also going with a midwife (they are covered by insurance here in Canada-the midwives) so I wasnt sure if I needed a doula. And the prices are very prohibitive. Do you have any thoughts of getting a doula when you already have a midwife? X

GreenSmoothieGirl

I am currently interviewing midwives and so far the 2 I've spoke with have doulas that are on their team, per say.  Do you know is your midwife has anyone else assist her during the birth?

GreenSmoothieGirl

On the other side of this argument, a Labor Nurse is employed by the hospital and will have the hospitals best interests at heart (especially when it comes to "doctor recommendations" - ie, pitocin)