dumb question

[jessgray]

whats a doula?:confused:

[MamaSage]

A trained support person for you to have with you in labour and for birth. Very handy. Not a midwife, more a person who is totally there for you, to keep you on track, support you, explain things, advocate for you, love you.

[jessgray]

they sound like great people
how do you organise one for labor? do you go through hospitial or find them yourself?

[MamaSage]

The hospital might know, if not PM me or DoulaFelicity, or Tracie. One of us will be able to find out some info for your area :D

[annsam]

Hi Jess,

As doulas are self employed, services vary as do prices, qualifications and methods in which you will be supported. I have put below what you can typically expect when you hire a doula but as I said, it depends on the doula and of course your proximity to her.

Essentially the doulas role is to support the woman in what ever she requires.

Typically a doula is a trained birth support professional though you dont have to be trained to be a doula so be aware of that if you choose to hire one and if it is important to you.

Doulas support you in your choices for your birth what ever they may be.

What usually happens is you meet with your doula for 2-4 visits prior to your due date. In these meetings you get to know each other, construct a birth plan, she educates you in the birthing body and how it works depending on your level of knowledge, she provides you unbiased information so you can make informed decisions and she usually has a small library of books, CD's and tapes for you to borrow.

Generally she is oncall for you from 2 weeks prior to your due date until your baby is born. She comes to you in labour when you want her to and she stays with you until your baby is born and you no longer need her. She can provide you all sorts of support in labour. She supports your partner too so if hes a bit nervous, she can guide him in supporting you. She can give you verbal queues, massage, compresses etc for comfort and pain relief, she will help you communicate with your caregivers if necessary and will protect your privacy and dignity while you labour. As midwives aren't with you the whole of your labour in hospital, it is really handy to have someone who can do the running around, back massage etc while your partner gives you the emotional support and holds your hand if thats waht you want.

After birth you will usually have 1 or 2 visits from her just to make sure you are ok and to answer any questions you have about the birth or caring for yourself and your baby. She can direct you to professional services to help you with PND, breastfeeding and anything else you need if you require something a bit out of her range of expertise.

To find a doula or trainee doula, just do a google search. Most doula sites also have a list of the WHO recognised benefits of hiring a doula. Other places to find a doula are:
www.optimumbirth.com.au
www.childbirthinternational.com
www.doularegister.com.au
and a lot of doula sites have a "find a doula" page. Have a good look around as there are different doulas listed under different sites.....or advertise here for a trainee doula if you would like a trainee. Im sure someone will be able to help you find one in your area.

As I said though, the services vary from doula to doula as do birth beliefs and prices so have a good look around and find someone you are comfortable with. Good luck.

Hope that makes some sense:)

P.S. I have detailed a hospital situation but they will support you at home too.
P.P.S I know someone around you so if you want her details Id be happy to supply you them. Shes attended several births (10+ I believe), is a mother herself and is qualified.

[Oscar's mum]

You can also get Trainee/Apprentice Doula's. ;)

[annsam]

Forgot to add, even BubHub has a pretty good list of doulas on their 'services' pages. :thumbsup:

[jessgray]

thanks guys :)the info and links area great help:thumbsup:
annsam sure i'd love the details fo the person you know near me :)

[alanandemsmum]

I would love to train to be a doula but at the moment I am too far from my Capital city am going to look into it if I move back to Perth

[Rianna]

Can you guys give me a bit of an idea how much one would cost?

[kadownie]

I'm sure the price varies, but around $600. Though a trainee doula generally doesn't charge- maybe to just cover her expenses. I'm training at the moment, if you're in Brisbane I'd be happy to help!!

[Rianna]

OH, thanks Kylie but I'm in Melb- a bit far too travel! Thanks for the offer though!

[annsam]

The prices do vary greatly. In Sydney Ive seen them vary from $450 - $1400. When you are looking, dont just look at the price, look at the persons training and look at what you get. The cheeper prices generally only offer 1 or 2 prenatal meetings and birth and 1 postnatal meeting which is fine if thats what you want but if you want to get to know your doula you might look at going for someone who charges higher so you get 3 or 4 prenatal visits. Hope that makes sense.

good luck!