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Thank you gifts for doula

Nechie122Nechie122 member
in Natural Birth

I'm working with a doula in training and her fee is about 1/4 to 1/8 what an experienced doula earns in my area.  I almost feel like I'm under-paying her considering how many hours she's already -- and may end up -- putting in. 

What, if anything, would you consider appropriate (assuming she continues to be as wonderful as she's been)?  "Tipping" her at the end (and how much)?  Cab fare home from the hospital?  A non-monetary gift sometime after the delivery?  Just a thank you card?  Or some combination of the above?

Thanks in advance! 

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Re: Thank you gifts for doula

  • CaseBrideCaseBride

    I would definitely do something... what you want is up to you. If you know her pretty well you could get her something that fits her interests - i.e. a gift card for coffee, a nice bottle of wine, a certificate for a pedicure - whatever she likes. I feel like doing something like that, where you force her to use the money for something to pamper herself, is IMHO better than just giving cash... but you have to feel out what is appropriate for the situation.

    I also happen to think that well written cards are important too... I still have the thank you cards I have gotten from my clients... they are only a few but they mean a lot to me.

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  • bea0422bea0422
    Every time my doula has come over she has had this particular tea that I buy. She always says how yummy it is... I am planning to get her some tea, a nice mug and a gift card to the book store or maybe Ina May's new book. It's not much, but I am hoping she will still like it.
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  • Texas77againTexas77again member
    i would get her something that you have heard her talk about...maybe some birthing books, gift card to book store or amazon, def feed her during your birth, and send her pics of the baby once a year or something. 
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  • kathleen02kathleen02 member

    I got my doula a votive from https://www.glassybaby.com/

    They're all handmade and unique and part of the proceeds go to a good cause.

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker image

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  • BradleyInstructorBradleyInstructor
     I agree that it is very nice to give a personal card and gift to show your appreciation.  But remember that as a doula in training, she is getting just as much out of your birth as you are.  I have been there and it is sometime difficult to get hired as a doula without much experience.  I'm sure she will give you her all and be great for you during your birth, but your "payment" is more than monetary in her eyes I bet.
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  • eli_and_jeffeli_and_jeff

    If she's in school, she's probably not able to splurge on any luxury items so anything like a pedicure or a spa day would be nice. If you really feel like you're underpaying her, give her more as a donation towards her further training.


    BFP #1 05/11/10 Natural m/c 05/17/10 BFP #2 12/07/10 Natural m/c 12/12/10 BFP #3 01/21/11 Taking Prometrium, Baby Aspirin, and two injections of heparin a day Lightning Bug was born a healthy and happy 7lbs 14oz on 9/20/211
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