A few questions for the doulas

Hi there! i'll try and answer some of your questions...

Charge- Well it varies immensely depending on where you live. I'd say anywhere from $200-1200?...

I have a contract, it's pretty much what DONA's sample one looks like. (that's doulas of north america if you don't know)

The price for me, is the same no matter what the birth outcome. I have never been alowed into a c-section, but that's just because I haven't been doing it for very long. I do stay after to make sure she's ok and to hopefully help with baby's first nursing.

My own kids- My hubby works from home and has an extremly flexible schedule so he watches them.

I go to my client when they need me- sometimes the entire labor, sometimes meet them at the hospital, it just depends on her needs at the time.

I do two pre-natals. The post partum visit is when i give them any pics i have taken, a light meal or bread or treat, and their birth story. It's important, i think, to wrap up the relationship, get feedback, and make sure mom and baby are doing ok.

Hope this helps- you may want to look at www.dona.org, and look in your area to see if there are any doulas. They would probably love to talk more with you about it. Good luck!

Don't have but a minute to answer And I am NAK too boot! Soooo... here goes The KISS method (Keep it simple stupid) :LOL

What is the average charge for having a doula?
** I have seen it range anywhere from 200.00- 800.00 depending on the area, the supply of doulas , extent of services, and the experience of the particular doula. but the most I have seem charged is 800.00

Do you write up a contract and have your clients sign it when they "book" you as their doula?
**YES. I do a free interview first. Then if they are "hiring" me, I draw up a basic contract, at wich time I collect a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of 75.00. (unless special arangements have been made)

What happens if your client ends up needing a c-section. Do you still charge full price?
**YES.
Do you go in the room with them if you are allowed to?
**YES. if the client wants.
Do you stay until the c-section is over and help them with the recovery?
**This is where the Doula care is key. The doula would help encourage bonding durring recovery ASAP, enforce NO BOTTLE rules, and give breastfeeding support & information. I never leave untill breastfeeding is well established, regardless of the type of birth.

For the doulas with children of their own: what do you do with your children while coaching a mom in labor?
** THIS IS KEY: if you have young children at home, obviously their needs come first. I would not do this if My DH could not keep the children, or if I did not have a close family member or special friend to keep them on a whim! (literally a moments notice) and they have to be willing to be On-call for as much as 5 weeks. (3 before EDD & 2 after)

When do you show up at your client's house? (how early into the labor)
**Sometimes I leave for their house imediatly. When ever we can establish that labor has indeed begun. Other times it is when they feel the need for my presence (could be not untill the hospital, or Well into active labor (if at home) Basically whenever they need me.

What happens if it is a false-labor?
**hasnt happened yet, but.... just encourage, sit, wait, encourage, reasure, go home..... wait for that next call. nothing else.

How many prenatal visits do you do?
** Asside from the free interview, I do 2. Unless I am doing a series of private childbirth classes with them. Then it is more like 6. I first listen to what the parents both expect in the birth, and then I give the parents Info. & point them in directions to help them to acheive their goals. I personalize the prenatals according to their needs/plans.

Do you also do post pardom visits?
**YES. 1-2

If so, what exactly do you do at a post-pardom visit?
**basically wrap up the event. I let them discuss their feelings on the birth, ask questions, complement them on their accomplishments, HOLD THAT BABY!! And answer any questions they have, re: their ex[perience & or the aftercare of themself, the baby, breastfeeding ect. Give referals, ect.

Hope this Helps you. And good Luck!!

:lovde