Cost of a doula?

[JellyBean]

Hi,

I would like to know, how much did you pay for your doula, and what services did this involve? (amount of visits- pre & post labour etc). I'm assuming it varies depending on experience etc?
If you are a doula or student doula you may also be able to help me with these questions.

Thanks!

X

A bit about me:
I am currently 24 weeks along in my 2nd pregnancy, and I am planning to birth at a family birth centre.
It has just really dawned on me that I am going to want/need more support for my labour than just my DH and the hospital midwives, particularly as I've been told that the transfer rate to the main hospital is over 70%- mainly for pain releif- eek! Although my DH is wonderful, my first labour spanned over 4 days (on and off) and both he and I were exhausted - so although I expect (hope!) this labour will be shorter, I cannot possibly expect him to support me in every way I may need it.

So, now I am seriously considering the services of a doula to share the load and to be an informed birth advocate when i am in pain and need encouragement and assistance making decisions.

[BellyBelly]

Students are generally free. A graduate around $600 and experienced $800-$1200 + - depending on packages, state/location... I think the biggest factor is how you gel with the doula - you need to have a good, strong relationship and of course she needs to be well informed and educated.

[JellyBean]

Thanks Kelly.

That seems quite reasonable considering they offer pre & post labour support.
I will look into finding a graduate doula in my area. Yay- excited.

X

[BellyBelly]

Given by what you have written as your location I assume its not Melbourne lol so I can't suggest anyone sorry... unless there are some on BB. But anyone in Melb looking for a student can contact Rhea Dempsey who runs Birth Attendant training (who I did mine with) and she will have some awesome students. Rhea is the bomb!!!

[Tobily]

Hi Jellybean

Judging by your location you may be in QLD - I'm not taking new clients at the moment however if you're around Brisbane/Gold Coast/Toowoomba I can recommend some wonderful doulas who I know and have worked with.

In Qld you're looking at about $1000-$1300 for an experienced doula. This would normally include at least 3 long pre birth visits, birth plan consultation and feedback, on-call over the month around your EDD, phone and email support, attendance at birth and a couple of postnatals. Most doulas would also include extras such as resource loan etc.

Good luck!

[JellyBean]

Thanks Tobily & Kelly - I am actually in WA, but I appreciate the advice.
I have spoken with a recent doula graduate yesterday who lives 5 mins from me. She is also a qualified Naturopath and Aromatherapist so will do aromatherapy massage during labour for me - yay!!! As she has not been practicing long the cost will be very affordable. Hopefully this will help alleviate some of the weight on DH for what will most likely be a lengthy labour....
Praying that with the right support and encouragement I can go natural ALL the way this time!!