Doulas

[SianandTony]

just wondering if anyone had any experience of using a doula...thinking about having one at the birth. not sure how much they charge for the service

[hayesgrover]

Yes, and I can highly recommend it! Having someone experienced there was great. She knew just where to put her hand on my back when I was having a contraction and she reassured me and husband all through the process. Then she came by the house for whatever hours I wanted for the 2-3 weeks after the birth and helped with feeding, bathing etc.. Send me a PM if you'd like more specific details.

[lorraineliyanage]

Hi Sian - I'd wholeheartedly recommend Verona Hall, she is a local independent midwife (but not a doula) who is well-known to lots of Forumites as she also runs lots of classes locally (baby massage, first aid etc). She offers a full range of midwifery services. Her web site is here.

[sillywoman]

Hmmm, she's not a Doula though Lorraine & an independent midwife will be significantly (and understandably) more expensive and less flexible in what she's willing to do for a new Mum. SainandTony, you might try the Doula UK website for information about rates and what they do, or below are the details of some South London Doula's you could give them a call and ask them.

Name: Emma-Louise Radway-Bright
Title: Postnatal Doula
Tel: 0796 395 4065

E-mail: [email protected]
www.myfamilydoula.co.uk

Name: Laura Hayward
Title: Birth & Postnatal Doula

Tel: 0795 742 1232

E-mail: [email protected]


Name: Delia Muhammad
Title: SE London Rep. Doula UK; Midwife; Birth & Postnatal Doula

Tel: 0798 421 6151

E-mail: [email protected]
www.yourcomforter.org

Name: Dawn Gall
Title: Birth & Postnatal Doula

Tel: 07534 298 605

E-mail: [email protected]

Name: Jesusa Ricoy
Title: Birth & Postnatal Doula

Tel: 020 8671 4330

E-mail: [email protected]


Name: Lea Ouai
Title: Birth & Postnatal Doula

Tel: 0784 700 9170

E-mail: [email protected]


[iaineasy]

thanks silly women my better half is due in january and has been interested in the doula thing I will save this thread for her. I was slightly shocked at the amount some doulas charge though, but if it makes Anna feel good it has to be worth every penny, now to earn some!

[sillywoman]

I read recently that it's about ?600 for a birth and ?10 an hour for post-birth in South East London. Does that tally with your research/ anyone else's experience?

[iaineasy]

The ones we looked up were considerably more expensive than that, more like 1000-1200 for the birth and up to 40 ph for after care, which I find slightly nervy being self employed especially as the bills in this area(rent etc) are stretching us already, but again what price to pay for Anna being happy and comfortable with all of this crazy stuff that having our first child entails? If anyone has a tried and tested Doula that they can recommend us we would be very greatful for the number!

hugs

[sillywoman]

This is the one who quoted the price above. I don't know her so can't recommend or not, but she might be worth a call?

http://www.doula.org.uk/utilities/userServices/user_profile.asp?userId=193

Have you been in touch with Doula UK as I think they recommend their members to charge within a reasonable price frame?

[duncandtessa]

Hello, the only other suggestion you could look into is going with one of the midwife practices in the local area. It means that you know your two midwives from mid way through the pregnancy and they come round when you are starting labour and are there with you through the whole labour. They are usually happy to do either home or hospital birth depending on your preference.

I was with the Albany midwives for my second child and it was a great experience as I could call her at any time - and did at 4am when contractions started. We had a chat, she asked me to call back at 5am, which I did, we had another chat and she decided to come to our house to examine me around 5.30am. She then phoned the hospital let them know we were coming in and walked straight into a room about 6.15am. So much smoother than with my first birth. Other practices in the area are Brierley (although homebirth) and Oakwood (home+ hospital). Completely free as its the NHS. But you wouldn't get so much help with aftercare, apart from what a midwife would usually do.....PM me if you'd like any more info.

[sillywoman]

Further investigation Iaineasy,

I got this email from a local friend who is about to qualify as a Doula;

"sorry I wasn't about when you sent the email... I do not do any post natal work besides a couple of visits included in the "package" I haven't charged my full rate yet, as I am not qualified but I am planning to charge

?400 for

two antenatal visits

one month on call

continuous support at birth

one /two postnatal visits

one month of email and phone call support afterwards, and breastfeeding help

The prices this days fo doulas are between ?400 and ?850

postnatally when training they suggest to charge ?10 p hour I do not know how much they charge once they are qualified, you could run a search in Doula UK

It sounds like the prices you've been quoted are over inflated so a local doula may bear further investigation. The Doula who sent this email is Jesusa Ricoy whose contact details are in the list above. She's lovely, local (West Dulwich) and will make you laugh.

As duncanandtessa said, another wonderful (and free) option is getting with one of the absolutely exceptional midwifery teams round here. Albany (Peckham Pulse based), Oakwood (Forest Hill GP practice), The Lanes (Crystal palace Rd GP Practice) and The Brierly (East Dulwich Hospital) all deliver a service internationally recognised and emulated.

[iaineasy]

Great thanksso much for that silly woman Anna is back from switzerland on friday so we will look into all of this then and try to come to some decision before its too late!! owe you a beer.xx