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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

How much does a doula cost?

37 replies

makipuppy · 10/08/2009 14:31

I recently did an NCT course and loved my teacher who I know is also a doula. I want to ask her to be our doula for our baby due in 2 weeks but I wanted to get a ballpark idea of how much she might charge.

I've look at the online doula lists and lots seem to charge either by the hour or offer reduced rates because they are recently qualified. I think she's very experienced so may charge more.

I just don't want to ask her and then have to say I can't afford it

Any ideas?

OP posts:

donttrythisathome · 11/08/2009 22:37

OP, slight hijack, but I'm in Brighton too and would like a doula. I'm not sure until March, so I'm planning ahead.

Could I be cheeky and ask who is your doula please?

donttrythisathome · 11/08/2009 22:45

Meant I'm not DUE until March...

hanaflower · 11/08/2009 22:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Buda · 12/08/2009 07:00

Thanks liahgen. I haven't quite decided as yet what would be of more use to her. As she is likely to deliver around Xmas time there will be lots of people around to help. It may well be Jan when everyone is back to work/school/normal routine that help will be needed.

I also thought about paying for a cleaner once a week for 6 weeks or so - at least that would be one thing less for her to worry about.

She has 3 older DCs and got bad PND after them all and has been diagnosed as bipolar as well so we are all quite worried about her. She has been doing really well at managing the bipolar herself and is not on any medication.

Original poster

makipuppy · 12/08/2009 10:30

Hey Donttry, the lady I want was my NCT ante natal course teacher, I don't know if you've done one of those or are planning to, it helped me a lot.

I don't want to post her name here because I know she is a bit funny about advertising (not on any of the online registers), but I will put you in touch with her if you do that personal message thing on here. She just struck me as the sort of person I would need to get me through the difficult bits. It's a really personal decision though. I have found out she charges £500 which includes a visit before and one after.

Good luck with your pregnancy by the way!

OP posts:

hanaflower · 12/08/2009 11:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

donttrythisathome · 12/08/2009 18:24

Thanks makipuppy and good luck you too.

I am doing an NCT course, but not until january!

Will try to figure out the CAT thing.

Original poster

makipuppy · 13/08/2009 13:04

Donttry, or email me at curtis dot translation at gmail.com.

Hope you're having a lovely pregnancy, I don't want mine to end (mainly because the next bit is soo scary..)

OP posts:

donttrythisathome · 16/08/2009 19:49

Thanks makipuppy I just e-mailed you

juicychops · 16/08/2009 20:20

surestart have volunteer doulas if you have surestart in your area?

Maria2007 · 16/08/2009 21:09

Makipuppy, good luck. Hope your doula has an opening in the diary & you can have her there with you. It makes all the difference. I had a doula too & it really felt very reassuring to have her there throughout the labour. It was particularly important when we were at home too, before going to hospital (we ended up spending about 16 hours at home in very intense labour & it was fantastic that she was there)... I highly recommend doulas, especially for those (like me) who are scared of the whole process.

That said, you do need to see at least 2-3 doulas before you make up your mind. You really need to get on with her... (I say this not so much to you Makipuppy, because it seems you chose your doula carefully, but just as an idea for those who are thinking of getting a doula).

magnummum · 16/08/2009 21:30

Buda - lovely idea. My twins are now 14 weeks and I've had a postnatal doula since coming home from hospital, about to finish! She was supposed to come for the first 6 weeks but has been such a huge help/support for all of us (I also have a 3 year old). I know I could have managed on my own but she has really made the whole experience much more of a pleasure than a period of time to be got through if you know what I mean.

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