How much should we pay for an Orange County Doula and do we need one?
Orange County Doulas range in price and experience. When we ask a person if they will be our doula, the first thing that comes to my mind is how will they support me? And what will the investment be? I personally gave birth without a doula due to not being able to afford it and although my husband and I were well educated, I really missed not having one when I was in labor. I like to remind first time parents especially, do not get upset at their partners if they yawn or get hungry. The partner does not have the same hormones that the laboring mother has. Your partner will feel hungry, tired and need to use the restroom. And what will happen when they need these very human needs met? It's beautiful to have an extra person you know is experienced in supporting laboring people to come be at your side. There have been so many instances when I was a doula, where I would arrive at the birth once active labor has arrived and partners would exclaim their joy that they now get a chance to go eat and sleep because their trusted doula was there to help.
When partners ask me, “do we really need a doula? I’ll be there”, I ask the partner, “have you ever been at a birth before?”. As much as we love and encourage partners' support at births, and although research has shown the benefits of partners at birth, there is still a higher increase in birth satisfaction once we bring in a doula into the space as well. Your partner knows and loves you like no other. Your doula knows and loves birth like no other. Together, the magic is in the peace and calm that the laboring person feels knowing they are fully supported. I have been through birth without a doula and have seen many births without a doula and with a doula. I’m a midwife and I would still hire a doula if I were going to give birth. The same goes for asking if a doula is necessary if you will have a friend or family member there for your birth. This is your birth, and you get to choose wisely who you have at the labor. What’s important to remember is labor is not a spectator sport. It's not simply for someone to be there and watch and wait for your needs. You’ll be far into labor land to adequately communicate every need. It becomes primal at certain points in labor where you no longer ask, “honey, I’m really thirsty, will you get me some water? And it looks like I haven’t had a snack (food=fuel) in a couple hours so will you go grab me a healthy snack too? I’ll wait here alone while you go grab that”. It will most likely come out in an exasperated, “water!” or nothing at all because all your energy and focus is inward, trying to cope through your contractions. With an experienced professional, that water and snack will already be in your doulas hands being gently and lovingly offered to you at just the right timing. All while you are focusing on labor and your partner is focusing on being a calm support for you.
Doulas know birth and how to anticipate your needs. They know many laboring positions and comfort measures. They know when to give you peace and when to come in like your cheerleader. They are your continuous labor support emotionally, physically, and educationally. Now after having been through birth in so many different roles, I easily say investing in your birth versus a vacation or big wedding event is a hundred times more worth it. Birth is a physiological event and you will remember it for the rest of your life. Even people with Alzheimer’s will recall their birth experience and how they felt. You only get to do this birth experience once, don’t pass this over and hope it all works out. Nine times out of ten, partners want the doula support as well. They don’t want to feel helpless or like they are missing something they can do to help their partners. Doulas help partners be the rockstar, reminding them ways to support the laboring mother, questions they can ask their providers or to take breaks so they can be their best self when the baby arrives.
An Orange County Doula fee will range from $1,600 to $2,500. This fee is not all due upfront unless you are looking to book your services after 36 weeks gestation. Otherwise, if you start your interviews in your first or second trimester, you’ll have months to make payments. When hiring a doula, you will benefit from continuous care by someone you know, employed by you, rather than by the institution, and who can focus primarily on your specific needs.
The pricing is not just a price tag they add onto their websites. I think of all that comes with being a birth professional. Cost of training, certification, continuing education, website hosting, tools, continuous support in pregnancy, childcare, prenatal appointments, continuous labor support, leaving their family holidays to be at someone’s side, loving them through their labor. And most importantly, being good at their craft. Meaning, they know how to meet and anticipate a mother’s needs, advocate for her, and genuinely have a supportive and caring personality.
Your Doula fees may be covered via your FSA (flexible spending account) and/or your HSA (health spending account) which is another way to financially secure Orange County Doula services.
Remember this is all relative, some of you reading this are going to spare no expense, and some of you aren’t as likely to invest in your support. Regardless of your decision, make sure you choose honestly who can fulfill that role of support for you. Will it all be on one person who’s never done this before or maybe once or twice? And if you do bring a professional into your space, who do you trust you can be the most intimate and vulnerable around during your labor? It all starts with a conversation. We’ve been there and know how to answer all your questions and fill in what you don’t know what to ask. It's worth it to educate yourself before saying a full yes or no. Reach out and let’s get you started on this journey.
With reverence,
Christy Gochez
Licensed & Certified Midwife
Certified Childbirth Educator
Certified Doula & Doula Educator
Certified CPR Instructor
