Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Birth clubs

Connect with mums-to-be with similar due dates to share experiences and support.

Original poster

Doulas - pros, cons??

16 replies

lilKel · 05/10/2006 20:31

Hello - I've discovered I'm pg and due next June. Hooray! I have a little DS who is soon 7 months old, and while I had few problems with the birth apart from needing every drug under the sun, I was uncomfortable with seeing some 3 dozen different midwives during my 2-day labour.

I'm thinking of getting a doula to help ease stress levels and maybe help with my son after the birth. I live in London - Middlesex.

Any idea if it's worth while, how to find good ones, how to interview them, what to pay??

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
pupuce · 05/10/2006 20:34

I suggest you look at www.doula.org.ukDoula UK
They have a lot of info on what to expect, what to pay (in London a trainee should charge you less than £150 but an experienced doula will be between £500 and £650). In London (again) you need to book early to get some sort of choice as there is a shortage of doulas.

You should interview more than one as they are all individuals and you and DP/DH need to both feel happy with who ever you choose.

On the DUK website there is a list of questions you could ask your prospective doulas.

Good luck!

pupuce · 05/10/2006 20:36

I suggest you look at Doula UK
They have a lot of info on what to expect, what to pay (in London a trainee should charge you less than £150 but an experienced doula will be between £500 and £650). In London (again) you need to book early to get some sort of choice as there is a shortage of doulas.

You should interview more than one as they are all individuals and you and DP/DH need to both feel happy with who ever you choose.

On the DUK website there is a list of questions you could ask your prospective doulas.

Good luck!

Original poster
lilKel · 05/10/2006 20:41

Oooh thanks for the quick reply. Is now to early? I'm only 4+4 at the mo... cheers again x

OP posts:
pupuce · 05/10/2006 20:45

Well you can certainly do your research as you are doing now but I would have thought that you should start interviewing at 12 weeks.

Gingerbear · 05/10/2006 20:51

Oh, I have just seen marslady on those lists

Gingerbear · 05/10/2006 20:52

crikey, not many registered in Yorkshire.

pupuce · 05/10/2006 20:55

About 10 I thought ??? Most travel quite a distance too!

Gingerbear · 05/10/2006 20:58

yes, 8 trainees and 3 recognised doulas. I am thinking of having a doula too, as I had a c-section first time around and would like to try for a VBAC this time. The extra support would be incredible.

pupuce · 05/10/2006 21:01

Some may well be close to recognition.
Had a look at the map and have personally trained 7 of the 11 so feel free to CAT me if you want a chat!

Gingerbear · 05/10/2006 21:04

thanks pupuce, I will do.

Original poster
lilKel · 06/10/2006 14:16

Gingerbear - would love to know what you find & decide to do. I'm going to contact a couple in my area to see if they're available, to start with. Good luck!

OP posts:
pupuce · 06/10/2006 16:50

Gingerbear - got your CAT... I will reply but am about to go for 2 days... so it may take a little while.

Gingerbear · 07/10/2006 10:45

no worries pupuce - I have 33 weeks to sort it out.

hertsnessex · 20/12/2006 15:45

Hiya,

did you find your doula??

Cx

lildrummerKel · 21/12/2006 11:41

Hi all, found two really good candidates via DoulaUK online, but I'm planning a c-section so decided against a Doula. I'm sure it would have been a very, very good thing for my first birth. I'd probably not be planning c-section second time round if I'd had more support first time round. Maybe.

Good luck to the rest of you -

hertsnessex · 22/12/2006 11:20

Sorry to hear you decided against a doula, but hope you feel happy with your decision and your birth is great.

Cx

New posts on this thread. Refresh page