Average pay for a birth assistant? Also what to wear?

[~Heyokha~]

How much do birth assistants make? I am going to start assisting HBs in a month or so and I am wondering what the average pay is for a birth assistant.

I went to a birth yesterday to 'get my feet wet' before I start offically assisting. I am soooo hooked. It was just amazing. I won't make nearly as much as I make at the hospital (surgical nurse) but it is so refreshing to witness something so wondrous. I just feel so honored and excited to be a part of this. I left the birth and felt high all day.


Also, what do you wear to births? I know some people wear scrubs but I feel uncomfortable wearing something that is so strongly associated with the medical community. Any advice?

[pigpokey]

I think the answer is very regional, like mw fees or doula fees are. Where are you?

[~Heyokha~]

Originally Posted by pigpokey

I think the answer is very regional, like mw fees or doula fees are. Where are you?

IN the lovely midwest........IL

[courtenay_e]

I agree...it can even vary in a given metro area, depending on the midwife with whom you work. I know that I make a small sum for each pre and post natal, and a little larger sum (but not nearly what I make as a doula...the trade-off is in the education, I think) at each birth. However, there are other midwives in the area who don't pay ANYTHING to their assistants or apprentices. If you're experienced, you may be able to come to a comfortable sum for BOTH of you. If not, you might have to just do it for the experience for a while. Or not, perhaps your midwife will be willing to pay you regardless. Bite the bullet and ask!

I wear exactly what I wear to births as a doula. I wear professional looking yoga pants, a long sleeve t-shirt with a necklace or a long sleeve polo shirt. Always bring an extra set of clothes with you, down to socks and underwear, as birth can be a messy prospect. Too, if it'll be a water birth, think about wearing something still comfortable and professional looking, but cooler. The humidity level in a house with a pool going can get everything warmer than it would otherwise be! DO talk, again, to the midwife you'll be working with to see if she has a preference for a "dress code." It may be that she works with a certain set of women that require a more specific dress code.

[~Heyokha~]

Originally Posted by courtenay_e

I agree...it can even vary in a given metro area, depending on the midwife with whom you work. I know that I make a small sum for each pre and post natal, and a little larger sum (but not nearly what I make as a doula...the trade-off is in the education, I think) at each birth. However, there are other midwives in the area who don't pay ANYTHING to their assistants or apprentices. If you're experienced, you may be able to come to a comfortable sum for BOTH of you. If not, you might have to just do it for the experience for a while. Or not, perhaps your midwife will be willing to pay you regardless. Bite the bullet and ask!

I wear exactly what I wear to births as a doula. I wear professional looking yoga pants, a long sleeve t-shirt with a necklace or a long sleeve polo shirt. Always bring an extra set of clothes with you, down to socks and underwear, as birth can be a messy prospect. Too, if it'll be a water birth, think about wearing something still comfortable and professional looking, but cooler. The humidity level in a house with a pool going can get everything warmer than it would otherwise be! DO talk, again, to the midwife you'll be working with to see if she has a preference for a "dress code." It may be that she works with a certain set of women that require a more specific dress code.

Thanks

[cathicog]

I have never been paid (did my first birth in 1984!). No one that I am aware of pays apprentices or birth assistants here. They didn't in VA, either. Everything comes out of pocket til one attains the CPM credential. I wear longer skirts/jumpers that I don't mind will get messy. I do have scrubs to change into if necessary but so far that hasn't been necessary. I haven't worn pants to a birth in I don't know how long....