I guess Mirabelle it's all a personal choice & I feel blessed that we live in a country where we have that.

Doulas are there at one of the most intimate times of your life. They are on call 24/7 to drop it all for whenever they get your call. Just a little example. I am a nurse when I have been on call I can get up to $80 per hour if I am called at night or on a week end. Add that up for 15 hours and that's close to $1000. Yes, I have experience and qualifications - so does a Doula. However her experience isn't necessarily a tertiary degree - it is experience through long cold nights of hollering, panting and sitting waiting for a baby to birth. Giving support, love and comfort. Sharing in the joy. There is study and learning - but much of the learning for an experienced Doula comes in the field - with helping numerous Women. A Doula - well I think a Doula is a gift from the Universe. The right Doula for the right Woman is something that really cannot be measured. A bit like a chemical reaction.

If you want a birth that is well supported - if you want to acheive an environment where you feel safe and advocated for. If you never want to be left alone or if you do want to be left alone but on your terms... A Doula is for you. However, you can bet your next box of Huggies that a Doula deserves every dollar she earns. Because the hours that put in don't equate to the end price. Doula ing is done out of love for Women and the birthing practice. I feel very confident to say that no Doula earned her retirement from her Doula practice.

I am not offended - but I do find it curious that even if you just add up the hours of a labour and work out the hourly rate - you can pretty much work out that a Doula isn't covering her own child care costs. She has edcational aids, petrol, time and love. There is a price that is paid - but my love it doesn't come close to cutting even.

If you personally don't think it's worth it then obviously a Doula isn't your thing. Luckily we have Doulas for those that want and appreciate that support. If you don't then there are services to help you to. Each woman has different needs.