Who is hiring a doula (or thinking about it?)

rowanthefrog · August 2013

I'm torn. This is my third. I'm going for another VBAC. I'd like to try unmedicated again (haven't quite achieved that one yet.) I had a doula last time but didn't have a great experience. (She couldn't come, she sent a backup who labored with me at home, but left once I got to the hospital and I still had another 24 hours of labor ahead of me.)

I'm interviewing new doulas but I can tell DH isn't really thrilled with the idea. I don't know if we should just take another birthing class together and cross our fingers or hire another one. I have spoken with one doula that I really like and that comes highly recommended by my dad (an OB-GYN), and a couple of midwives that I know. But, she may be taking a vacation at the end of January.

Anyway, just curious if you were hiring a doula and why. I'm struggling with this decision.

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bellamatson · August 2013

How much do doulas cost these days?

jmuha17 · August 2013

The hospital I deliver at offers free doulas who are still getting their training hours so I might look into that. I had one with my son and, at first, thought it was a little weird having a stranger along w me and my husband. And a little annoyed since introduced herself right in the middle of a contraction while I'm walking in the hall

but, after all said and done, I thought she was wonderful and did a great job helping my husband relax and explaining things to him along the way. She also helped with breast feeding after delivery and came back next day to say hello and brought a blanket for baby. I am considering having the doub

jmuha17 · August 2013

Opps. Considering doula for second babe a well

lmills730 · August 2013

I am because my mother is a doula and we will have her be our doula since it only makes sense. Had she not been one though, I think we would have anyways since DH and I are going through this for the first time, are admittedly nervous about it and would like the extra support.

lovinglife13 · August 2013

I had a doula with DS who I loved so I am using her again. It did take us about 6 interviews to find the right one though. So maybe see if you find one that you really connect with? And like other posters mentioned, see if your hospital has a doula service. Good luck momma!

nbbride06 · August 2013

I hired a doula who my OB often works with and was used by one of my friends. Also trying for a VbAC - although no plans of doing it completely unmediated. But I'd like to try to get much further without the epidural.

JaneW2 · August 2013

Personally, I'm not. I'm comfortable with my obstetrician and my hospital, and my husband is calm under pressure and should be able to advocate for me. We might even bring my mother, also. I think that's enough people in the room.

Misskara19 · August 2013

We're starting the interview process but we are still on the fence. It's expensive and I'm trying to see if there's any in-training ones but like @JaneW2 we think there's already a ton of people in the room with the midwife and her assistant and I have some bad anxiety. But we will see how interviews go!

rowanthefrog · August 2013

bellamatson said:

How much do doulas cost these days?

It my area between $500-900

ksonne · August 2013

We just hired a doula this past week! Our doula is $750, which includes monthly prenatal visits, labor, and two post partum visits.

Taricha · August 2013

I had one with my son but was not impressed. The nurses at my hospital did a much better job helping with labor. I also did not think that mine spoke up for me like she should have. I am having twins this time and plan on it just being me, my husband, and the medical staff

halfthetree · August 2013

If I was going to be having a hospital birth I absolutely would have a labor doula. Since I am having a home birth I am hiring a post partum doula to help me out the first few days.

ChuggingWater · August 2013

ksonne said:
We just hired a doula this past week! Our doula is $750, which includes monthly prenatal visits, labor, and two post partum visits.

Honest question for all--Is a doula in addition to a midwife?

nbbride06 · August 2013

ChuggingWater said:

ksonne said:
We just hired a doula this past week! Our doula is $750, which includes monthly prenatal visits, labor, and two post partum visits.
Honest question for all--Is a doula in addition to a midwife?

Yes. A doula does not deliver babies and is only there as a support person.

As to PP's question, Doulas are very expensive in Los Angeles. Over 1k. However, the nurses at my #allthestarshavetheirbabieshere hospital were worthless with DD and DH did need a break or 2 during my 28 hour labor, so it will be nice to have somebody to take over, massage my back, etc this time. Also, because I'm trying for a VBAC I think it's important even though my OB is very VBAC friendly.

Dishylo · August 2013

@rowanthefrig - your original post is why I won't be hiring a doula. I've had a few friends hire a doula who left at the first opportunity (one even left before my friend started pushing!!). I'm not painting everyone with the same brush but in my case, I'll have DH, my Dr and nurses - I personally don't see the need to pay for a doula.

PBP2002 · August 2013

We had a doula with DS and we'll be hiring her again. Although, we probably didn't NEED her the first time (and I hope to not NEED her this time, either), I like having her there. It was nice if DH needed a break that I still had someone there. And after DS was born, DH (naturally) stayed with DS once he was getting cleaned up and whatnot and our Doula stayed with me while I was getting stitched up, which was actually the worst part of the whole process for me, so I was so glad someone was still there to hold my hand and be there for me.

shellyannsings · August 2013

I am planning on hiring a doula, and grateful that they are available in my area!

ashybear · August 2013

I just found out there's a doula in my area who is also a lactation specialist. (Considering I live in a rural town of 400 people, it's fairly shocking.), so I would like to meet her and then discuss the expense with DH. Having someone available post-party's, when I'm back to being 2 hours from my midwife and hospital, sounds pretty appealing.

Cara1024 · August 2013

bellamatson said:

How much do doulas cost these days?

In my area I've seen $300-$500. Usually $500. That covers initial interview, 2 to 3 meetings throughout pregnancy. Phone calls to her anytime. She should be there the entire time you are laboring. Then comes back the next day for breast feeding help. And lastly one home visit a week later.

Cara1024 · August 2013

We are planning to hire one, I just haven't started the interview process yet. Been asking for referrals and looking at websites gathering info.

I would never have really considered hiring one until I witnessed my sister give birth last year. She was treated so incredibly poorly by the nursing staff. Like it was insane! My mom and I even had to change her bedsheets at one point because they wouldn't come and help her. They rolled their eyes at her and treated her so rudely. I thought I was losing my mind. It was a 30+ hour labor with 2 hours of pushing while everyone was treating her like she was only there for a hang nail and just need to buck up. (expect her family of course) I felt so badly that they ruined what should have been a wonderful experience and I vowed to be 100% sure I had MUCH better care lined up for this LO.

lovinglife13 · August 2013

Cara1024 said:

We are planning to hire one, I just haven't started the interview process yet. Been asking for referrals and looking at websites gathering info.

I would never have really considered hiring one until I witnessed my sister give birth last year. She was treated so incredibly poorly by the nursing staff. Like it was insane! My mom and I even had to change her bedsheets at one point because they wouldn't come and help her. They rolled their eyes at her and treated her so rudely. I thought I was losing my mind. It was a 30+ hour labor with 2 hours of pushing while everyone was treating her like she was only there for a hang nail and just need to buck up. (expect her family of course) I felt so badly that they ruined what should have been a wonderful experience and I vowed to be 100% sure I had MUCH better care lined up for this LO.

This is horrible! Giving birth is such an amazing (and difficult) experience, and to have that type of support is just horrible.

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