Ask a doula & CBE :)

[Guppy051708]

Just as the thread name says, feel free to ask me anything and everything about a birth and/or postpartum doula! I am a child birth doula as well as a childbirth educator (CBE). No question is TMI- i have heard it all Have fun. Be informed.

 

[angel2010]

I am extremely interested in becoming a doula, and plan on looking into it at my local Doula Foundation. I recently had to pass on a doula training and breastfeeding class that was offered for $750 or $800. How long did you train, and what were the costs?

 

[1hopefull]

guppy- i can't wait to see what questions are posted?

 

[MonstHer]

It's illegal to administer medications without telling you right?
If you say to them, "I do not consent" they cannot legally do what they are trying to do, right?

 

[Guppy051708]

I am extremely interested in becoming a doula, and plan on looking into it at my local Doula Foundation. I recently had to pass on a doula training and breastfeeding class that was offered for $750 or $800. How long did you train, and what were the costs?

That all depends on who you train with and what you're training for. I am getting my birth Doula certification through DONA International. You can do the academics before attending the actual training BUT any births you attend prior to the training are not counted towards your cert births. The training was a 3 day training. Intense. Was all day from 8-5. The first day and a half is spent on the child birth process, the anatomy, normal birth, complications, drug use, etc. The latter is spent on coping techniques and the such. Now, out side of the training there are a few other expenses. I believe my training (just the training) costed me about $450. But I did have to purchase a plethora of books (I probably spent about $120) then I had to purchase the cert packet which was about $40, I think. You have to complete your readings, write a couple of papers, do the training (doesn't have to be in that order tho) and of course attend your 3 births. It may take more like attending 7 births bc they can only count if you are there by 3cm dilated and the nurses, partner, and doc all have to give you a certain score. Also, only one csection can count towards your cert.

As for breastfeeding, there are ways around having to pay fir that out of pocket. I do not have this certification (everything is separate usually with different orgs). Do you have a WIC office nearby? Usually if you go to them and say you would like to be a lactation counselor (you can't be a lactation consultant unless you have a nursing degree, that changed just a few months ago). Usually, they will agree to pay for your training as long as you work 10 hours or so a week at the WIC office (you would likely be paid for your work too).

For my CBE it costed me about $600 but i had a discount and it usually cost $900-$1200 depending on who you go with (there is
Brio Birth, Lamaze, Bradley Method, etc). I did have to travel to D.C for that though, so that was another expense. They are all over the country though. You also have to buy books for your academics. I looked at the book list and used the same books that were on the Doula list so I didn't have to pay extra for the books.the training was 3-4 days. Intense. 8am-9pm.

It seems overwhelming, with the money.and start up costs can be a lot, but it does pay off. And you don't have to do everything at once. Depending on your area will determine how much you can charge for services. Here I can charge $350 per couple for my CBE classes. You can have up to 8 couples, so you see how easily that pays off. Then for Doula services, the going rate here is $650-$850. That is easily paid off, but as a training Doula u likely won't get that amount. You may, but just bank on cert births getting zero dollars or maybe enough to cover expenses, like child care. I could easily travel to Boston and charge $1000 for a planned csection or charge $1250 for a vaginal birth. So if I am willing to drive 2hrs (which is perfectly reasonable) then I can make even more. Of course doulas do have hearts and will accomadate their clients needs, if money is an issue.

 

[Guppy051708]

It's illegal to administer medications without telling you right?
If you say to them, "I do not consent" they cannot legally do what they are trying to do, right?

I am assuming you are referring to hospital employees ( like the OB, nurse, etc)? If so, ALL patients have rights! There are federal laws that protect each and every one of us, and that includes those who are pregnant, seeking care, in labor, giving birth getting a c-section, post partum. You name it, there are federal laws that protect you. The problem is that often times doctors and nurses, etc pressure you to make you think you have to say yes, especially the pushy ones. It is ILLEGAL for anyone to administer medications or use interventions without your consent (like drip pitocin in your iv line, do an assisted forcep/vacuum delivery, give you narcotics, force you to have a csection, etc). I realize, however, that "birth rape" occurs quite frequently in US births. Moms are taken advantage of. This IS illegal unfortunately most women are not aware of their rights BY LAW they are supposed to give you ALL the information about the intervention before you make your choice (pros, cons, etc). The point by the law is that you are making an informed decision. Problem is most hospital staff only tell you the good, or they tellyouthebad but it's brushed off as if it's nothing or its likely not to happen. Although, illegal, they will still do this.that's why it's so important to do your research during pregnancy and insist on the info being provided during your labor. Sometimes it takes letting them know you know the law to get them to act the way they should. This is why a Doula is so important for US hospital births, they are NOT allowed to make decisions for you,but they can give you the real deal on whatever intervention the doctor is suggesting that way you are making a truly informed decision
So in short, yes. You are correct. It IS VERY illegal for you to be given meds without consent. Furthermore it is even worse if they did something when you specfically refused it. Unless you are dying and not of sound mind, no one can make the decision for you. You have EVERY right to refuse/accept and that must be respected. And if this happened to you, then I'd say you have a nice law suite on your hands

Now If you are talk about the Doula administering medications.this is illegal!a Doula is not to act beyond her scope of care. This means she will not be doing anything medical. She will not administer an IV, pitocin, do blood pressure checks, do fetal monitoring, or do vaginal exams. she is only there for the couple to help support them mentally, physically (like doing hip squeezes, bounce w them,etc) and emotionally as well as providing the mother with options and information to make informed decisions about her birth and the interventions being requested by the doc

 

[angel2010]

Wow, I will definitely look into the breastfeeding counselor!! Also how do you handle childcare? If I were to become a doula, I don't think there is anyone that could be on call for me 24/7 for childcare.

 

[Guppy051708]

Wow, I will definitely look into the breastfeeding counselor!! Also how do you handle childcare? If I were to become a doula, I don't think there is anyone that could be on call for me 24/7 for childcare.

Yeah, that part is a bit tricky. The majority of births, you will be gone for 24 hrs, could be more or less dopending on the mother. (you have to stay 2 hrs after the birth too and help establish BFing. Although we are trained in BFing, we do not get any type of cert for it ) anyways, I live 10 hrs away from any family. Which makes it a challlenge for us. I have made a very good friend who is a SAHM and she is willing to help out during business hrs, then my dh picks our baby up after work, and drops him off before work. If u are a religious person, I also recommend getting in with that community. They are usually very happy to ablige. there are some child care places that are open 24 hrs....personally I don't know how I feel about centers but that could be an option.....you could also put something one nannies4hire.com or put an ad in the paper for a sitter. Obviously you would want ample time to get to know this person-so do that well in advance. It is perfectly reasonable for your clients to pay fir your childcare. ....if you have trusted family members that would be my first pick, but I dont have that as an option since I live so far away.


Oh and I almost forgot a really good one usually you will make a relationship with other local doulas. You should actually have a back up Doula anyways (if there's an emergency and you can't make it to the birth) I can't do that as there r a lack of doulas, but what was going to suggest is meet w a couple doulas in the area and then you just take turns baby sitting for one another-usually they have kids too

 

[angel2010]

Oh and I almost forgot a really good one usually you will make a relationship with other local doulas. You should actually have a back up Doula anyways (if there's an emergency and you can't make it to the birth) I can't do that as there r a lack of doulas, but what was going to suggest is meet w a couple doulas in the area and then you just take turns baby sitting for one another-usually they have kids too

That is a great idea, I didn't even think of that! Thank you so much for answering all my questions. I am going to think some more. I am sure that I will come up with a few more.

 

[Guppy051708]

Oh and I almost forgot a really good one usually you will make a relationship with other local doulas. You should actually have a back up Doula anyways (if there's an emergency and you can't make it to the birth) I can't do that as there r a lack of doulas, but what was going to suggest is meet w a couple doulas in the area and then you just take turns baby sitting for one another-usually they have kids too

That is a great idea, I didn't even think of that! Thank you so much for answering all my questions. I am going to think some more. I am sure that I will come up with a few more.

No problem! Ask away

 

[LaraJJ]

Hi Guppy - I remember you from the FAITH thread Just wanted to say congrats on baby number 2 - awesome news!! How is Isaiah doing these days?

I actually do have a question, my MW thinks I have the beginnings of PGP or SPD. I have been referred to a physio, but wondered if you know what the implications are for giving birth as I know it can be more painful - eek!!

Thanks

 

[Guppy051708]

I actually do have a question, my MW thinks I have the beginnings of PGP or SPD. I have been referred to a physio, but wondered if you know what the implications are for giving birth as I know it can be more painful - eek!!

Thanks

Hi there friend! so great to see you and contgrats on your !!!
Isaiah has been doing well! He is quite the wiggly worm but he is always happy and high spirited

Great question! This depends on many factors, and no one can know ahead of time what your experience will be during birth. It all depends on the severity (some cases are not as bad as others, some are extreme) and it depends on your pain tolerance. Even though someone may have a very bad case of SPD, they may have a higher pain threshold and are not bothered by it. I dont know a lot about this matter, but i will share what i know you may want to do more research and soeak w your doc. There are a few things you can do to help

the following is a list of suggestions, but I am not a doctor. Check with your care provider before doing any of the following

~ See a chiropractor and get regularly adjusted. This will be one the best things you can do! All pregnant women should be seeking regular adjustments anyways, and especially those with issues. This will help line up your body so it's in the best possible shape for birth, and it will help getting the baby into the correct position for birth (having a baby in other positions besides face down and head down can make for an even more painful delivery).

~ do prenatal swimming. Exercise is very important in pregnancy. Not only does prenatal swimming feel good, normally, but it will help out with the SPD....it almost works like gentle physical therapy plus it feels good in general bc it is low impact and makes your bump feel very light weight.

~ try not to stand for long periods of time. I have issues with my hips (not SPD but when you hurt, you hurt lol) anyways, it always hurt worse on days that I stood longer than usual. It was always way worse.

~ prenatal yoga will also be great for it! That is also good for everyone in generally but that is also low impact and will loosen things up so it may decrease your pain.

~ see your doc regularly, ask for suggestions and advice, and keep them updated on how you're feeling.

~eat healthy

~ drink plenty if fluids, especially water

~ take your prenatal

~ read about Optimal Fetal Positioning, this will help get the baby in the perfect position for birth (just google it, I am sure you will get info overload lol). It generally works but it's not 100% perfect. I did everything humanly possible for OFP but my baby was still born face up ouch! Haha, but it will still help!

Birth is painful no matter what. And although you coukd be at an increased risk for pain having SPD this does not guarantee that will be anymore painful than birth usually is. At this point, take preventative measures, and make sure you get your mind inter right place-thinking positive thoughts about your birth NOW because emotions and subconscious thinking can really run the show when it comes to giving birth. Also since you are a believer, pray, proclaim you will not have these issues, and read your bible. Share your fears w fellow believers. I know you can do it Hun I have uneven hips (which a lot I do wonder if I had SPD last time bc I would get bad pains) and I birthed a posterior baby, unmedicated, after 30 hrs of labor. So I just wanted to inspire you. You can do this. god won't give you anything you cant handle without his help

 

[MonstHer]

Guppy, you are so helpful. Thank you for making this thread.
Also, I was referring to the medical team, you are right.

I have another question,
What price ranges are good for a doula? (in the states)
Are they paid hourly? by birth?

how old are you by the way? I am just curious, lol. You don't have to answer that. : P

 

[Guppy051708]

Guppy, you are so helpful. Thank you for making this thread.

Aww thank you! I am glad to be of assistance to you ladies

What price ranges are good for a doula? (in the states)

This depends on a couple of factors. The biggest one is the market in your area. If i were back living in middle of no where Pennsylvania (i used to live near the Amish ) then i would be making a lot less just because its a very rural area. I might make $300 per birth. Here (in coastal NH) I can charge $650-$850 as that is the going rate. Pretty much you can charge whatever you want (even if its outside of the market range). If someone is willing to pay you for it, then you can charge whatever you see fit. BUT usually you want to stick with the market. You dont want to screw over your fellow doulas and your clients If i went to Boston (an hour and a half away) I could charge like $1000 for a planned c-section and $1200 for a vaginal birth. So it really just depends on the local market.

Of course, depending on experience (like how many births attended and what types), you could charge more (or less).

Are they paid hourly? by birth?

You are generally charge per birth. It's normally a flat rate. And usually you pay partial before the birth and the rest at the birth. Most doulas have a "retainer fee". Which is usually about half (but could be more or less, depending on the doula). This is a non-refundable fee, unless of course if the doula cant make it to the birth for whatever reason, then you would get it back. But basically its holding your spot. Also, it prevents you from backing out because usually a doula meets with her clients a couple of times during pregnancy, and then at the birth, and then a few hours after the birth, and then a couple times after the birth(like 2 weeks PP and 6 weeks PP). Its usually a set rate, no matter how short or long your birth is. If its a planned c-section then the rate is usually less. If you labor vaginally but end in a c-section, you will still pay the regular rate since you used her services for so long (during labor and stuff). She would likely charge the same price at a 24 hr birth as she would a 4 hour birth. Its usually just a "set fee"

how old are you by the way?

I have no problem answering this I am 23 years old (most doulas are much older though as most ppl dont find their "nitch" in life until much later....just wish i would have figured this out before i spent $50 grand at Penn State!

 

[angel2010]

I have no problem answering this I am 23 years old (most doulas are much older though as most ppl dont find their "nitch" in life until much later....just wish i would have figured this out before i spent $50 grand at Penn State!

I am 25 and I thought that you would be a bit older. You are very well spoken.

 

[Guppy051708]

Why thank you

 

[LaraJJ]

Thanks so much Guppy - that is really helpful

I am already doing yoga and have booked into natural childbirthing classes. My best friend is also pregnant (35 weeks) and also has SPD quite severely, so we are praying for each other I think seeing her struggling on crutches has scared me a bit, but like you said - we have other strength to draw from

Xxx

 

[angel2010]

I'm back! Okay, I am 99% sure I want to hire a doula. The only thing I am worried about is bonding with my oh. What I mean is last time my Oh and my mom were there before the section. This time I only want oh, so we can really share the experience. But I also want a doula to help me, help him, and in general just be my advocate. Still rambling, what I am asking is can I still bond with oh like I want if I have a doula?

 

[Guppy051708]

I'm back! Okay, I am 99% sure I want to hire a doula. The only thing I am worried about is bonding with my oh. What I mean is last time my Oh and my mom were there before the section. This time I only want oh, so we can really share the experience. But I also want a doula to help me, help him, and in general just be my advocate. Still rambling, what I am asking is can I still bond with oh like I want if I have a doula?

Certainly! A good doula will walk in and just be a fly on the wall for a while, the entire time if thats what the couple needs. She is to simply an over looker until she takes everything in.

To help you out even more, are you having a planned c-section or trying for a VBAC? I can assist more if i know which

 

[Jaimie2Eyes]

Hi Guppy!

It is really generous of you to spend so much time on everyone's questions. Where in New Hamshah are you? My best friend grew up in Keene and I LOVE that town!

What brand of cloth diaper is your baby wearing in your pic? Is it blueberry by any chance? I'm trying to figure out what brand to try - do you have any recommendations?

I really appreciate the price estimate on doula services. I'm going to call around and see if I can find one here in Tucson.