which doula?

Welshgirl12

Hi all. Just after some opinions about which doula to pick. I have found 2 I really like in speaking via email and on the phone.
Doula A is 20 mins from my house with 10 yrs on and off experience.
Doula B is 40 mins from my house with only a handful of births under her belt BUT is literally half the cost.

So which would you pick? I wish money were no option but sadly it is, so Doula B certainly seems appealing, but would the lack of experience worry you? I do feel like all doulas have to start somewhere!

aylafsu88

Are you planing to meet with them in person?  IMO a one-on-one meeting is the best way to get to "know" a doula.  I met with a couple doulas and went with the doula I clicked with the most.  I recommend choosing the doula you get the best vibes from. IMO the experience is somewhat irrelevant.  I prefer someone who I feel comfortable with and who I feel will be able to best support me during L&D.

Welshgirl12

Yes I am plannong on meeting both of them within the next couple of weeks. Thanks for the advice!

armybride6510

aylafsu88:

Are you planing to meet with them in person?nbsp; IMO a oneonone meeting is the best way to get to "know" a doula.nbsp; I met with a couple doulas and went with the doula I clicked with the most.nbsp; I recommend choosing the doula you get the best vibes from. IMO the experience is somewhat irrelevant.nbsp; I prefer someone who I feel comfortable with and who I feel will be able to best support me during Lamp;D.

I couldn't agree more.

Arielle27

Welshgirl12:

Yes I am plannong on meeting both of them within the next couple of weeks. Thanks for the advice!

 

Definitely crucial.

 We were also choosing between two doulas for our first pregnancy... The cost wasn't quite as disparate as you are describing, but otherwise circumstances were very similar... On paper, the more experienced doula was the clear choice, but after meeting them, there was no doubt that I liked the other one better. 

In the end, I labored at home for a few hours anyway, giving the doula plenty of time to get to me, and I was very happy with my choice! 

Birdies08

Welshgirl12:

Yes I am plannong on meeting both of them within the next couple of weeks. Thanks for the advice!

I agree that how you feel with them is super important. Pick the one you click the most with. If that's the more expensive doula, you could let her know that you really feel she's the right doula for you, but that you are working with a budget. Many doulas are able to do a limited number of reduced cost births. I don't think any doulas are in it for the money

Welshgirl12

Thanks everyone, we have the meets lined up over the next couple of weeks! Excited to meet them, make a choice and get the ball rolling!

GraceInCA

aylafsu88:

Are you planing to meet with them in person?  IMO a one-on-one meeting is the best way to get to "know" a doula.  I met with a couple doulas and went with the doula I clicked with the most.  I recommend choosing the doula you get the best vibes from. IMO the experience is somewhat irrelevant.  I prefer someone who I feel comfortable with and who I feel will be able to best support me during L&D.

I echo this sentiment. We interviewed several doulas, and the one who had attended the most births was the one I think I "clicked" with the least. The most important thing is personality, and how you will feel having that person attend to you during such a personal, vulnerable moment. We ended up hiring one of the least experienced and least expensive doulas we interviewed, because I felt good about her and I knew that she would best be able to be a helpful birth partner when the time comes.  I'm looking forward to seeing how it all works out.