Doula, anyone?

Where did you find yours (I saw a few web sites from google)?

How much do they charge?

Anyone to recommend (I'm in Suffolk)?

Tx!

ETA: I only want them through the birth, not looking for a "baby nurse" type Doula!

Message edited 12/15/2010 10:06:03 PM.

Re: Doula, anyone?

I was thinkig about one too. I just don't know if it would be awkward to have someone you really don't know in the delivery room with you.

Re: Doula, anyone?

dona.org is the best place to look.

I was looking for a postpartum doula and they run about $30 an hour, not sure what a birthing doula charges.

Check out dona.org, you'll be able to find a doula in your area-shoot one an e-mail to see pricing. If the price works, set up a meeting with a few that are in your area to see who you click with

Re: Doula, anyone?

I am also looking for one but my mdwives had experience with some and they list them on their website www.stonybrookmidwives.com on the left side their is an option for doulas and it will list all they have. Also you can ask sunflowerjesss she has personal experience with one.

Message edited 12/16/2010 7:49:11 AM.

Re: Doula, anyone?

Dona.org is the internationl website for doulas. Just plug in your location info, it's on the left hand side if I remember and they'll list the certified doulas in your area. You can choose a labor doula or post-partum. You usually pay a flat fee for their services and they will stay with you as long as it takes. What they charge depends on how much experience they have, how popular they are, etc. Call a couple and definitely schedule a meeting.

As far as having a stranger in the room with you, aside from DH, every single person in the room will be a stranger when you get there...your labor nurse, the other nurses that will check you...you barely see your OB while you're there. At least your doula you'll have met before and spoken with, so she actually won't be a stranger.

Re: Doula, anyone?

I just interviewed two this week... One on the phone and one happily came to the house.. the going rate I have been seeing in nassau is approx 1200-1700. I had a friend use one 2 years ago and its was 800.. I am thinking the one I met might be more pricer because she is so expereinced...anyone else got any idea of pricing?

Re: Doula, anyone?

I got the names of doulas from the hospital i am delivering at. i spoke to about six on the phone interviewed around 3. the prices i got were anywhere between 950 and 1700. its been weeks and i still havent decided on one if any and i am due in less than 7 weeks.

Re: Doula, anyone?

Which one did you feel the stongest connection with?

Re: Doula, anyone?

I think I am going to save the money and have my sister there instead. She's had 4 kids...2 with an epi and 2 drug free. I think she'll be a good advocate if I get flustered! Plus she promised to hold a mojito and spicy tuna crunch roll at the foot of the bed to encourage me to push!
Gotta love sisters!

Re: Doula, anyone?

met another doula yesterday.. ugh I am so up in the air.. I really like this woman.. she is an experienced with under 250 births, she seemed more scientific then personality wise, but often you need that.. this other woman i met was very personable, has 7 children and had less of a science background but she was so laid back.. so do i go with the more experienced doula who lectures on child birth has a huge background, has been on a birthing story a couple of timesor do i go with the woman who has 7 children, a little more personable and had more of my laid back style but was still knowlegeable..?
also the price difference is huge.. the really experienced wooman is 900-1700 sliding scale .. the other one was 1200-1700 sliding scale.. ughh decisions

Message edited 12/22/2010 9:35:25 AM.

Re: Doula, anyone?

I'm not in NY so I can't recommend but I used a doula with both my births. IMO if you don't plan on a drug free birth they really aren't necessary.
As for not knowing them. They should meet with you several times before your birth so you should have a good feeling and be comfortable with them.