Doula's - how much do they cost?

[sweetkitty]

Am thinking about hiring a doula for DD3's birth. The thing that is worrying me the most isn't the actual birth process or coping with a newborn afterwards but support for DP and my other DDs, we have no family help so largely will be on our own. I am planning another homebirth and what stresses me the most is what happens if I go into labour whilst the DDs are around? I have friends in the area but they have young families too and may not be able to get away if I go into labour for eg at nursery run time. Also afterwards it would be a complete godsend just to have someone to either to entertain the DDs for a few hours or even just an extra pair of hands.

I haven't broached the subject with DP yet but like most men the first question will be - how much will it cost? We are in Scotland and I have looked on Doula UK and their doesn't seem to be that many around our local area (in fact none within a 30 mile radius).

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It depends where you are in the country, London and southeast are more expensive. But generally it ranges from about £400-£500 for the birth then usually an hourly rate after that. If you use a trainee doula it will only cost you £150 and £10 per hour postnatally.
Check out www.doula.org.uk or if you are further north www.scottishdoulanetwork.co.uk covers northern england as well as scotland.

Just seen you live in Scotland, where are you? If you live in South west scotland I'll be your doula!!!

Lilliput - am in Motherwell

Motherwell is probably a little too far as I'm in Moffat.
Have a good look at the Scottish Doula Network, you are bound to find a nice keen trainee like me but nearer.

klaw & pruners both in scotland, but not sure which bit ! you can find them on here, or i can pass on your details

i have worked for free/expesnses only when a woman has obviously needed me but cannot afford the fee.

contact doulas in your area through www.doula.org.uk and www.nurturingbirth.co.uk , NB train doulas and will know if anyone new starting in your area soon

Lilliput - what a shame, I'm originally an Ayrshire girl myself.

Thanks for the advice I can afford some payment but £500+ is a bit much, DP would have a fit lol

sweetkitty we are on the same due in july thread
i have hired a doula this time through the doula.org she is great and im sure a boost for me to keep me going and support wise

its cost me £150 £75 beforehand and the rest when hes born with miles for her to travel and things like that.

have you had a look at the site yet to see whats about?

we dont have many doulas in our range either but she was happy to travel and we just pay a bit of mileage at the end for expenses,maybe this would be an option?

Have a look at the Scottish Doula Network. There is a really lovely lady called Lynne Craighead and I think she is still a trainee and near Hamilton somewhere. She is also a reflexologist which can come in really handy when in labour.

Haven't had the time to have a proper look yet but I saw Lynne Craigheads name come up, Hamilton would be ideal.

hiya,

id be your doula, im in ayrshire, lynne is my friend she is lovely not sure if she is taking clients tho give her a phone

Im a tainee although i have lots of experience