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presents for doula or midwife?  

post #1 of 17
9/7/05 at 11:31pm
Thread Starter 
Is anyone else buying their doula or midwife a present to give at the birth? Last time we used our midwife I gave her some nice candles that she really liked. I am looking for some new ideas, especially for the doula who is providing her services for free. thanks for any ideas
post #2 of 17
9/8/05 at 1:48am
That's a good idea, I hadn't thought of it. Maybe even a gift certificate to like The Body Shop or something.
post #3 of 17
9/8/05 at 2:01am
Ahhh the best gifts ever:
Hope this helps....
post #4 of 17
9/8/05 at 2:34am
i made a placenta print for everyone at the birth.. my midwife still has it up in her office
post #5 of 17
9/8/05 at 5:48am
If I get the placenta prints done, I'm planning on doing an extra one for our midwife, but I'm also planning on a rich, scrumptious fruit cake topped with glace fruit, as it's nearly Christmas (or at least, it will be), and a basket of jams, marmelades and stuff. (Are all midwives obsessed with toast, or is it just the UK ones?) I figure it's something a little luxurious, but also practical.
It's making life harder for us because while Sandra's doing all my antenatal care and postnatal care, there's only a 1 in 7 chance that she'll be catching my baby- so what to do? How do you give a present to a midwife you're probably not going to see again?
post #6 of 17
9/9/05 at 4:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by flapjack
Are all midwives obsessed with toast, or is it just the UK ones?
Think it may be a UK thing! But I did eat a heck of a lot of bagels during my apprenticeship!

I'm trying to think of things people have gotten me that I've liked. I don't think I've gotten too much "stuff." One thing I do remember was that one client gave me a tibetan mala necklace that I really liked and still have. But I have to say, I think it is very nice to get a photo of the baby and/or the family with the baby. It is very nice when a mom just writes a letter or note and lets you know that she appreciated your being there, especially if there is some detail included on something that made it easier/better/more special for her. This can either be a more personal thing, or more of a letter to put in a portfolio to share with other prospective homebirthers/clients. And I do have to admit, even thought I don't celebrate Christmas I've always liked it when former clients have included me on their xmas card lists, especially when there are photos of the baby you "caught" as he/she grows up.

Midwifery today magazine has lots of ads for birth/baby jewelry, and some midwives really like to wear that kind of stuff. Something like that, or something that is nurturing to HER, or that can benefit/be used with future clients (like good birth music, or massage oil, etc.) are also nice.
post #7 of 17
9/9/05 at 10:19am
Fern, how did you make a placenta print??? Sounds cool.

My last MW we gave cash to after both births in a pretty thank you card with a longgggggg note. LOL. Honestly, my MW had been in practice so long it was hard to buy her something midwife themed that she didn't already own! I put the cash in a card asking her to have dinner on us (on a night she wasn't on call!! LOL)
post #8 of 17
9/9/05 at 11:19am
I think a gift cert for a bookstore or online bookstore is a great doula gift because most doulas I know like to collect as many birth books as they can and that can add up. A lot also like to have a library available to clients, so its good to have duplicates, too.

A massage is also nice, since I am always really sore after a birth. It's very hard on the back and the arms to support a mom as well as I would like.
post #9 of 17
9/9/05 at 1:23pm
I thought about making this for my midwife:

http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTwomb.html

post #10 of 17
9/12/05 at 1:49pm
I am having my best friend act as our coach, she's not technically a doula, but she is going to be at the birth for support for DH and I.

I'm giving her a peice of jewelry she will like, nothing extravagant, but something she can have forever to remember how much her love means to us!
post #11 of 17
9/12/05 at 3:09pm
Hmm - I'm guessing this may not be a popular response, but...

I am employing our doula and paying her fairly for a service she is providing. $450 seems like a lotta money, especially in Israel. Certainly we enjoy her and respect her knowledge and are thrilled that she'll be there to assist and coach, etc. But to purchase a gift for her on top of her fee? I really don't see a need.....
post #12 of 17
9/12/05 at 7:15pm
Our doula didn't charge us very much - I was actually surprised when she told us the cost.

I gave her an 8x10 black and white picture of a child I photographed in Cambodia as she admired it when we showed her our pictures.

Here it is...mom was begging and blinded from landmines. The child was so pure and golden..that's the best way to describe him:

Child picture
post #13 of 17
9/12/05 at 7:57pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by eastvillage
Hmm - I'm guessing this may not be a popular response, but...

I am employing our doula and paying her fairly for a service she is providing. $450 seems like a lotta money, especially in Israel. Certainly we enjoy her and respect her knowledge and are thrilled that she'll be there to assist and coach, etc. But to purchase a gift for her on top of her fee? I really don't see a need.....

Ours is not charging us at all, so that is why I feel the need for a gift.
post #14 of 17
9/12/05 at 11:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by beachbaby
I thought about making this for my midwife:

http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTwomb.html

That's amazing!! I've seen a knitted womb that fit around a baby doll as a teaching aid (one of the dolls that fits through the pelvis models). But a knitted decorative womb, complete with fallopian tubes and a lovely cervix...oh my!

(Yes, I do get excited about silly things )
post #15 of 17
9/13/05 at 8:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by eastvillage
Hmm - I'm guessing this may not be a popular response, but...

I am employing our doula and paying her fairly for a service she is providing. $450 seems like a lotta money, especially in Israel. Certainly we enjoy her and respect her knowledge and are thrilled that she'll be there to assist and coach, etc. But to purchase a gift for her on top of her fee? I really don't see a need.....
I think gifts are definitely more appropriate when you are getting a doula for low cost, maybe someone in training or a friend, because it is still a lot of work to be on call, be there for a long day/night, etc. But as a doula myself, I would never expect a gift from a paying client. Well, I wouldnt expect it from a non-paying client either, but it sure would ne nice.
post #16 of 17
9/13/05 at 8:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by MelW
That's amazing!! I've seen a knitted womb that fit around a baby doll as a teaching aid (one of the dolls that fits through the pelvis models). But a knitted decorative womb, complete with fallopian tubes and a lovely cervix...oh my!

(Yes, I do get excited about silly things )
I know! I love it! Now, if I could only muster up some motivation to actually knit it.... :LOL
post #17 of 17
9/13/05 at 9:40am
last time, we got our doula a gift certificate to a local bookstore. This time, I think it may be a subscription to Mothering.
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