Doulas

Ac123456789 · November 2013

For those who are using/have used a doula, how much do/did they cost?

smushi · November 2013

I'm interested in this answer too. In addition, what services did your doula provide?

kmommy37 · November 2013

I live in Chicago (in the city) and we have hired a doula for $800 and placenta encapsulation for $200. We speak once a month regarding my midwife visits, she has recommended a few books, and classes, and will come to my house when labor becomes active. She will be with us from that point until after the birth. She also does a consultation for breast feeding both at the hospital, and if needed at home. My husband and I both have no family here so it will be a big help to have some additional support throughout this process.

WifeofaComposer · November 2013

There are many kinds of doulas. Are you considering an antepartum, birthing, or postpartum doula? The costs are all different, and it depends on the level of certification. I am finally starting my certification process in December. Around here, a private doula can charge anywhere from $1,000 - $4,000 per birth, and the prices are variable for the type of services she provides. There are apprentice doulas who assist certified doulas, and they're costs are much lower. There are also some volunteer doulas available out there.

Ac123456789 · November 2013

We are considering a labor doula. I'm 100% on board but DH is skeptical about what benefit she would provide our birth experience.

Rrrrrachel · November 2013

Around here a labor doula is around 750. I haven't actually used one, though. It varies a lotby location and also how much experience the doula had.

Groffychris · November 2013

Our doula in the Bay Area is $1500 with 2-3 prenatal, attendance through out labor and 1-2 postpartum visits. We think she's great!

joyfullyfound · November 2013

It will depend on where you live, how much experience they have, and to what extent you want them to be involved (usually post-natal care). With DD, we chose to use a new graduate from a local doula program, and she didn't charge us anything because she was just happy to get the experience. We gave her a gift and thank you card afterwards though, of course. She was wonderful and caring and I have no regrets about choosing her to work with us. I think a lot of the time it has less to do with experience (I mean, as long as they know the basics) and more to do with personality and instinct. She's now moved on to midwifery school in another city, but we'll be seeking another student for this baby.

Otherwise, here in BC, I think the cost ranges anywhere $150-$800.

CurlieWhirlie · November 2013

@Groffychris Where in the Bay Area? I'm delivering in the City, so we're interviewing a doula practice that's offering something similar, but we haven't met them yet. I'm on the fence about whether I really need one or not, since this is #2 and I didn't have any trouble having a med-free birth with #1. Having a doula last time did give me peace of mind, even though during labor I didn't really need her.

KHendy27 · November 2013

Mine is $1200 for 2-3 get together before birth, unlimited calls/texts, active labor through two hours post partum and one visit at home. I'm trying for a vba2c so I think she'll meet me right away. we still have to talk details.

strawberrytree · November 2013

I found my doula through a volunteer program- she was in the process of undergoing her doula training, and had to attend a certain number of births to qualify. She was free for us. Prices here are around 700-1000$ which usually includes a couple prenatal visits, support during labour, and a couple postnatal visits with BF support offered. I'm not sure about prices for more extensive postpartum support but it is available.

MegCullen · November 2013

I'm a doula in Virginia and my rate is $400. Normal rate is anywhere from $400 to $1000 around here depending on what she wants to charge!

yellowjellybeans · November 2013

The doula I may use in Dallas that came highly recommended by one of my clients at work charges the following

Option 1: $625 - Includes a prenatal & labor services

Option 2: $725 - Includes 2 prenatal visits, labor services and a post partum visit.

Option 3: $800 - Includes a complete childbirth class, prenatal visits, labor services & post partum visit

Lacynduck · November 2013

@courtneykline how do you get a placenta encapsulation? Or where? Who do you tell?

kmommy37 · November 2013

@cortiz253 - Honestly I have no clue. I told my doula, and I think she tells the hospital staff and I have to sign some papers saying she can take it with her. I THINK. Sorry I'm new to this as well.

MamaFantastic · November 2013

the doula we used with my son charged $500 back in 2010 when he was born, and charges $750 now. she does 2 pre-birth visits, the whole labor experience, and leaves an hour or two after birth. if you want PP doula care, she was $25/hr last i heard about 2 years ago. it very well could be more now though.

when we met her, she was still mid-certification so she used me as one of her 3 required births to graduate with her doula certification. it was great to not pay anything, and she was fantastic!

PurpleSnapDragons · November 2013

Since I'm going for a vbac. We are definitely getting a doula. We are interviewing two next week. They cost about $500 where I am. These both have vbac experience which is really important for me

Cecilbear · November 2013

For Chicago women, the Chicago Volunteer Doulas are always an option too. Payment is accepted on a sliding scale.

aquasoho · November 2013

In Portland they are anywhere from $500-1000. Most I've seen in my search have been in the $800+ range. Some doulas have a sliding scales though, so if your budget is tight, you might find one willing to work with your budget.

Might be worth a shot looking into volunteer doulas. the hospital I am delivering out of has a volunteer group of doulas who are free of charge. Only downside is they are only call Friday-Sunday morning and you aren't guaranteed to get one if they are attending mothers who came in before you. So, it's a bit of a crap shoot.

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