Doula questions.

[boomba]

Where can I find a great doula in brisbane? Also how much do they usually cost? Also when should I book?

Would love to hear of anyones experience. I really want one to help me achieve the birth I want. DH says he can do it but judging by last birth I want someone who isnt related IYKWIM.

Thanks girls!

[visitor1]

Amber,

I cant help you on the Doulas in Brisbane (maybe look in the BB directory)?

I can give you an experiance of what i went through with Zachery.

Doula prices can vary. I got a good rate with mine because i was also doing the follow through program with her as part of her Midwifery studies. So not to sure on costs overall for others.

I made enquires with a few doulas when i was around 6-7 weeks along and booked mine when i was about 9 weeks. The earlier the better i think...JIC they get booked out, or its a busy time of year for births.

As for my experiance. I went into my 3rd pregnancy with a list of wants and the perfect birth i wanted to achieve. I went through all these issues with my doula and made sure i was going to be supported in all of them where possible.

I met with her on 2 occassions at my home, and she attended pretty much all of my ante-natal appointments at the hospital (more for the follow through then the doula side of things, but it was good for both of us as she knew what was going on with the pregnancy as well). I had her support via email, SMS and phone call when ever i needed. There were times when i thought i wasnt coping and a quick email to her helped!

Come closer to my due date i was really fretting about the labour, again the support was there. On D Day she was fantastic. Apon calling her to say things were starting, her doula role kicked in. She made her way to the hospital arriving not long after we did, she began organising comforts for me (fit ball, heat packs, water to drink, dimming lights etc). She never left my side, encouraged me the whole time that i could do it and i was going to get MY birth.

And you know what....i did. I got my perfect birth exactly to my birth plan notes i gave to the hospital. Not one 'want or need' was missed.

I can happily say if i didnt have My doula Relle there...then i wouldnt have achieved what i did. Knowing i had some one there (other then Craig) believe in me and push me to get what i wanted, made the difference.

Drug free, short labour, birthed how i wanted, delayed clamping and skin contact straight away. Relle made sure that the hospital was aware of what i wanted and spoke up when i needed her too and done the things i asked of her.

After the birth and i was settled in back at home, she done another home visit and we debriefed on the birth, cleared up any questions i had and generally made sure i was happy with what services had been provided by herself.

I say go for it.....you wont regret having a doula

[boomba]

Thankyou so much Kim that really was lovely of you to share your wonderful experience!
I have had a look at some of the ones on here but some of the webpages dont work

So anyone in Brisbane who can recomend a doula?

[Olive]

i also highly recommend having a doula, i too had the birth i wanted with the extra support i feel i needed this time in order to achieve it!!
go for it!!

[boomba]

Thanks girls! Am still hunting! Do you just email them?