Doula

BecauseLove · August 2016

Anyone considering getting a doula? If so what services are you seeking or getting?

mrsstuessy · August 2016

I am a doula. Happy to answer any questions.

WkoutMomtoBe · August 2016

We are going to get a doula. There is a company around here but they seem to all have very little experience (like 1 year of being a doula). I found some more that were on doula match or something that have many more years experience, clients, testimonials, stats and more so I'll go with one of them (and surprisingly they're less expensive than the others that have 1 year experience)

cookies754 · August 2016

WkoutMomtoBe said:

We are going to get a doula. There is a company around here but they seem to all have very little experience (like 1 year of being a doula). I found some more that were on doula match or something that have many more years experience, clients, testimonials, stats and more so I'll go with one of them (and surprisingly they're less expensive than the others that have 1 year experience)

What is the average cost to have a doula?

WkoutMomtoBe · August 2016

I'm not sure where you are but one place I found was $950 (for doulas that had 1 year experience) but then a lady I found with 12 years experience, 90 births, incredible testimonials, etc is $750 (she was at this lady's home for 19 hours while in labor before they went to hospital, she helped her have a VBac, helped with difficult medical staff, knows the hospitals, drs/procedures, etc).

I've seen some listed on a website that said $250-$750. I'm assuming it depends on services you want (support during pregnancy + birth + postpartum, support last month + birth, etc). I think you're in Chic burbs right....I'm sure it'll be more although there are probably more doulas and it's more competitive so maybe not?

lovelongdog06 · August 2016

I'm considering it, and have one in mind, but I don't know if I can afford her. I'll have to see how much my midwife's fee is this time and if we have any money to play with. My dog had a massive anaphylactic reaction to something a few weeks ago and keeping him alive totally drained our savings. Plus, we have no summer income

. It will probably be my husband as doula again with my MIL as a buddy to DS. Maybe a friend for photos if I'm lucky.

cookies754 · August 2016

Thanks, @WkoutMomtoBe! That's helpful. I haven't decided anything yet, but figure I have lots of time to research!

BecauseLove · August 2016

mrsstuessy That's awesome! Ps. your photo of the Olympics is both creeping me out and cracking me up.
Any advice we should know about? Anything you would suggest for us Doula newbies?

In our area there are very few Doulas (like maybe 2-3) and they have to travel long distances. They seem to have a lot of costs broken down to ala cart and then between 800-1500 for services for attending a birth, before and after the birth.

ladameperdue · August 2016

Is anyone considering a homebirth (I know it's advance consideration at this point), or have you had one in the past? Sounds like you might be, lovelongdog06?

WkoutMomtoBe · August 2016

I might BUT there is only 1 person in area and you have to go to the dr and be cleared. I doubt I would be as I already know I'll be going to maternal fetal/high risk dr so there is no way I'd be cleared

mrsstuessy · August 2016

@BecauseLove Well, I think there are a ton of pros to having a doula, especially if you are hoping for a natural, unmedicated birth. Definitely have an interview with anyone you are considering so you can get a vibe for them and try not to settle. (I know that is hard if you live in a place with very little options.) Honestly, more than experience and fancy qualifications I would want to make sure I genuinely like being around my doula. Because all the training and titles in the world are not going to help if you just want to punch her in the face the whole time you are in labor.

STM2017 · August 2016

Oh my goodness, I cannot stress enough how much I recommend hiring a doula!!! We had one for DS (May 2015) and I have already contacted her to hire her again for this LO.

My doula was absolutely amazing!!!!! She met with us for a few appointments before EDD just to talk about my wishes, and provide some education. Then the day of the birth, she was texting me all morning. The second I told her to come over, she left and came to my house. My labour was very long and difficult, and she was with us for 24 hours straight (30 hour labour in total - I laboured for the first bit alone). I swear, I didn't even see her eat or use the washroom. She was by my side the entire time!!! After DS was born, I went through the baby blues really badly, and had a bit of PPD. She came to my home twice after he was born. Once when my milk came in and I was struggling to nurse, and then about a week later just to check in on me because she new I was depressed. She taught me how to babywear him, gave me some emotional support, and even went as far as to help clean my kitchen/do my dishes.

I can't remember exactly how much she charged (I think $900 for first time clients), but we ended up tipping her and giving her $1000 because she was incredible!!

I am such a huge advocate for having a doula. When we found out we were pregnant, I asked DH if we wanted her again, and his response was "are you kidding me? We need her!"

Sorry for the long post!

Oh, forgot to add: She is a highly recommended doula in our area. She's been to 750+ births! So I felt 100% confident in her abilities.

WkoutMomtoBe · August 2016

Couple of questions for those who have had a doula or are planning on hiring one

Did you interview your doula? Did you meet with more than one doula? I'm told that I should meet with/interview more than one (though I'm positive I know the one I want as she has the most experience, great testimonials, I met her last night and I know of several couples who used her).
What do you ask a doula? I've never used one so I have no clue what to ask just that I want an advocate for my husband and I.

STM2017 · August 2016

@WkoutMomtoBe I've heard of people interviewing doulas as well. With DS we were recommended a doula that my sister had. We met with her and fell in love with her immediately. I didn't feel the need to interview anyone else at that point and DH agreed.

Ideas of questions to ask:
1) What you can expect of them during your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum?

2) What they charge (obvious question)?

3) How do they differentiate between their role and your SO? (This was big for DH because he still wanted to be my main source of support and not feel like he was replaced)

4) What's the best form of communication and how frequently can you chat? (I've heard some doulas have limited amounts of emails, phone calls etc. Mine was unlimited emails and we chatted throughout my whole pregnancy)

I'm sure there are tons more questions. But those are the ones off the top of my head.

housewifehobbyist · August 2016

This thread is so helpful! You ladies rock!

I've been seriously considering getting a doula when the time comes. @mrsstuessy Do you think it would be worthwhile for someone like me? I'm an introvert who doesn't handle sudden stress well, and is kind of a control freak, so what I want is someone there who knows what I want and can advocate for me so I can avoid getting worked up emotionally, and someone who has a calming energy and can help me find my peaceful place. I love H but he's as intense as I am and I want someone who can just anchor us both. I plan on a hospital birth with doctors, but I'm worried about the bright lights and intensity of the situation giving me a panic attack (a thing a get fairly regularly) there at the same time.

mrsstuessy · August 2016

@housewifehobbyist It sounds like a doula would be great for you. I would definitely interview anyone you are interested in and tell her just what you wrote there. Ask her how she might help someone specifically like you. And then see if her answers rest well with you.

Beckyf321 · August 2016

Yes, I'm insisting on a doula this time! Not sure of the services yet, but will be checking them all out. I had epi's my first two deliveries and hope to go med free this time (because I'm psychotic, haha!).

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