Considering a Doula - Delivering at Cedars

theboki

I'm giving birth at Cedars with an OB, but I'd really like to have a doula there with me.  I have no idea where to even start  -- there are so many to choose from and I have no idea.  Since I'm not having a home birth (I am high risk), will most doulas be uninterested in going to a hospital?  Does anyone have any good doula recommendations?  How much do they usually cost?

birdie9927

We are also having our baby at Cedars. So excited!  When we were interviewing doulas, we never encountered one uninterested in going to the hospital. I think that's where they're most needed...

I haven't delivered yet, but ours is Tracy Hartley. https://www.bestdoulas.com/ She is super experienced and has a wealth of knowledge, which was a big factor for us. Doulas in LA tend to range between $500-$1,500+ depending on their experience level/services. But there are doulas who are new to the business/still in training that you can get for less. We actually will have two because Tracy is bringing a trainee doula with her.

One thing you can do is ask your OB if there are any s/he recommends (mine had a list). We actually found ours by internet search, though. Go with your gut and with whom you feel most comfortable.

Good luck!

theboki

Thanks for the info! 

flotorch

Hi there, I delivered at Cedars and while I LOVED my nurse, I wish I had hired my friend as a doula.  Here is the link to her page, she has wonderful energy and really nurtures her clients! https://www.headfirstdoulas.net/about/vera_mccaughan/ I really cannot say enough good things about her. I don't know how available she is right now, but she's wonderful if you can get her

theboki

flotorch:

Hi there, I delivered at Cedars and while I LOVED my nurse, I wish I had hired my friend as a doula.  Here is the link to her page, she has wonderful energy and really nurtures her clients! https://www.headfirstdoulas.net/about/vera_mccaughan/ I really cannot say enough good things about her. I don't know how available she is right now, but she's wonderful if you can get her

 Thanks for the info.  I will definitely check her out.