Doula Question

[gsmom]

We just found a doula who is going to work with us through this baby's birth! She just finished her reading/classes and we are going to be her first volunteer birth, so all she is charging us is for gas money. We would like to acknowledge her part in this life changing event by giving her something above and beyond money for gas. Any ideas? I am not sure what would be appropriate. Money would be the easiest, but I don't know if that is acceptable (I work in a medical field and there is a huge policy on accepting gifts from clients). I am not independently crafty or creative, but I can figure things out when I am given an idea or lead. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[ScotiaSky]

Gift certificate to a good bookstore. I am sure she is always in the need of new books.
In fact I wish someone would think of that as a great gift idea for pregnant women...I have a list a mile long.

[MamaTaraX]

I appreciate any gifts given to me. Thank-you cards are morethan enough for me. I've been given money and gift certificates. The bestone was the best because of timing,not because of what it was, and that was a gift certificate to a restuarant. We just found out we were expecting this baby, so we used it to buy a family celebratory dinner :) Ask if sheneeds anything, like housework or something, find out whatkinds of things she likes (books? music?) and geta gift certificate for a placethat sells thosethings. Ask if her doula bag is in need of anything perhaps. Honestly, I don'tdo what I do for the money (in fact I do all volunteer births) or for the gifts.I do it forthe love of birth and to protect birth as a sacred rite. If someone wants to gift me for my presence, I'mthankful. Your doula will be too (I hope!), so just give something from your heart and that will be the best thing you can give.

Namaste, Tara
mama to Doodle (7), Butterfly (2), and Rythm (due at home 1/06)

[ozzyemm]

I would give a gift certificate for books as well. There are many that are needed to qualify for certification. Does she have "The Birth Partner"? Get that for her!!! I have needed it at every single birth I have attended. It has labor positions and drug descriptions which she will need at nearly all of her births (including yours!). Also, a massage certificate would be a FABULOUS gift! I have slept on hospital floors, chairs, window seats, etc., and would be all out of whack after a birth. A massage would be a great thing after a birth! :D