I really wanted to have a midwife deliver our baby but it became apparent very early on that it wasn't going to be an option. Although midwives are covered by the provincial health care lab here, there is a massive shortage. When I contacted all 4 clinics in the area at 7 weeks I was told I was wait listed but likely wouldn't get in. Sad times!
I thought that doula might be the next best option but didn't look into it much when I found out that they weren't covered by the province. However, since the prenatal massage class on Monday that was taught by a doula with 15 years experience, I've been reconsidering.
The Calgary Association of Doulas lists some pretty compelling stats in favor of having a doula including:
- Reduction in length of labour by 25%
- Reduction in caesarian birth rates by 45%
- Reduction in oxytocin use by 50%
- Reduction in epidural requests by 10-60%
I find these stats so compelling because it seems like a doula would help me stick to my plan of having a natural birth. I don't want to be one of those people who gives up and takes the epidural. And I do not want to be talked into unnecessary medical procedures by the doctors or nurses.
I wonder if all that is worth $750?
2 comments:
I may be a bit biased, but I think that even if you were to get one of the higher paid doulas at $1200 it would be worth it. Also.. the Calgary Doula Association does have a list of Doulas in Training, but they have chosen to keep it more private and not pass out the information unless they are asked for it so that the certified doulas get more business. Another website to check out is http://www.doulamatch.net/ Every doula you contact should be willing to, or rather should offer to do a no obligation meet and greet so you can see if it's the right doula for you.
Or maybe you'll just hire me ;)
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