IMHO~I feel that its up to the midwife/doula as to how far they will drive. Is this your first baby? Also check with some childbirth educators and massage therapists in your area because they might also be doulas or have some referrals for you of doulas in your area. Also check the DONA website.

In terms of the drive time to the birth center, have you spoken w/the birth center about this? How do you feel about the drive?

I'm sorry that options for you are so limited, but good luck in your search!

Take Care~

Lisa

 

Hi!

Well, I'm not sure where you are from, but there are some midwives in Texas who will travel about 2 hours... so it just depends on the midwife...

The Lord bless you!
Zoie

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Godsbabycatchers

 

It depends upon your history. I work in a birth center, and we have many clients who drive in an hour or more (the farthest ever drove in from SIX HOURS away!). Occasionally we have someone who doesn't make it; but that is really rare, and usually it is a mom that has had many many babies (like 5+). I only know of one in the last several years that birthed on the road on the way in; the rest who didn't make it in just didn't even make it out their door--by the time they felt it was time to go, they suddenly recognized it was too late, and had their babies in their bathrooms or kitchens.

*I* wouldn't worry too much about it; but *you* have to do what *you* are comfortable with.

 

Doulas who are working towards certification may well be willing to travel a good distance in order to gain expereince. It's win win- you can have a doula who is trained (yet needing experience), and they gain so much from attending your birth. plus, they could be cheaper or even free.

About the 2 hours- I traveled an hour to my birth center and it wasn't a big deal- I just tried to gauge how far along I was in labor. You can always go sooner rather than later and walk the local mall or even stay in a hotel or something if it's worrying you. How do YOU feel about the distance? The most important thing, as someone else mentioned, is your comfort with your choice. Good luck! Warmly, HeatherE

 

thanks, everyone, for your responses! I'm not pregnant yet, just trying to research my options for when I am...Appreciate the insight