https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:53:54 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409531 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 14:12:41 +0000 Crisark 409531@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Lozza: Agreed </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409496 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:48:11 +0000 lolabee 409496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My two cents doesn't really count as I haven't delivered yet but the doula we have hired has been super helpful with any information/questions we've had so far - I think it is important to meet with her to make sure you're a good 'fit'. After we met with our Doula it was a no brainer, my DH wanted to sign the papers right then and there! He loved the fact that she's there to support him as well.</p> <p>We are three classes into our HypnoBirthing course and are absolutely loving it so far!! I think it will definitely be helpful in labor and delivery, although it will really depend on how much practice you put into it before hand and how good you become with self hypnosis. It gives a specific job to your DH/partner and my DH has really liked that aspect of it. </p> <p>I think the value of having a doula would also depend @lozza said, if you are having two midwives attend your birth. We felt we needed to have a doula because we weren't able to get a Midwife. </p> <p>We paid $650 for our Doula and $300 for our HypnoBirthing class so in my opinion its pretty on par. That being said if we wanted the birthing pool it would be extra - but our hospital doesn't allow it anyways! :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409421 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:07:48 +0000 Lozza 409421@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also, fwiw, I would have much rather had an extra month off work than a doula. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409412 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:05:22 +0000 Lozza 409412@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We paid our doula $800 for two prenatal visits (not including the free meet-and-greet), unlimited phone calls (which honestly I don't think we used), 1 post-natal follow-up, and the actual birth (when she spent about 16 hours with us). We live in a big city so that seemed like a fairly standard price.<br /> DH is actually a much bigger proponent of doulas now than I am... I liked our doula a lot, but I don't remember her doing all that much- I mainly remember relying on DH. But DH says that he was really glad she was there, and I actually think it's kind of ideal that she supported him so he was able to support me.<br /> It's not uncommon to see intensive hypobirthing or Bradley class series run a couple hundred dollars here in the US, so I think- at least in US standards- the price is pretty good for what you're getting.</p> <p>That said, if you're having a home birth attended by two midwives, I'd honestly expect them to be able to do a lot of what the doula might otherwise do. If they're at your home, it's not like they have other patients to attend to, so I'd expect them to be pretty involved with helping you with pain management (changing positions, breathing, whatever). Though they may not be versed in hypnobirthing, so if you are set on that, you may need the doula for that.<br /> I'd also consider how helpful your DH may be... if he's willing to read hypnobirthing books and listen to CDs and study on your own together, and he's willing to coach you through it using the techniques you want, the doula mightn't be necessary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409396 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 12:57:40 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 409396@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I loved my doula soo much I wrote a whole post about her - <a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2012/07/16/the-case-for-a-doula/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2012/07/16/the-case-for-a-doula/</a> - if your doula seems great and trustworthy and has your best interests at heart, I think she'd definitely be worth it. You're also getting wayyyy more than what I got at just a slightly higher price. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409392 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 12:56:23 +0000 sarac 409392@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Taking a hypnobirthing course was absolutely worth the money to me. Getting the best shot at the birth you want is worth pretty much any amount of money, in my opinion. If that's worth trading for a month off work, I think it's reasonable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409390 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 12:55:24 +0000 rachiecakes 409390@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I didn't have a doula but I think they're absolutely worth it. But I think I would want to meet with them first to discuss and make sure we "click" as pp have said.<br /> My best friend hired a doula and took hypnobirthing, she ended up with a csection but said that her doula and the things she learned in hypnobirthing were still worthwhile because they helped her tremendously throughout the experience. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409384 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 12:48:14 +0000 Andrea 409384@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That sounds like a good price for all that you are getting. I interviewed doulas in the US charging that much and they include less services. Best of luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409318 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 12:11:30 +0000 Minnie_Girl 409318@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm planning a (US) home birth myself, and will be sticking with the midwives/DH. If we were going to the hospital I'd DEFINITELY want a doula to play defense! But since there will be at least 2, probably 3, midwives at the birth, and DH, I'm feeling pretty secure about the amount of support I'll have. </p> <p>Sounds like the doula would be great for you because of her hypnobirthing background! Good luck, I hope your personalities jive! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409207 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 11:06:08 +0000 Cherrybee 409207@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: Yes, they try to encourage home births here because it costs the NHS less (apparently) and two midwives come to your home with all their equipment. You have to hire your own pool though if you want one! They monitor you closely and if you are taking too long etc they transfer you to hospital. </p> <p>So.... I'm going to see her on Wednesday night for this Positive Metal Attitude chat! She'd like DH to be there, too! Eeeep! I do feel like this is totally crazy!! Now to break the news to DH - hahaha! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409189 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:58:32 +0000 Foodnerd81 409189@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: Wow that's really impressive that she responded so fast! </p> <p>I have no advice to offer, just following this since i like the idea of a doula too. But I'm in the US so totally different care. Are midwives coming to your home birth covered through your healthcare system? I feel like someone told me you have to have 2 for a home birth, but they were covered? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409178 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:51:15 +0000 aprk 409178@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are paying $700 for our doula. Looks like yours includes a birthing course that you want, so I don't think its an awful price at all.</p> <p>But I agree - it's best to find someone you are totally comfortable with and who matches your personalities. It's also great to start the conversations early, so your husband can have some time to understand and think about it. His role will still be important! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409174 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:49:30 +0000 Cherrybee 409174@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for the advice everyone! Yeah, if DH agrees to hiring one, I'm going to contact a few and conduct interviews before making a decision - but he's not going to be happy spending any money at all, when we can go to the hospital and get an epidural for free! Lol! </p> <p>So... I just sent her an email asking for some details - like how early do we need to book if we decide to go with her and what happens re the booking in the event of, well, not needing it anymore... and she replied straight away, saying it sounds like I'm very anxious and offered to meet us both next week (free) for a chat with a view to helping us feel more positive over the next few weeks! WOW! I'm sure this is to try to ensure the business next year etc - but I'm impressed already!! (and a little scared! DH is going to be furious!! lol!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409133 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:30:03 +0000 mrsjazz 409133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I paid 1k for my doula (and I interviewed 2 other doulas who were $350 and $500) and she was worth every penny. I ended up having to transfer from a birth center to the hospital but I felt like I needed her even more!</p> <p>It's really important to meet with the doula and then decide. All of our doulas looked amazing on paper, but our decision came down to personality and who I felt would be most supportive of both me and my husband. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409129 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:28:24 +0000 hilsy85 409129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It sounds like based on the birth experience you want, I would definitely hire a doula, like @highwire said. Especially if you feel strongly about doing it med free. I had a doula, but ended up getting an epidural, and frankly, I think I could have done without her. BUT I would rather have had her, and not really needed her, than not had her and really wished that I did have her, you know? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409118 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:24:49 +0000 DillonLion 409118@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Since you have some very strong feelings about how you want your birth to go, it would make sense to have someone hired specifically to advocate for your wishes and help you achieve the type of birth you desire. I would meet with this doula but also see a couple of others in a lower price point to help get your DH on board. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409114 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:20:53 +0000 Smurfette 409114@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Definitely meet with her first. No other advice since I haven't given birth and not having one myself. </p> <p>@Arden: is a doula so I am sure she can give you advice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409100 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:16:08 +0000 immabeetoo 409100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have done neither so I won't give you advice there - but my one recommendation would simply be to meet her first. I'd hate for you to get your heart set on using her, convince your husband, and then meet her and not "click". Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hiring-a-doulahypnobirthing-coach-was-itis-it-worth-the-expense#post-409082 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:10:58 +0000 Cherrybee 409082@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Okay, I know it's a bit soon for me to be planning childbirth at just 4 weeks but I'm looking at our finances and getting myself organised!! </p> <p>I'm trying not to have too rigid expectations around childbirth but one thing I do know is I want to do it at home, with a birthing pool. I just can't stand hospitals. DH is dead set against the idea of a home birth (in case something goes wrong) - so we will need to discuss nearer the time! I also want to avoid medical intervention as much as possible - no C Section (unless unnecessary), no epidurals etc. I also firmly believe that pain can be managed with hypnotherapy and, while I'm not dead set against pain relief, I want all the help I can get managing that! </p> <p>Anyway, I've found a really experienced doula in my local area who specialises in hypnobirthing. Her all inclusive package includes: </p> <p>At least 4 hours worth of antenatal visits<br /> At least 4 hours worth of post natal visits<br /> Hypnobirthing course<br /> 24* 7 support (telephone, texting or email)<br /> Calm and caring birth companion during birthing<br /> Breastfeeding and parenting advise<br /> Free hire of birth pool (worth over £100)<br /> All her expenses (petrol, parking, food etc)</p> <p>All this for £600 ($956). </p> <p>DH is going to be horrified by this price - it's another month off work for one of us, with the baby. He's already unimpressed that I'm spending £80 on a private scan - remember, all healthcare is free in the UK but you get what you get....</p> <p>What do you think? Was having a doula worth the expense? Is there anything I should think about before making a decision? </p>