Doula recommendations?

fyziksgirl

While I'm asking about local birth helpers...anyone have a doula they loved? I would LOVE to hire a doula...but I'm hesitant because the costs I've seen are up around $2k. I get why it costs that much, and that their services are very valuable, but since it's all out of pocket I'm just not sure I can justify it. Trying to find good options to look into it...anyone? Thanks!

blueLu25

I just replied to your post below, but just wanted to say that I did one birth with one, and one without, and didnt really feel any difference as far as how much support I had. I had a student midwife at each birth and she acted a lot like a doula would anyway. Also, we did Bradley classes, and I just felt like having so much knowledge about the birth process was huge for me, and I never felt scared etc. because I could tell what stage I was in, etc and what to expect next. 

Kathzoo

If you are looking at an out of hospital birth, your need for a doula may be less than trying to go natural in a hospital. Keep in mind that a doula will come to your house and help you out before you go to the birth center and stick by you even if your birth plan/location changes. Definitely interview a few. I love Rebecca Shepherd with The Sacred Sprout Doula Services. My midwife focused on the medical side while Rebecca and DH kept me comfortable. I did not need a lot of physical support before the birth, but afterwards it was great to have someone to support me while waiting for the placenta and getting stitched up. DH had the baby and the midwife was understandably occupied. The assistant midwife barely arrived in time for the birth. I had never met her before. She was awesome and we put her acupuncture skills to use, but mostly she was taking notes and helping our midwife. We have a ton of student midwives in the area if you want one with less experience who is possibly free. I can help you find one if you need it.

Kathzoo

I meant student doulas, but we have a lot of student midwives too.

greenmtbride

Please don't let cost keep you from using a doula. We have tons of doulas in this area and I've found them in all price ranges. I think we paid $500 for ours as she was still getting certified. There are even doulas who work for free while they try to get certified. I think you can call the Seattle Midwifery School and get some referrals that way. The problem with relying on the midwives is that they are not at home with you and it's best to stay home as long as possible. Good luck!

greenmtbride

ps.  I sent you a PM with my doula's info.

jenseattle07

Highly recommend:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Your-Birth-Journey-Doula-Services/189842396712

and I know she's not $2k

 

Best of luck!

Jennifer

 

keri1013

Love love love my doula, Alyssa Morgan. Find her at www.seattledoulagirl.com

She was worth every penny! And she's definitely cheaper than $2,000.  

kathleen02

My best friend is a doula. Here is her profile on doulamatch.net

https://doulamatch.net/profile/1813/shawnette-fox

She is excellent and will be there for you. We actually had a discussion when she stopped by last weekend about the current state of doulas and their relationship with birth centers/hospitals and such right now. She was hearing from some people that many of the newer doulas out there are actually getting in the way of midwives and/or OB's. For instance the puget sound birth center has had a rash of "bad" doulas this summer, that seem to be there more to witness and handle the birth than doing their intended job of taking care of mother. She was appalled that some people are charging $2K for their services as well. Just seems shady. Anyway, I love her and trust her. She was there for my birth too. If you want more info just PM me.

doublem

We love/loved our doula and couldn't recommend her more highly!  My DH even goes around telling people how much it helped him feel confident about the birth.  If it helps, we did a hospital birth, and I'm not sure I could have gone natural without her.  Here's her website: https://phoenixbirthservices.com/