Diaper Swappers

My_Tree_Grows · 08-23-2012, 09:59 PM

I live in a very small town. There are no midwives and one doula, but she and I have a working relationship on natural birth projects for the community, so I wouldn't feel comfortable with her seeing me during labour and birth.

I'm aware of two other local women with an EDD within the same week as me, so competition for any outside doulas willing to travel here could be an issue (competition for outside midwife support is also fierce but thankfully I got in).

Sooo...when would you start to seek out potential doulas in surrounding cities, given those limited resources?

You Tell 'Em · 08-23-2012, 10:32 PM

I'm always one to start looking as soon as possible. I like to have everything lined up, planned and able to have one less thing to try to do later. I've already spoken with a friend/doula and I've already hired a birth photographer.

There are a bunch of birth doulas here but many book up fast, so the sooner the better--- especially if there is "competition".

jackobeano · 08-23-2012, 10:37 PM

I would say to look now. I always call the midwife I've decided to use almost right after finding out just to make sure I get in before there's an overflow.

blushingmommy · 08-23-2012, 10:42 PM

Now. LOL I don't think it's ever too early, and most doula's will be in contact with you through your pregnancy anyway. I happened to stumble upon my doula towards the end of my pregnancy, but even without "competition" if I were to get pregnant again I would secure my doula early on.

808mamaof3 · 08-23-2012, 10:45 PM

I agree to looking now too. FX you find a great match!

Madame Medina · 08-25-2012, 08:23 AM

Does your midwife have a doula or two that she works with on a regular basis? If so that's were I would start looking.

My_Tree_Grows · 08-25-2012, 08:32 PM

Thanks, all, for your feedback! No, midwives here in Ontario, Canada are regulated and free of charge just like doctors, so it's a bit different than what a midwife often represents in the US; they don't recommend specific doulas, for example, as that's an unregulated profession (I know there's DONA and CAPPA, but anyone can actually call themselves a doula since parents pay out of pocket).

I appreciate the thought, though! I did find 1 DONA certified doula and 1 working towards her certification who will travel to my town and have sent inquiries to them both, based on what you have all said.

08-23-2012, 09:59 PM	#1
My_Tree_Grows Registered Users Formerly: emnti Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Ontario Posts: 499 Ratings: 22 Feedback: 100% My Mood:**	Hiring a doula I live in a very small town. There are no midwives and one doula, but she and I have a working relationship on natural birth projects for the community, so I wouldn't feel comfortable with her seeing me during labour and birth. I'm aware of two other local women with an EDD within the same week as me, so competition for any outside doulas willing to travel here could be an issue (competition for outside midwife support is also fierce but thankfully I got in). Sooo...when would you start to seek out potential doulas in surrounding cities, given those limited resources? __________________ Tandem BF'ing , BW'ing , CD'ing , Bed-sharing , Anti-circing , Proudly Canadian SAHM

08-23-2012, 10:32 PM	#2
You Tell 'Em Registered Users Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sunny Southern California Posts: 7,178 Ratings: 339 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	I'm always one to start looking as soon as possible. I like to have everything lined up, planned and able to have one less thing to try to do later. I've already spoken with a friend/doula and I've already hired a birth photographer. There are a bunch of birth doulas here but many book up fast, so the sooner the better--- especially if there is "competition". __________________ Alexandria~mama to 3 girls (, , ) ISO/IHA & WAHM Wares

08-23-2012, 10:37 PM	#3
jackobeano Registered Users Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2,954 Ratings: 314 Feedback: 100%	Re: Hiring a doula I would say to look now. I always call the midwife I've decided to use almost right after finding out just to make sure I get in before there's an overflow. __________________ SAHM of Evonngelie (July '07), Mathias (July '10), and Aubryn (Feb '13) ISO/IHA

08-23-2012, 10:42 PM	#4
blushingmommy Registered Users Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 741 Ratings: 56 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: Hiring a doula Now. LOL I don't think it's ever too early, and most doula's will be in contact with you through your pregnancy anyway. I happened to stumble upon my doula towards the end of my pregnancy, but even without "competition" if I were to get pregnant again I would secure my doula early on. __________________ Heather mama to Henry (6-3-05) Luke (10-21-07) Noah (3-4-10) Alina (8-14-11) & wife to Alex Greening my family, one sneaky experiment at a time!

08-23-2012, 10:45 PM	#5
808mamaof3 Registered Users Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 5,573 Ratings: 124 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	I agree to looking now too. FX you find a great match! __________________ * Wifey to my love and mommy to my two little men and my sweet baby girl *

08-25-2012, 08:23 AM	#6
Madame Medina Registered Users Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 174 Ratings: 4 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: Hiring a doula Does your midwife have a doula or two that she works with on a regular basis? If so that's were I would start looking. __________________ Lauren, wife and mama to two boys. It's a GIRL! 2/22/13 The New Spring Catalog is HERE! For every $31 you spend in March get your choice of seven totes at 50% OFF! Thirty-One Gifts All DS mama's who host a catalog party with me earn DOUBLE in Free Hostess Credit. Looking to earn some extra money? Join my team in March and get your kit for FREE. Ask me how.