Is this reasonable?

[rlmueller]

I am required to hire a birth assistant for my homebirth with the midwife practice that I am working with. There is a vast range in price. I found a woman who the practice has worked with in the past for $650. She is a birth educator, doula, EMT, mother of 4 (2 born with the practice I am with) and in midwifery school. There is a 36 week meeting, they stay up to 4 hours after birth, and do 1 post partum visit. I specified that I don't want chatty, just advise when needed and then leave alone unless asked. And, she laughed at my jokes.

Is the price reasonable--I'm in Northern VA just FYI.

[HollyRhea]

It's hard to say if that price is reasonable in your area (maybe x-post in your tribal area?), but in our area that price for all that experience would be a steal. A doula staying that long after the birth and a midwifery student - those are beyond the scope of the average doula. I don't stay that long unless I'm employed by the midwife as an assistant rather than a doula, and I charge $750/birth. I am in Chicago, though. I think it's also really valuable that this woman has had two births with your midwifery practice. There will be a new depth in your care as a result.

Hope that helps!

[rlmueller]

She will be employed as an assistant rather than doula--however birthing family are required to pony up the assistant dough. That is why we choose from their list. So that they are working with an assistant they are familiar with. The price range so far I got was from $650-$750 depending on the person.

[seashells]

I don't have a clue about the money, but I think it's odd that you have to find and pay the assistant yourself. All the midwives I've ever heard of brought their own assistants and bundled her into the bill.

At the very least, I would imagine a midwife would want to choose her own assistant. That way they get to know each other, understand how each other works, etc. Also bundling is kind of part of the service, so you don't have to worry about it.

[kathan12904]

$650 is about average for doulas in my area, Columbia, MO. If the money is a concern for you, discuss with the mw what exactly they are looking for in a birth assistant. A mw who has the choice would much rather have a "runner" there who can attend to mom and dad's needs, and provide labor support than do all those things herself as well as monitor/manage the labor. If the mw merely wants someone else for your emotional and practical support, see if she'd be comfortable with a friend or family member of yours. If she is looking for a second set of skilled hands, you might just have to fork over the cash, although I too would consider it odd that she wouldn't provide that type of person herself.

[rlmueller]

Thanks all

I'm glad to hear from you and searching that $650 is reasonable. They want experience I want someone who knows when to leave me alone or re position for optimal birthing as needed then leave me alone--the one I hired seems to have both.

This is standard for this practice and part of the contract to sign--practice has been around since 1987. I'm constrained by ins. coverage of course.

The practice is a bit more medicalized than I like/want but I'll be home and there xfer rates and section rates are MINISCULE (between 2-7% depending on what year for both) for multi para moms which is good. I explained what I am and what I want (I'm cranky and don't want people around).

Thanks again.