Doula Recommendation?

JulietH78

Does anyone have a doula they would recommend for delivery? My husband and I have been thinking about this for a while, but last week I had an unpleasant experience with one of the midwives at HealthEast that made me decide I really want someone else in the room advocating for me during the delivery. I'm due in mid-June, we'll be delivering in St Paul. I have gone to one Childbirth Collective event already and plan to go to another this week to meet more potential Doulas. Aside from feeling generally comfortable with this person, my only requirement is that it is someone who has given birth herself (I just don't know how you can coach someone through that if you haven't been there before). I'm just a little overwhelmed with having to make a decision, interview people, etc., so was hoping someone might have a recommendation. Any info would be helpful!

NatesCupcake47

I don't have a recommendation for a doula, but you can check with your hospital to see if they provide free volunteer doulas.  My midwife told us at our last appointment that when we check in at Woodwinds we can request a free volunteer doula.  We haven't decided if we'll do this or not yet.  Obviously there's not really time to establish a relationship if you choose this option...

JulietH78

I think Woodwinds is the only hospital with volunteer doulas, but I will check. Thanks for the recommendation!

JulietH78

@umchase - is Sara local? I googled, and the only one I found said she is from the Twin Cities but currently living in California. Maybe she hasn't updated her FB page? I will try to contact her. Thanks for the reco!

Suz+Mo

Nichi (pronounced nickie) is absolutely incredible!

 https://www.facebook.com/myhealthybeginning?ref=ts&fref=ts

 

www.myhealthybeginning.com 

Andie41

My coworker's wife is a doula at the Childbirth Collective. I didn't use her as a doula, but I know her, of course, and she's great! They have 4 children. (I think they need to update her page, as she still only has 3 listed!) Her name is Angie Sonrode.

KateTC

I would definitely suggest Childbirth Collective! You can go to their All About Doula and get a feel for a few, and I would definitely interview a few so you are with someone you feel comfortable with. We interviewed 4 different ones.
We used Holly Fix and we absolutely loved her! She's expecting her 3rd child now, so depending on when you are due she may not be available? If you meet her tell her Katie G recommended her.
Having a doula for my pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum was definitely one the best decisions we made! She was so helpful!
Good luck!

Marettie

I'm using Lindsey McCoy. She is amazing and I think she books up really fast. A great thing to do is to go to DONA's site and search for one that's compatible with you and then conduct a few phone interviews.