Hi again,
I learned so much last time I asked a question. I was wondering in Chicago did you hire a doula, was she certified (DONA or DONA CD-ALCE-Etc) and if you don't mind the cost. Finally did that include 24 hour phone support, continuous birth support, and a network of pregnancy/new mom support (prenatal massage/Chiropractor, Breast feeding, Sibling classes, etc). Thank you so much! L.
PS. Anything You loved? Such as Belly Casting, Photography, etc.
L.:
contact birthways (888 506 0607 )or look on their site...
www.bithwaysinc.com
or birthlink ( www.birthlink.com)
also http://www.bellybumboutique.com/calendar/2009-10 - there is a question and answer with a doula.
for information and ideas,
warmly,
P., RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions
We found our doula on the DONA website. Yes she was certified. She offered phone support leading up to the birth-day (I called her twice about random pregnancy things I was experiencing). On THE day, she came to my house to help us labor at home for as long as possible. At the hospital, she did all those little things, like get me a glass of water, hold my hand, tell me everything was going to be OK, help me to the bathroom to pee during labor, all that stuff I couldn't get by myself. My husband was there, but I didn't want him to leave my side. The doula was like an extension of our arms. She was also a calming force in the room. The best part was that we asked her to take pictures during the birth so that my husband didn't have to worry about that while watching his daughter being born. All in all, I loved my doula, and used her twice!
L.,
I am a DONA trained Labor doula as well as massage therapist, specializing in prenatal and postpartum massage. I work throughout the Chicagoland area and have been practicing for almost 5 years (approx. 60 births). I have an extended network of wonderful practicioners to refer out for chiro., accu, lactation, etc. I would love to chat with you if you so desire. Take care...
L. Koop ____@____.com
I hired a doula, and she was awesome. I was "high risk" and she helped me figure out all of the best ways to try and avoid a c-section (which I did!!). I had no drugs, other than pitocen to get things going. Things were pretty intense, and she got me through the whole thing. She was only 400 dollars, which I think is low. She did one post birth visit, which was fine with me. I really only wanted help with the birth. I would suggest it to everyone. I didn't have one the first time around, and what a nightmare. She helped me take control of my special day.
L.,
I am behind on my email. I wanted a doula...and got what seemed like great referrals. Turned out that most of theme were charging $800 or $1000 or more, which was more than we could afford. Others were really nice, but turned out that they were not working now for various reasons. I ended up taking a Bradley Method Childbirth class at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park & loved the instructor. I think she had told me she worked as an unofficial doula from time to time. Halfway through our 10 week class, my husband and I were certain that we wanted to hire her. She was only $400, we knew her well. She knew our hospital-she taught our class there & knew our midwives & lived just 13 blocks away from us. We joked that we were on her way to the hospital when the time came. It worked out very well for us. Even though she was not an officially trained doula, she did everything we needed her to do. She came by to visit several times after our son was born too & knew other local referrals, which is how we decided on our pediatrician. Also, her daughter has worked as my "mothers helper" from time to time. So....should you find that you can't afford or can't find someone, think again. Even someone who is not a "real" doula might be able to do what you need just as well without breaking the bank!
Good luck to you!!!
