Expensive and Experienced Vs. New and Cheap?

nodito

I know everyone's financial situation is different and so this question will mean different things to different people, but I'm still interested in hearing your thoughts.

It was actually my husband (!) who suggested a few days ago that we hire a doula.  I am ecstatic, especially because reading these boards has me convinced that they are a good idea.

However, doulas in my area are very, very expensive.  I've interviewed four so far, all based on recommendations, and they range from $900 - $1500.  Yikes!  That's a mortgage payment!  My favorite so far is $1200.  She's an experienced midwife and doula who really put me at ease on the phone and has a lot of experience with natural deliveries.

I was reading another board where posters suggested that new doulas could be basically just as valuable as experienced doulas.  I've found advertisements for two doulas in my area that cost around $300.  They have attended fewer than five births and are working towards certification.  The posters on the other board suggested that newer doulas were enthusiastic and grateful and very helpful, and that saving several hundred dollars makes them totally worth it.

Thoughts? 

Haley.Beth

I don't know how big of an issue the money would be to you, but I think you should at least interview the student doulas. You might find that you really click with one and it could be very much worth it. Ask if the other mothers they've helped can provide recommendations or stories. Also, take into account where you will be giving birth. Will you really need someone more experienced, or is the hospital natural friendly enough that you'll just need the labor support, not necessarily an advocate? There are a lot of factors at play here.

aylafsu88

Birth is an emotional, intense, and painful experience. You need someone there that you feel comfortable with and who will see you when you are the most vulnerable.  IMO it is really important to go with a doula who you feel comfortable with and click with.  I would meet with them both and pick the one that you and your H get the best vibes from. 

tmrchi

I agree with the others, go based on how you connect with the doula.  Also find out what where the newer doula has helped deliver.  If it is 5 home births and you are at a hospital that might not be as helpful.

BriDaily

WOW!!! That is pricey. I would definitely see if you click with some of the doulas working on certification. I had one at my first birth who didn't even charge because it was the first birth she had been to after her training course. She was great!

nosoup4u

nodito:

I was reading another board where posters suggested that new doulas could be basically just as valuable as experienced doulas.  I've found advertisements for two doulas in my area that cost around $300.  They have attended fewer than five births and are working towards certification.  The posters on the other board suggested that newer doulas were enthusiastic and grateful and very helpful, and that saving several hundred dollars makes them totally worth it.

Thoughts? 

It totally depends on the doula, and the woman giving birth. A lot of having a doula is if everyone's personalities click, not just how helpful the doula is. 

I would interview a few of the less-experienced ones, bc you never know. See if they have other clients who'd be willing to talk to you to get a better idea of how they work. 

FWIW, I went with a very experienced doula (she was just finishing her CPM training when I was pg), and didn't regret it one bit. 

Arielle27

aylafsu88:

Birth is an emotional, intense, and painful experience. You need someone there that you feel comfortable with and who will see you when you are the most vulnerable.nbsp; IMO it is really important to go with a doula who you feel comfortable with and click with.nbsp; I would meet with them both and pick the one that you and your H get the best vibes from.nbsp;

This exactly.

Nechie122

I used a student doula and thought she was great. She had had a natural birth herself and she made me feel really calm and confident. It can't hurt to interview one or two "trainees." Some also work with a mentor that they can consult with if things get tough.

This is just my personal opinion, obviously, but I think "experience" matters the most if there's something out of the ordinary about your birth. For instance, maybe you have a lifelong phobia of hospitals, or you have an OB who you don't really trust, or you want a VBAC.

But if you just want someone to perform acupressure, talk you through contractions, encourage you when you feel overwhelmed and keep your DH calm ... then you just need someone who helps you relax and feel supported. And a newbie could do that too.

Welshgirl12

I went through a similar debate...we had contacted several doulas, narrowed it down to 2, one of which was twice as expensive as the other. The pricey one had around 10 yrs on and off experience, the less expensive is currently training and I will be her third official birth.

 Husband had been hesitant about a doula but after meeting the less expensive one he was like "I LOVE HER!!! BOOK HER NOW!!!" I wanted to wait to meet the other doula, but she ended up cancelling on us 3 times, plus on the phone I got the impression she was working out while I was having our initial conversation. It just made me feel a bit funny, like PAY ME ATTENTION!!

 I believe in instinct, and probably should have interviewed more doulas but I was super impressed and happy with our doula who will be with us when I deliver in October

 

Good luck in your search!

robyn2201

Interview both and then start thinking about which one you like better.

We used a student doula for DD1's birth. In fact, I was her first birth. She was awesome. She was our Bradley instructor, so we knew her really well by the end of our 12 weeks of classes. We knew she was knowledgeable and that she would be good at voicing my wishes if I was in a state that I couldn't. We ended up using her again for DD2's birth. 

shiway

That Is very expensive. I live in an area where you can get a wide range of prices for doulas. I am a new doula I have a attended 6 births! Some advantages to this from my point of view other than price of course, is excitement and eagerness to learn. I always have more experience doulas I know a phone call away In case something comes up that I want to bounce ideas off of. Just be sure the student doula has had a training class and is working towards certifications. And interview them all and make sure you feel really comfortable with them. Ask them about their previous births! What kind of births, where, what was the outcome. Ask for references as well! Can't hurt.