How essential is a home visit for doulas?

[RebeccaWells]

We are looking into getting office space to share between several doulas, CBEs, lactation Cosultants etc. We are hoping this simplifies our lives a bit as we are all moms too. I will definetly do client interviews and postpartum visit etc in the office, but was wondering if I could also do the prenatal? I know many, but not all, of the homebirth midwives do a home visit. I do both hospital and home births and generally labor at the house with my hospital clients. Im not worried about being unable to find the house. Its just if being in thier environment prior to labor is super important. I'd like some thoughts on this, thanks!!

[tlcdoula]

I have an office, and typically I do three prenatals with my doula clients. I have them come to my office for the interview, do the first prenatal in my office, visit their home for the second prenatal and then do the third prenatal in my office. I also do the postpartum visit at their house.

I like going to their home for that one prenatal so that I can see the environment and because I get to see them on their "turf." It is their comfortable place that they share with me for those two hours that I am there with them.

[CortLong]

I always try to do at least one visit at their home just to become familiar with the location and mood of their home.