May 2014 Moms
Miggg
member
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Doula Interview
Miggg
member
Decided to take the plunge and hire a doula. I found someone online who is still available and looks like she'd be a good fit so we're meeting her tonight. Those that have hired doulas - how did you decide on one? What do you think are the most important questions to ask and qualities to look for?
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Re: Doula Interview
I think everything has pretty well been covered...make sure she will support your birthing preferences and not just promote her own; make sure she has a back-up in case she has another birth; ask her how many births she schedules in a given time; fees; etc.
2011: FSH 13.3 & E 99; AMH 0.54 2nd FSH 6.2 E 40's AFC: 8
BFP from Clomid/IUI ~ Pre-e and IUGR during pregnancy ~ DS born 9/4/12
Feb./March 2013: AMH less than 0.16 (undectable) and AFC = 4;
BFP from supps ~ DS#2 due May 2014
May 2014 January Siggy Challenge:
Best thing is personality---you are inviting her into one of the most intimate and important moments of her life. Make sure you like her but also that DH/partner really, really likes her too...since they will be a team. It doesn't really matter what her birth philosophy is as long as she supports your plan. ya know?
Also-ask how many births she takes per month 3-4 is considered full-time and if she has a back-up and if you can meet her back up just in case...also ask how many times she has had to call on her backup.
@sopsongbird One of the reasons I decided I wanted a doula is to help support DH so you could present that angle to him. Obviously there's a lot of focus on the mother and baby during birth so it sounds like fathers can get lost in the shuffle and forget to eat, drink, rest etc. until they're physically spent and passing out. The doula is there to support us as a couple through the process so that we both have an amazing birthing experience. Not replace him, help support him. Hopefully some BTDT moms will have some experience to share on that but that's how I presented it as a FTM.
*eta: I googled them in our area. Just wondering if rates are similar, or if it varies in what services they provide.
My insurance doesn't cover doula services but you could definitely check with yours to see if it's more liberal. The doula fees in my area seem to vary from $500-$1,000 depending on experience. Our doula has 4 years of experience and has attended 100+ births. She's certified and is also a hypnobirthing instructor. With the placenta encapsulation it'll cost us about $900. That also includes 2-3 prenatal visits and any appointments I'd like my doula to attend with me.
My area is relatively HCOL though so you may have less expensive options depending on where you live. Doulamatch.net is a great site where you can search based on criteria, that's where we found ours.