"What is a Doula?", you may ask. My description of a Doula is as follows: "An amazing woman who provides support and strives to be a Mother, Sister, and Friend to a woman during her Pregnancy."
Other descriptions I have found sound more like this:
"The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period." (http://www.dona.org/mothers/)
Hiring a Doula was an easy decision for Casey (Daddy) and I. We live about 12 hours from the majority of our family. In combination with moving frequently, and this being our first pregnancy, we knew we could benefit from the extra support we would receive from a Doula.
If we were surrounded by family during this time, we might not have hired a Doula, but I can't say for sure. Doulas do usually come with a price tag. Unless, you are able to find a Doula who is still training to become certified by an organization such as DONA International or a Doula who is linked through your hospital or birth center, those Doulas might come to you at little or no cost. The average cost of a Doula is between $200-$400. The more experience a Doula has will be reflected in the price they charge.
Birth Doulas (which is what we have) often schedule a few meetings before the birth of your baby to discuss your birth plan and you and your partner's fears, hopes, and anything else you would like to discuss.
Postpartum Doula; a Doula who is there for you, your partner, and baby, to help with baby blues, breastfeeding, and any questions you may have. Our Doula will be visiting us after baby is born, which is why we don't feel the need for a Postpartum Doula. You can certainly have both or one and not the other, it's completely up to you!
If you have interest in finding a Doula, ask your Doctor or Midwife, or you can search online yourself! You can do a search in your area on the DONA International website.
Currently Reading: "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" by La Leche League International & "Dave Ramsey's Complete Guide to Money" by Dave Ramsey & "French Kids Eat Everything" by Karen Le Billon
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