Is $1200 too much to pay for a doula?

[seamonster]

For those who didn't see my thread earlier in WD, I am going to be moving at about 30-32 weeks pregnant - probably to CA - and have to deal with switching doctors mid-pregnancy. I started looking into a doula and found out that she would charge $1200. This would include 2 prenatal visits, phone contact, and being at the birth. She also has 10 years experience.

She would be driving with us the 45 minutes to the hospital. The city I am moving to does not allow VBACs so we will have to drive to the next city.

So, does $1200 seem too much for all this?

 

[Leanna]

My initial response is OH MY thats a lot of money. Then again, i don't live in California.... I think everything is too much money in California... so its hard to say. Have you compared to some others?

 

[seamonster]

In Hawaii it's usually around $300-600, so I thought that was a lot, too. I don't know if maybe she added money because she'd have to drive to another city...

 

[llghoney]

I would probably pay that especially for peace of mind.

 

[lovesbrightpink]

where in ca would you be moving ?

 

[Sign Of The Fish Burger]

My initial thought was WOW that's a lot. I think the most I found here in Portland was around $600. That included 2 visits before, the birth, 2 visits after and phone help when needed.

 

[seamonster]

My initial thought was WOW that's a lot. I think the most I found here in Portland was around $600. That included 2 visits before, the birth, 2 visits after and phone help when needed.

$600 seems a lot more reasonable to me. Unless DH was deployed, I really can't imagine paying more than that.

 

[seamonster]

where in ca would you be moving ?

My mom told me not to tell people on the internet where I'll be living

 

[lovesbrightpink]

ok lol. if you are living in the bay area, its not alot. EVERYTHING is expensive there. If your in northern ca, where I am, I would say its high. If your in socal I would say its not alot....

depending on where you live, it may be reasonable. I would not pay it...but Im in a reasonable area. THe amount I would get paid in socal or the bay area would be twice as much so its not as bad a cost to cover!

 

[seamonster]

Thanks for the info lovesbrightpink

DH and I talked about it and neither of us is comfortable with that price, so I think we'll be going doula-free this time, or trying to find someone in training who will do it for less.

 

[ShannonMcCatholic]

You could also talk to her again, and tell her that you are unable to pay that amount and offer what you would be comfortable paying.

IN my opinon- it would be a great thing to contact as many doulas as you can via internet before you move and see who you click with..and then interview once you have moved if there's still any doubt as to who would be the best fit.

Have you contacted the LLL where you'll be moving? They might be able to direct you to a list of doulas serving the area...

Is there a reason why it's this one doula or no doula??

You con contact ALACE, DONA, or CAPPA and get names of women with their provisional certifications.

 

[seamonster]

Is there a reason why it's this one doula or no doula??

I've contacted several certified doulas and none of them are available when I'll be having the baby.

 

[gracepaints]

I'd shop around a little more or ask the doula to throw in a couple of postpartum visits. Even in NYC, doulas rarely run more than $1000. Six to eight hundred is about average there.

 

[jgonz]

I've worked as a doula in the past... and that seems high to me, but I don't know about Southern California's prices. Where I am, it was hard to get $100 out of people... lol

I would definately ask around at midwives offices, homeschool groups, LLL groups, maybe chiropractor's offices (all non-mainstream type of groups)..... wherever you're going to be living, and see if anyone has any suggestions. It's entirely possible you'll find doulas who just aren't members of an organization or are in training.

Good luck!