? for Sandra

[leighanntx1]

Sandra,

I have seen you mention doulas a few times on these boards and was wondering if you would not mind telling me how much one would cost. I have visited a site about them but am just curious about the cost.

My husband and I live about 3 hours away from everyone and he does not want people at the hospital and I do not want to depend on only him. I love the idea of a doula.

I am not pregnant yet, just trying. I am a meticulous planner though and would like to have as much prepared as I can!

Thanks,
Leigh Ann

 

[FiddleFit]

Hi Leigh Ann! I love to hear that you're interested in learning more about doulas! I am Canadian, so I can't speak about the cost of a doula in the US. Here in Canada, they range in price from about $200 to $600, usually depending on their experience level. I opted for a highly experienced doula last time, so paid at the high end. A number of times newly-trained doulas offered to do the job for free, but I declined because this was one time that I wanted to be able to have 100% confidence in the service being provided!

It is not outside the realm of possibility that some health plans might cover child-birth coaches or midwives. Something to investigate.

Being a meticulous planner (I'm with you on that one!), you might want to check out either of the following books. Both are by the same person, and I presume one is only an updated version of the other. I've only read the 1993 version, so can't comment on the 2002 version.

The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier & Healthier Birth
MARSHALL KLAUS | Trade Paperback | Perseus Books | October 2002

Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, Healthier Birth
Marshall H Klaus | Trade Paperback | Addison Wesley Longman | January 1993

Best wishes in your attempts to start your family!
Sandra

 

[leighanntx1]

Thanks so much, Sandra!

That does not seem too bad at all to me for all of the work that they do. I kind of assumed it would be thousands and while I am sure that would be worth it, I doubt my husband would agree : )

I will definitely check the book out. I am an avid reader along with my extreme planning which probably makes for an annoying person to anyone but myself!

I am currently enthralled with "TCOYF" and am learning more than I ever wanted to know.

Thanks again,
Leigh Ann

 

[FiddleFit]

>I will definitely check the book out. I am an avid reader
>along with my extreme planning which probably makes for an
>annoying person to anyone but myself!
>
>I am currently enthralled with "TCOYF" and am learning more
>than I ever wanted to know.

Leigh Ann, will you be my best friend???

I have a book on every topic that has ever even sort of interested me. And I advance plan even my time to advance plan. So glad to know you!

Sandra

 

[leighanntx1]

Hee! I have never had a best friend in Canada

I never thought I could fill up the huge closet that came in one of the bedroom in our home but once I unpacked all of my books that used to be spread out all over our previous home, I found I could fill it up quite nicely!

I ordered that book from Amazon.com and am excited to get it. I am finishing up TCOYF today. Can't wait to start charting.

 

[FiddleFit]

>Hee! I have never had a best friend in Canada
>
>I never thought I could fill up the huge closet that came in
>one of the bedroom in our home but once I unpacked all of my
>books that used to be spread out all over our previous home, I
>found I could fill it up quite nicely!
>
>I ordered that book from Amazon.com and am excited to get it.
>I am finishing up TCOYF today. Can't wait to start charting.
>

Okay, that clinches it. You are my long lost soul-mate.

Well, since we're going to be best friends and all, I need to know your birthday, shoe size, and favourite chocolate.

My b-day is Aug 17; size 8 shoe; love my chocolate to come in the form of hot, fresh, fudgy brownies.

Sandra

 

[leighanntx1]

Ah, hot, fresh, fudgy brownies. Yum. I just can not find a good recipe.

B-day is Dec 1; size 7 1/2 shoe; and while I am not a huge chocolate fan, I will kill anyday for a sweettart

Where in Canada are you? I lived in Dayton, Ohio for a bit and only made it across the border far enough to lose a lot of money at a casino. I am now northwest of Austin, Texas. I am originally from Texas so I love being back.
Loved Ohio though!