Frequently
Asked Questions- Doula Service
 HOW MUCH ARE DOULAS AROUND THE WORLD?
Typically a Doula in the UK will
cost around £500 (that's about NZ$1000-1200).
Trainee doulas will charge no more than £200
(NZ$400-500).
In the USA doulas will charge
between US$300-1000 (NZ$400-1400).
Different doulas will offer different
services dependant on their skills, e.g. offering
massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy etc
There is a common misconception
in New Zealand that doulas only cost $400-$500
overseas. A doula is unable to take on more than
four mum's a month to honour the commitment of
being there for the whole of their labour. To
charge such a small fee for such a commitment
when other work will be put on hold and being
on call is unreasonable when earning a living.
Our Joyful
Childbirth doulas will be with you at the drop
of a hat from the time you know you are in labour
(usually in the middle of the night) until you
are snuggled into bed with your baby in your arms.
This could be anything from 3hours(!) to 45hours
plus. It could also involve a few 'practise runs'
when you think you're in labour but it turns out
you're not.
We do not charge by the hour
because we don't want you thinking about how much
you're spending the longer you're in labour. We
want you to relax and let go, not count the dollars.
We also want you to call us in right from the
start so we can help you to relax and support
you and your partner. This is how doulas are effective.
If you called us when you really needed
us, it's probably a little too late... so we don't
want you worrying about how big the bill is going
to be.
WILL A DOULA REPLACE MY MIDWIFE?
A doula is not medically trained
and is not legally allowed to be your lead maternity
carer. Your midwife will bring her skills, knowledge
and support to your birth. A doula will be more
like a 'servant'; if you need water or food or
a wheatbag, or if you need a 3hr massage a doula
will be able to do that for you. Some midwives
offer nurturing support, but some don't and so
your doula will be invaluable. When there is a
medical situation for your midwife to deal with,
your doula can offer you the nurturing support
you may need. Your midwife may help with some
of these things, but may not be with you continuously
like a doula will as she may have other women
to attend. Your midwife is unlikely to be with
you right from the start of labour until baby
is born, she will be there for the intense period
and until a couple of hours after baby is born.
Your midwife generally leaves you and your partner
alone to journey to Birth Care or back home. Your
doula will be there throughout.
WILL A DOULA REPLACE MY PARTNER?
Your partner is priceless during
your labour. A doula cannot offer you the same
level of comfort as your partner can. However,
it's exausting for one person to offer you everything
you need during a birth and so a doula will share
the load, doing all the things your partner would
have to leave your side for; getting water, food
or a wheatbag. Your partner may also need some
sleep, get food or use the toilet to be more effective
for you and to keep their confidence and positive
attitude. At these times a doula will carry on
giving you the support you need so you don't feel
alone. If you partner is finding it difficult
to support you in the way you need, a doula can
be a great substitute or can offer guidance and
assistance.
WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND A DECIDE NOT TO HAVE A DOULA?
This is your birth. We take a
deposit from you to cover all the work we do before
the birth of your baby. The rest of the payment
is made after your baby is born so at any time
before labour starts you have no commitment to
your doula and can cancel for any reason at any
time without any extra costs.
HOW LONG WILL MY DOULA BE WITH ME FOR?
From the time you know you are
in labour until you are both snuggled in bed together
either in Birth Care, the hospital or at home.
However long this takes, your doula will be supporting
you from start to finish (or really, the beginning!)
WHEN IS IT TIME TO CALL MY DOULA TO BE WITH ME?
Whenever you want her to be with
you. If you think you may be in labour, call your
Joyful Childbirth doula to be with you. If it
turns out you're not in labour she will either
sleep out the night or return to her daily activities.
If it feels like it's labour, call your doula
over and she can be with you and your partner
to help you relax and give reassurance. |
