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I have a doula. If you look up Doula they have a site and you can look for one on there. I found out about them at school and thats how I got mine. So far Ive found them to be really helpful. They can give you tips. I haven't had my baby yet but so far Im really happy with mine.

I've seen them on Discovery Health shows and they seem very helpful. I wanted to get one but my hubby didn't want to spend the money. Next time I told him either a doula will be there or my sister. I just think it would be nice to have. They can answer your questions and give you advice to help your labor be more comfortable. If nothing else, bring a friend or relative.

Midwives are illegal in this (draconian) state I reside in. Doulas are okay to have, but they are expensive & don't take Medicaid at this point. I'm on all sorts of government assistance, the economy & employment rate in this country being as poor as it is right now. Anyone know a way around having to pay money to a doula, yet still get this sort of help? My doctor is okay, but think a doula would make me feel more at ease. Thanks.

Most hospitals have a volunteer doula on call at all times. Call your hospital first before you put down money on one. I had a doula come in, but I had my hubby and sister with me, so I declined her services. I'm sure there was someone else giving birth that day that needed her more than me. I must say though that my nurses were wonderful, and I hope I get the same nurses this time around. Good luck to you.

When I first got together with my doulas I asked her how much they charge and she said it depends on how experienced they are. If they are just starting out they dont charge anything. And it also depends on the mother, how much you make, and what kind of job you do. That kind of thing. She said they never have set rates because some women cant afford it.

has an on call doula, and you request her please believe you will be charged for those services. If medicaid does not cover it, you will be billed. NOTHING is free even if they don't mention it.

Goodness. I'd love to answer your doula questions and to correct some answers you have receieved. It may be too late for you but I hope some others can benefit from correct information about doulas. If you would like to know more you can check out my certifying organization, DONA International at http://www.dona.org. Or my personal business site at http://www.cloud9doula.com

Some doulas are expensive, some are free, some work on sliding fee scales, some accept bartering in trade for their services. This realy has nothing to do with if they are certified or not though some doulas do offer their services for free until they are certified. It is not required of them to offer their services for free until they are certified. Some doulas choose to never certify and are still very good doulas. In some cases they can help you bill your state insurance (Medicaid) so you can get reimbursed for the cost of a doula, especially if you do not end up with a c-section.

Most hospitals do not have doula programs. This is a fairly new innovation. Though doulas all over the country are attempting to set them up, there is a lot of red tape to contend with. Some doulas refuse to work under such circumstances. Also some areas do not have enough doulas who are able to do volunteer work. No matter how much we love being a doula and know the importance of having one, it is still a job that takes our time away from our family and costs us various expenses.

To the poster who said

"and you request her please believe you will be charged for those services. If medicaid does not cover it, you will be billed. NOTHING is free even if they don't mention it."

I'm not sure where you got this information. Yes, many doulas do work for free. They do not lead you to believe they are free then charge you. Those of us who charge make certain that you DO know what our fees are. Believe me in that.

Anyway, hope this helps to clear up some of the misunderstandings. Good luck in your pregnancies and births.

Get a doula! I am not a doula, but I had one for my first birth 5 years ago and vowed never to go without one again. I'm due any time now and love my doula I have. I found her by going to www.dona.org and doing phone interviews with doulas in my area. The support they give both you and your partner-if you have one-- is worth every penny they charge. She helps you put together a birth plan, and helps with comfort during the labor and helps translate what might be happening around you at the hospital if you're confused. I felt like queen of the world, with my great team--totally in control, supported. Dona's website has great questions to ask doulas when you interview them.