post #41 of 41
6/21/07 at 3:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by polihaupt View Post
Hi mama

*If hiring a doula is over your budget (it is for me... ) do you have anyone close to you that could be there to give you support? I understand that your DH won't be able to be there, but see if you can find a person to be there with you. I had a sweet nurse last time and DH was helping me with pep talks, and that made a huge difference.

!
Too, if money is an issue, please do check out bellywomen.net as they have free and low cost doulas available in many areas. My suggestion would be to search by state, or you could be there all day!

Also, try contacting the offices of the major doula certifying organizations. Oftentimes they may know of a doula in your area who is in the process of certifying and is willing to do births for free or at a lower cost than the going rate in the area.

If it's a friend or family member who'll attend you, I highly suggest they (and you) read a few books. Topping my list would be "The Birth Partner," "Active Birth" and very importantly, "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" which may help them to understand why you make choices that you make while in labor and birth, and better able to support you in those choices.