Doulas

[lotus.blossom]

I've been doing some research on doulas and I'm pretty certain that I want one at my birth. In fact I'm thinking of becoming certified myself after this baby, to go along with my massage therapy training.
I've found one in my area that I want to contact and her fee is $550 (plus $125 for photos- and she takes GORGEOUS b&w's) which includes:

1-3 prenatal visits, depending on need and time available in pregnancy
Provide a suggested reading list/ large lending library
Birth plan counseling
Continuous emotional, physical and educational support for you and your partner throughout the birth and 1-2 hours after the birth
Breastfeeding support and information
Newborn care and parenting information
A "birth story" written for you if you wish
An "album" of your baby's photos, if you have chosen to have birth photography
Continued telephone contact and support

Does this sounds reasonable for the money? Seems like a large chunk of cash and is it REALLY worth it?

[beautyful]

That sounds like a good deal to me. Did she give you any references? My doula (with my first pregnancy - $750) included several when we were discussing hiring her.

[1stTimeMummytoLore]

in the northern virginia/greater washington d.c. area, i charge $900 for essentially the same package of services. i do 3 prenatal visits standard and also do a postpartum visit 1-2 weeks after the birth where i deliver the birth story and pictures. my business partners and i (we work collaboratively) also host a monthly coffee and a yearly picnic for all our past, present and prospective clients. but other than that, the package is about the same.

i would agree that you should check her references and see what past clients say about her. they can easily tell you whether or not they thought she was worth the money to them. also, talking to a few other doulas will help you figure out what the market rate is in your area.

also, most doulas will arrange a payment plan with a couple if they need to spread out paying her fee over time. all you have to do is ask.

i am biased since i am a doula, but i really believe that the first time a woman gives birth naturally no matter where you are birthing, it is great to have a doula because there is a gentle set of eyes to look into that can tell you that what you're going through is normal, millions of women have done it before you and you can do it too.

i also believe a doula is an absolute must for a non-interventionist hospital birth for a bunch of reasons- she can help you feel comfortable laboring and staying at home longer, she can protect your birth space once you do get to the hospital, she can act as an information bank and sounding board should you need to consider an possible interventions, she can help reassure your partner that things are going well and help them know how best to support you in that environment, etc.

just my two cents!

[lotus.blossom]

I'll have to check into that beautyful. I have found her name mentioned a couple times on this board.....she has an excellent website that is very informative.

Thanks for the excellent advice- 1stTimeMummytoLore!
I'm very certain that I will need that kind of support that you mention. I plan to birth at a birth center and the one I'll be at seems to be very hands off so without the constant checking of nurses and doctors I'll probably need someone with me who will make me feel comfotable. My husband will be there but I expect that he will be greatly overwhelmed and he is going to need as much if not more support than me! My mother plans to fly into town but she is a high anxiety person and I expect that I will be more nervous with her around and will probably have to gently kick her out at times! And that is the extent of my support system, besides a midwife of course.
I know she charges half up front and then the rest 2 weeks before due date, so when you break it up like that its not too bad. I suppose if my insurance covers my entire birth than the small fee for a doula is worth it. Especially if she can help me avoid interventions that could make my recovery time longer.

[grace's voice]

We paid $500 for the doula service, lactation and post partum help, photos and video, and the birth tub rental. Our doula was also out Bradley teacher though, so maybe that's why it was cheaper? Or maybe an area thing, we're in Washington State.

[HaveWool~Will Felt]

Yep, that sounds about right....
After the two visits PP, it is hourly from there on.

HTH