Doula?

[fireweed]

Technically a 'pre' parenting question, but still... My wife and I are expecting, and considering getting a doula involved to help with the birth etc. The question I have for others is if you had a doula assist with your birth, what was the cost? We're shopping around, and I wanted to get a ballpark sense of what might be reasonable.

Thanks.

[Rehan]

Here in the GTA, the cost seems to be in the $600-$800 range in the suburbs and perhaps a bit higher downtown. That's what we paid for an RMT to help out, and it included an in-home post-natal massage.

[trini]

Check out the Toronto midwife association on roncensvalles they will answer and accommodate you in any and every way possibly.

[Whiplash7828]

hospital for us.

[Rehan]

hospital for us. 1) a doula does not replace a doctor or midwife
2) midwives have hospital privileges, too (i.e., you can choose a hospital delivery and have your midwife help with the birth rather than a doctor...and there's no extra cost for that)

[Whiplash7828]

1) a doula does not replace a doctor or midwife
2) midwives have hospital privileges, too (i.e., you can choose a hospital delivery and have your midwife help with the birth rather than a doctor...and there's no extra cost for that)

thanks for clarifying that for me. :o

[fireweed]

We're wanting to have the Doula in addition to the doctor's in the hospital and whatnot. Any other experiences on this price-wise? We're in the Ottawa area, so I would expect things to be marginally cheaper than GTA?

[GunnerX]

A friend who just had her baby had a Doula and she was very happy with the Doula. I think she paid $1000 for the Doula.

[rdtx2002]

Actually.. what does the Doula do?

[Rehan]

Actually.. what does the Doula do? Labour support "above the waist". :)
http://www.childbirth.org/articles/whatis.html has a better description.


fireweed, I found this ad (http://www.usedottawa.com/classified-ad/2334049&category=miscellaneous-services) for a doula in Ottawa. Her price is $400, but she's relatively young (25 y/o) and wouldn't have as much experience as most other doulas. The average fee in Ottawa may be a little lower than the GTA, but it will probably still be over $500.

[krobin]

up here in N.Ont I am sure a doula costs about $400 that includes visits before the baby, the delivery and after. My very close friend had a doula attending her birth. I would think a doula would be a great idea if you are intending on having a natural medication free birth. Although I did not have a doula, it was sure reassuring to talk to her on the phone as I experienced nearly 2 weeks of prelabour (basically continual contractions that accomplish nothing)

[trini]

In most other countries call it 3rd world if you like a Doula is the norm usually every village has one or a few the name will vary this was the way in the past now more and more people are resorting to the older and what i would call better ways.
It really does take a village to raise a child.

[dlander]

fireweed,

I am in Ottawa. My wife gave birth in 2005 and we had a fantastic doula. During the 16 hours of labour she did a lot for my wife. She also came to our house several times before the birth and once afterwards.

I can't remember if we paid $400 or $500 but looking at the number of hours that she put in, it was very very reasonable.

I don't have the contact info infront of me but will look it up if you PM me.

[Xax]

Are midwives significantly different from doulas?

[kellya]

Are midwives significantly different from doulas?


Yes - a midwife takes the place of an OB/Family dr. Depending on your province they may or may not be covered by your provincial health insurance (ie I am in Ontario and my midwife is fully coverered - if I lived in Alberta she would not be) For me my midwife is who looks after all my care. She orders ultrasounds, bloodwork, attends the delivery etc. etc.I have had an OB 3 times (my first baby unfortunately passed away so I only have two living children currently) I am now 39 weeks pregnant and using a midwife for the first time - I absolutely LOVE her. The difference in care between my midwife and the OB I had is absolutely incredible. I cannot say enough good things about midwives.


A doula is more of a support person. She can help make her client more comfortable during labour - she can give her back rubs, relaxation techniques etc. She is however not a medical person and has no say at all in the way a delivery is handled. I believe many also offer after birth services where they will come over and help care for the baby and such after the birth.

Kelly

[AnnaBanana]

To be a midwife in Ontario one must attend a 4 year midwifery program... pretty intense. All prenatal visits are with one of two midwives assigned to you, as they will both be present at your delivery (one takes care of you, one is there for your baby).

A Doula takes care of you ABOVE the waist - as in she will help you with breathing techniques, massage etc... I have not had one but hear that they are wonderful.

Good luck!

[Xax]

Thanks much Kelly! :D

[Mehrtens]

Is their any male doula in Ontario ?

[llbgal]

I used a doula in 2003 in SW Ont. and it was either 400 or 500 -- it was well worth every penny. From my female perspective, I didn't want my husband to have a lot of pressure on him to try to make me feel better during labour... he is not a specialist! :) So, we hired a doula. Turned out to be an added bonus that I went into labour in the middle of the night... and hubby does not do well with no sleep... so he rested for awhile and the doula kept me comfortable.

There is training for doula's too... DONA -- ALACE (there may be others). There is most certainly a difference between a doula and a midwife... they fill different roles/needs.