Childbirth is a unique experience for every mother. Some have easy labor and delivery experiences, while others have difficult and painful ones. My childbirth fell into the latter category, and quite honestly, I didn’t really know about how a doula could have helped my delivery go more smoothly until after I gave birth. Here’s how hiring a doula may help you have an amazing childbirth experience.
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What is a doula?
How much do doulas cost?
Doula services vary widely. Costs for a new doula can be $500, with a seasoned pro costing as much as $3,000. The cost would include services for the labor and delivery. Postpartum doulas, who help with specifics like assisting a new mom with properly breastfeeding, often charge hourly fees ranging from $25 to $45 per hour.
How to hire a doula:
When hiring a doula, you really want to find someone you can trust. Remember that you’ll be feeling quite vulnerable in the labor and delivery process and want someone that will be able to make you feel more confident and relaxed in the process. This is why you should interview several doulas before choosing one. Ask the doula about their experience and any certifications that they may hold. You want a doula trained and certified by a recognized organization such as The International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA).
Find out about the doula’s availability. You don’t want an overextended doula with many upcoming births. Ask the doula about their services and the fees for the work. As the doula answers your questions, assess whether or not you feel that this is someone you are comfortable with. Great doulas ask many questions from the start and want to know about your prior childbirth experience and expectations.
The right doula is out there for you. It may just take a few interviews to find someone you and your partner gel with moving forward.
