Auckland doulas

The doula whom I used three-and-a-half years ago is unfortunately no longer doing birth support, but she charged on a sliding scale, and we paid $400, which included a pre-birth "getting to know you" visit, attendance/support at the birth, and one post-birth visit.

Thanks Katherine, that sounds far more reasonable. Just wish I could find a doula at this price. Not sure why I can only find 2 on google.

Ouch! Can I ask why you are interested in having a doula??

I will be splurging regardless of the cost, though would like to think its a bit less than that

I cant speak for Treen, but my reason for having one next time is really to help my labour at home for as long as possible and to help avoid a C-section. DH was good at helping to relieve discomfort but crap at helping me focus and not get wound up. I ended up forgetting to breath through contractions and tensing up. Hopefully having someone there to take that responsibililty will help the next birth be a calmer experience.

ETA Treen where will you be birthing? My antenatal teacher may be able to give some names, I can ask her for you????

Edited by melnel

Fair enough! The other thing that sprung to mind was a CBE student - they have to attend a certain # of births and they can be great - you should get to meet them before hand and talk about what you need from them. Mine was happy to be as involved as I wanted. In the end I had lots of medical people in so she just observed for her own sake (and backed me up when the reg was telling me my breathing pattern was stupid).

child birth educator. They do a 2 year training programme to be able to teach the antenatal classes and have to attend x # of births. They're usually mums who've had kids.

Yeah there was a student doula who posted on here a while back too....

I will flick my CBE (now you know what it means LOL) and see if she knows of anyone, oh where abouts in AKL are you? Oh, are you birthing at the hospital or heading to birthcare first and then the hospital if needed?? You can pm this to me btw Oh and great idea flissty, I know someone through parents centre who has just started her CBE training.. might have to have a word with her if my CBE isnt available to be my doula.

Thanks guys! I PMed the doula out West so hopefully she gets in touch.

Weegee – damn! I hate it when that happens.

Cool, thanks weegee. xx

Hi there,
Just thought I'd add my details - as there were some queries about me further up the in the posts - currently studying with Childbirth International to gain my Doula certification. Would be more than happy to answer any of your questions or give you further info on the benefits of having a Doula during your pg,birth & postpartum.