doula recommendation?

[razmatazz68]

Hi everybody,

I was wondering if anybody had used a birth doula that they could recommend? I'm due for my forst bb in august and I've interviewed a few, but only 'connected' with one of them. She was a trainee and waiting to hear from another couple who booked her before us :( Has anyone ever used a trainee? I feel I'm running out of time and options as so many doulas are already booked for the summer... Any thoughts appreciated!

[sillywoman]

Trainee's are cheaper and, IMO just as good. There's no medical decisions that a Doula needs to take on your behalf so your only risk with using a trainee is that the likelihood of a situation arising that she hasn't encountered before is higher. And of course there are trainee's and trainee's, a woman 'training' to be a doula, may well be a woman with a children of her own & an already wide experience of helping others through labour and birth, but if her help wasn't offered under the umbrella of an accredited training course then it won't be counted, so she'd still be classed as a trainee.

I'd say, if no-one else comes forward, go with your instincts & if she has the space then grab her with both hands.

It's probably a foolish question, but have you checked the Doula Uk website for details of all their local Doula's?

[srisky]

I believe Sofie Jacobs works as a doula and she is also a trained midwife. http://www.sofiejacobs.com/

I have not used her as a doula but myself and several others have attended her antenatal classes, which I know is not the same as having someone as a doula, but we have found her to be a lovely, supportive and non-judgemental person.

Good luck with your search and rest of pregnancy/labour/motherhood - phew!

[EmmaDoran]

My friend used Sofie Jacobs as a private doula and thought she was excellent. I'm happy to get her to speak to you if you like - PM me if you want further info.