To Doula or Not to Doula

I often receive emails from women interested in a doula, but not sure they want to spend the money to have one. I'm sure knowing all the other expenses that occur during your pregnancy and birth, it's sometimes hard to justify spending more money.

Here's my advice.......A doula is truly a priceless gift for yourself and your baby, especially if you are feeling that you need that extra support from someone other than your husband/partner. It's hard to explain the emotional encouragement, support, and warmth that a doula can add to your birthing experience, but I can guarantee you that you will benefit greatly~ Doula's in Alaska usually charge an average of $400, but you can often find new doulas who are looking for births to complete their certification requirements, for little to no cost at all. Obviously, paying for a doula will give you more experience, but don't be convinced that paying more will get you more. I tell many of my clients that they really shouldn't base their decision on price, but on the connection they feel with someone. It's vital that you connect with whomever you choose as your doula, because they will be sharing one of the most intimate experiences in your life with you and the last thing you want to feel is uncomfortable. Interview and talk to several doulas, then pick your favorite!!

The good news is that doulas are working hard to get insurance companies to start taking a look at the value of women having doulas. We are hoping that within the next few years, insurance companies will start covering labor support staff. So, if you are using a doula, have your doula give you a receipt with the proper medical code to bill your insurance. Even if they don't cover it, the more requests they get the more likely they are to pay attention!! If they'd only recognize the decrease in costly interventions that having a doula can bring....then maybe they'd be more likely to cover us!! I'm excited for that day, not for my sake, but for the millions of women out there who would love to have a doula and benefit greatly from having one, but just can't afford one. Imagine a world where every women who wanted a doula could have one!!!! We might just see a drastic change in the outcomes of births in this country!!! (Smile!!)

Now for those of you that absolutely can't afford or find a doula for your birth.........There is a handy little book that is perfect for you and your support person to read and bring with you to your birth. It outlines what to do when, different positions to try, encouraging words, and other useful information that will help you........sort of like having a doula in your back pocket!! It's called The Labor Progress Handbook 2nd Edition..... it retails for about $30. Here is a link to purchase it:

http://dona.org/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DB&Product_Code=B-TLPH&Category_Code=B2

Blessings to your beautiful births!!! No matter what you choose, remember that ultimately, you have the power to have a positive birth......it's all in the MIND!!! Your body is a powerful machine that is designed to have babies.....your brain is even more powerful in how you perceive and react to your birthing experience....think positive and positive will happen!!!