By definition a Doula is someone who gives emotional, physical & educational support to a pregnant, laboring and or postpartum mother. Traditionally, this woman (or man) has gone through an educational training, an apprenticeship and or attended women (for free) at least 20 times before venturing out on her own. She is also a teacher and offers childbirth, breastfeeding and baby care classes as well. Some doulas will become a specialist in certain aspects of birth or postpartum and only offer services reflecting that. For instance, the woman who prefers to do all the teaching but not attend the birth, or the person who only wants to attend a home or hospital birth and of course the woman who may only attend women in the postpartum period. Helping the new mother adjust to a newborn baby or breastfeeding. Most doulas are well versed in all aspects of care and choose to stick to a family from beginning to the end of this journey. Several doulas will become a friend for life.
Why do I need a Doula?
Statistically speaking, doulas have been known to reduce anxiety and physical problems in the pregnancy, birth & postpartum time. The knowledge and experience they bring to the table are priceless. Since you are hiring her for this expertise, she can give you undivided attention. The difference between her and your care provider is the quality & quantity of time she can commit. Basically, doulas fill in the blanks. If you’ve gone for a prenatal check up and forgot to ask a question you can call your Doula to assist with an answer. During labor, she will stay with you from start to finish. You won’t be left to labor alone. She will guide you and your partner on tips to help through this beautiful but challenging experience. A Doula is a continuous part of your birth team. She is not a replacement to your family or care providers.
Isn’t my partner my Doula?
Partners have a significant place on the birth team, but they are learning like you and can’t provide the skill set that a doula can. While the partner can offer the emotional attention and fill in the kisses and hugs to the laboring mother, he/she can’t give assurance to you without reaching out to the medical team or doula. The Doula is also providing the partner and other family members with a break to use the restroom, time to eat or drink something, a chance to go outside and breath fresh air, take/ make a phone call if necessary and a chance to walk away (without guilt) for a moment to refresh themselves. Labor is hard work and the people closest to the mom to be will have a hard time watching this difficult journey. Sometimes the birth Doula is wallpaper to the room, only to be called upon if the couple feels they need reassurance or reminders. Whatever role you choose the Doula to play is certainly what you are paying for. Your partner and your Doula will work together to guide you towards the birth you are anticipating.
What should I expect when shopping for a doula?
Start with referrals from someone you know. If you are the pioneer in your circle of friends, then call a few midwives offices/ holistic practitioners, chiropractors etc. for names of doulas. You might be able to get a name from an ob/gyn office if you ask around. If all else fails, try the internet. If you find someone who sounds good, ask to take her out for coffee/tea (or another public venue). Keep it simple and short. Just a get to know you meeting (with or without partner the first time). Reputable doulas will have years of training and experience. Ask for references, credentials, her back up plans and what her schedule is like for the month you are due. If you and your partner felt a good connection to the Doula you met, let her know. Ask for feedback, so you can see if this is a good fit. If you wish to hire her, do it quickly. Sometimes if you wait, someone else with a similar due date will have snatched her up. Doulas don’t typically take on too much in one month. It works to your advantage if she is not booked solid. Once you agree on the terms of the contract, you will both sign and give a deposit (usually half the total at signing and the rest by 37 weeks). If you don’t pay the full fee before you deliver, she is not obligated to attend you. Most doulas will work out many payment plans, but she should be paid before the big day for reassurance. If you don’t have the money, talk to your Doula. I’ve never known someone to turn away a mother in need. Once all the particulars are done, expect the Doula to meet with you at least 2 times throughout pregnancy. At these meetings, she will go over your birth plans as well as how you see her role in them. She should come to your home at least once to be familiar and meet your partner. You can talk to her everyday, every week, every month but it’s up to you to reach out. The Doula does not want to constantly check in with you so as to be a nuisance. Once in labor, you or your partner will let Doula know and she will be with you until 1-2 hours post delivery as well as a home visit at 1-2 weeks postpartum. She may or may not help with breastfeeding. Most Doula contracts spell out the details. They may vary from what I’ve written, but this should be the minimum. You may also get your childbirth education through her with a different fee. Or some postpartum Doula work added on. Be sure to get a personalized care plan, if that’s what you need best. Doulas are very flexible people.
What costs should I expect?
A brand-new birth Doula will usually charge a small fee…$100-300, a doula with extra certifications (midwife, IBCLC, RN) will work for about $500-1000 and a very seasoned doula should be offered $800-1200. Remember she will be spending a lot of time with you and should be paid for that. Some first-time birthers will need a few days for labor, not to mention the meetings you had throughout the pregnancy. Once broken down, a birth Doula could be getting $10–20 per hour. If you will have Lamaze type class through your Doula, she may add another fee $100-300 depending on the extent of the education. Also, remember that these fee averages are taken from the Northeast portion of the USA, you may have very different fees in your area. Plus, military can get free Doula services as well.
A postpartum Doula will usually charge $20-40 per hour depending on her expertise. If she is needed for extensive breastfeeding support, this could be higher. If she is needed for childcare, cooking, cleaning, errands than these fees should apply. If she wants the Doula to be the “night nurse,” she may pay a bit more. Whatever plan you need implemented, talk to your Doula about personalizing it. A one-time fee could apply. Or making small payments to help defray large costs. She will work out a plan to help your family best.
Research has shown that the presence of continuous care from a birth Doula, can significantly lower the mothers’ chance of Pitocin (induction), cesarean section and pain medication while improving her overall childbirth experience. It doesn’t matter the type of birth you are anticipating; a Doula will be with you and your partner from start to finish.
Happy Parenting!
