Have any ladies used a doula before?

[NannyWhitney]

I really want to use a doula for my hospital delivery because I want to try to go medication free. I'm beginning the interview process, and was wondering if anyone else has used a doula, and what questions to ask them?

I'm located in Chicago, IL suburbs, so if anyone is from my area, recommendations on doulas would also be helpful!

Thanks ladies!

 

[Tacey]

I have got a doula for this birth, but so far haven't done any more than meet up with a couple and hire one. I found this list of questions really helpful (obviously UK, but I'm sure they're still relevant,)

I also asked specific 'what would you do?' questions about a couple of things that I felt weren't ideal in my last birth. Maybe you could think of anything that concerns you, and see how they would manage a hypothetical situation.

Hope you find somebody just right!

 

[nostress]

Thanks for asking this question I am doing some research into doulas in my area right now too and soo confused. I know I am interested in very natural birth but because I will HAVE to go to a military hospital some of my options are limited. I look into who is certified to provide acupuncture, massage and hynobirthing techniques. I am in the DC area, so yeah any suggestions anecdotes, opinions would be appreciated. The average price I am seeing is right around $750-1000... is it really worth it?

 

[NannyWhitney]

@ Tacey-Thanks so much! That list is incredibly helpful!

@ Nostress- that seems on the high end of the averages I've seen around me. Most range from $350-1250 around here. I did find this excellent site about possibly getting your insurance to reimburse all or part of the fee:

https://childbirthtoday.blogspot.com/2010/08/unraveling-3rd-party-reimbursement-for.html

I still have to contact my insurance to see if they cover it, but more and more insurances do these days!

 

[nostress]

Maybe I need to do more research, but that's definitely what I've been seeing, for certified doulas, the ones in training are more toward 450-500 dollars... My insurance is military so it covers the hospital of their choice and thats it...