Experience with student/new doula?

[soymilk]

Hi,

I have an opportunity to use a student doula. She would have attended 2 births before my birth in late April.

Reading through the forum archives, it seems like there is mixed opinions on using a student doula. She seems enthusiastic but also a little bit nervous as she hasn't had much experience. That said she is not charging for her services.

Are there any considerations in using a student doula? What should my expectations be?

thanks for the feedback!

[YummyYumYumMama]

it really depends on how you feel about her. we had a student doula at no charge, and she was FABULOUS. i felt very comfortable with her when i met her because she was really knowledgeable about birth, calm, smart, warm, funny, etc. i really liked her from the start, and i'm so glad to have had her there for me. so, my experience was really good! but i'm sure it's a mixed bag, just like it is with professional doulas.

figure out how you feel about her, whether you think she would be able to advocate for you as needed and support/encourage you through labor, and whether you would feel comfortable letting her take care of your needs. you should still expect some prenatal visits or talks just so you get to know each other better, phone support, back-up care if she can't be available, and regular doula services, since she's training to be able to do that. so here's her chance to practice those skills on you! if you think she'd be good at them, go for it.

i felt like we couldn't afford a doula, but we didn't have to pay at all, and she was still amazing, so it definitely can work out! had i not gone the student route, i wouldn't have had a doula at all!

[soymilk]

Thanks very much for the feedback! I will give her a try. I think she might be able to help with comfort measures but less so with decision-making as her experience is somewhat limited.

[olien]

Originally Posted by YummyYumYumMama

it really depends on how you feel about her. we had a student doula at no charge, and she was FABULOUS. i felt very comfortable with her when i met her because she was really knowledgeable about birth, calm, smart, warm, funny, etc. i really liked her from the start, and i'm so glad to have had her there for me. so, my experience was really good! but i'm sure it's a mixed bag, just like it is with professional doulas.

i felt like we couldn't afford a doula, but we didn't have to pay at all, and she was still amazing, so it definitely can work out! had i not gone the student route, i wouldn't have had a doula at all!

I agree.

I used a very experienced doula (187births) with #1 & was sooo disappointed. I did not have a good experience at all.

This time around We are using my sisters friend. I will be her 3rd birth, although she has witnessed 6 others, but did not actively participate. So far she has been awesome. Much better that doula #1. Now I know the birth hasn't happened yet, but I can already tell she will be a better match for me.

She isnt charging anything, unless she has to pay for child care, then we will cover that expense. I think we will give her $200 or $300 tho.

It really is about personality. They have to really mesh with you.

[momto4plus4]

I've had 3 student doulas. The first 2 were excellent. The last was fine, I just think she didn't know what to do-my labor was odd. I've considered trying to find one again this time although it's getting a little late for that! I was also the first birth 1 of my favorites had attended and she was awesome. I'd say go for it!