We hired a doula for our second. I had a (more than likely, unnecessary) csection with my first and REFUSED to do it again. I wanted to believe in my body and what it was designed to do. I wanted someone else in my corner when the big day came. She was AMAZING. Became one of my best friends. Loved her. She came over as soon as my water broke (first sign of labor for me) and within the 5 minutes it took her to get to me, I was already in transition, so she took over massaging my back with a tennis ball, and reminding me to try to relax during contractions, helping me move about, ect while my husband loaded up the car and got our daughter in the car. She met us at the hospital and as the ER nurses (wasnt the hospital I was supposed to deliver at, but the closest option) were insiting I filled out paperwork, she told them that I needed to be triaged and that I wasnt going anywhere. Sure enough, they checked me and babys head was about to crown. Once I was in my room she took over watching our 2.5 year old and giving the nurses my medical history while my husband ran out for my chart. Once baby was out (a whopping 12 minutes after getting to the hospital) she was checking on him and letting me know how he was doing (broken clavicle and cord around neck) and checking on me and informing me of what was happening (nurse tried to give me pitocin to prevent hemorrhaging without explaining why). She stayed for probably 2 hours after he was born, helped me get into the shower, helped us start breastfeeding, and then checked in on us the next day. Once we were discharged she came over 2 or 3 times as part of my "package" for postpartum care. We encapsulated my placenta together during one of those visits! She was amazing, seriously amazing.
That being said, she was still doing her schooling when we hired her. She needed 5 births and offered them for free. So we didnt end up paying her anything except her gift and tip once all was said and done.
This time, we're hiring again, and her fee is $300 deposit and then the remaining $300 by 37 weeks. Hoping for another great experience. Im sad that we cant use our first doula, but weve both moved far away from each other, so its just not possible.
Good luck! Ive thought about doing this once my kiddos are older.
