While doulas and midwives both assist parents during childbirth, both fulfill different roles.
BRAINED: Decision Making for Labor (and Life)
Labor can be an intense, stressful time. Many people go into the birth process with a "birth plan," or a list of ideals they wish to stick to. These are often well researched ideas the family is comfortable with. But what happens when suddenly your doctor comes in and says those ideas need to change? Whether the doctor suggests additional interventions or even talks about changing the type of delivery, sometimes births do not go as planned. How can you make such a potentially huge decision during a high-stress, vulnerable time?
Labor Inductions: What to Expect
Your doctor may recommend scheduling an induction of labor for many reasons. For some this can be a welcome suggestion; you get to know more definitively when you will meet your new baby! For others, induction can be a scary or unwanted option. No matter how you come to the decision to induce, there are a few things to consider.
What is a Postpartum Doula?
Affording a Doula
Having personal, in-person doula support through your labor is an investment, and people may be surprised at cost of hiring a doula. The prices doulas charge varies widely, often anywhere from $350 to $1,200 or more. With such a wide range of prices, many families may feel that they cannot afford a doula. While the total cost might seem daunting, there is a variety of creative options you may be able to draw from to cover the fee.