So, it looks like we might be getting a doula! Prior to this pregnancy I didn’t know much about midwives or doulas or natural birth options and I kind of thought they were only for the true tree-hugging, granola-crunching folks out there. But once I got pregnant and started looking into options and talking with friends who have been on this journey before me, I started to become more interested in all of the above. We met with the only midwife in the Okanagan valley early in my pregnancy, but simply did not click with her. She was kind of terse and arrogant and just not someone we’d want to have to drive to Kelowna to see for every appointment. So, we decided to stick with my local doctor and she’s been great. I really value her opinion and her experience. Then we went to our prenatal classes last month and I came to respect our instructor, a certified doula, so very much. She was a strong advocate for natural birth but more than anything was concerned with the well-being of mom and babe, and wanted to enable them to have the sort of birth they desire. She was a passionate wealth of knowledge about anything related to labour, delivery, breastfeeding, etc. Steve and I talked about how we’d love to have someone like that in the delivery room with us, just for that added level of support and care, and also someone who knows what’s going on since Steve and I are obviously rookies. But we just assumed that the services of a doula would simply be too expensive for us to realistically consider. I had heard they can cost up to a thousand bucks and that’s just not in our budget these days. Anywways, last night, out of curiousity I emailed our instructor and inquired as to what she charges and asked if she were available around the time of our due date to be our doula. She replied and said that unfortunately she was going to be out of town at the time but she gave the contact number for her assistant. I emailed her, asking the same questions about cost and availability. She wrote back explaining that she had taken all of her doula training but was working towards her certification and that if we would be willing to fill out an evaluation form for her she would be our doula FOR FREE.
As in, NO CHARGE!
So, we’re going to meet with her this weekend and talk things through and see if we connect. Obviously, inviting someone into your delivery room is a very personal and intimate decision to make and we want to be sure we feel comfortable around her. I am excited, though! The thought of having that support and wisdom, not only for me but for Steve, is really exciting. I think I will feel a lot more confident and capable with a doula by our side.
And also, if Steve passes out I won’t be alone.
16 Comments
That’s awesome. Doula’s can be a big asset to have with you during your labour. I don’t know if you know this, but Kaili and Carleen both took their doula training too and are working towards their certificate. You should talk to them for more info.
Doula it up!
I think that would be great Amanda. I hope you guys click and you get to take advantage of her free services. :)
I’m glad that something you want is falling into place. I must confess it’s not a sentiment I understand, but all the same I hope things go the way you want them to.
What luck! I hope your meeting goes well.
That’s super cool. I hope that it works out for the best!
Could Amanda be going granola?
:)
I think that’s great – hope it works out!
this is bizarre. amanda olson?! or, rather, amanda … i don’t know your new last name. i have no idea how i found your blog but i read about an amanda married to a steve who lives in bc – it sounded too much like you and it is! i can’t believe you’re having a baby!!
congrats, girl! (or, rather, woman)
p.s.
email addy:
jritskes@interchange.ubc.ca
That sounds great. I’ve heard that Doula’s are very encouraging to have in the room for both mom and dad. I hope your meeting with her goes well.
What is a doula? And what is the difference between that and a mid-wife?
Free things are always fun. Now you’ll have to decide what to buy with the $1,000 you “saved.”
What do you mean doulas are only for tree-hugging, granola-crunchers? We have a doula! (Actually, we don’t, but we were wondering if you thought of us as tree-hugging granola-crunchers)
-Mike + Steph
The difference between a doula and a midwife is that doula’s don’t do anything clinical. They are support for Mom, Dad, Baby, Siblings, family, and so on. Also Doula’s help out with breastfeeding and will take pictures for the couple if wanted or whatever else. Even make food runs or what not.
That is AWESOME news Amanda. I was wondering if Sheri would know of anyone in this area working towards their certification, cause sometimes they won’t charge. That is great. I hope you and Steve like her and feel comfortable with her. Let me know how it goes. Cheers to having a Doula! Nice!!!
we’re having a midwife-led birth because that’s the norm here in Scotland. I’ve been worried about taking the baby home part, but a woman at my church is a retired maternity nurse who used to work for the Danish Royal Family (so I guess she knows what she’s doing!) and she’s said we can ask here as many questions as we like, which is very reassuring!
It is awesome Amanda. I so wish I’d gone that route. I’ve never met a woman who regretted having a doula.
That sounds great! I hope you guys click with her!
I was pretty lucky with my delivery, I had my own personal nurse the whole time I was in labor and she helped me afterwards with breastfeeding, etc. But I dont think that’s something you can really expect to have with our health system these days, so it’s great to hear that you have the opportunity to have someone take such good care of you!
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