doula program at Holy Cross--$550?

[Anonymous]

Hi, I would like to have a doula present at my first childbirth, which will be at Holy Cross. I noticed that the hospital's doula program does not allow you to meet the doula ahead of time--you get the one who is on shift. Has anyone used the HC doulas, and if so, would you recommend the program? Also, is $550 a reasonable rate?

[Meconbear]

I haven't used the HC doulas, but $550 is a really good price. The private doulas I interviewed all charged between $750-1000. That said, it was nice to be able to meet with my doula a couple of times prior to the big day so I could get to know her better.

[Anonymous]

We are paying our doula $1000 but because I have access to her in advance, for advice and guidance, and because she will labor with me at home for a while, it makes sense that she be paid more than one who starts working with you after you are at the hospital.

[Anonymous]

Hi, I used the HC doula program in 2003. I found it really helpful and recommend it. I was a little concerned intially that you don't meet the doula in advance, you just get the on-call doula. But for me, it turned out fine (and actually, you can try and meet several doulas at their monthly open houses).

The pluses of the program are that all the doulas work at the hospital, so they are very compatible with a hospital birth. I think that some private doulas may be more home birth/ natural birth oriented, which is great if that's what you want and where you will give birth, but if you will deliver in a hospital, I think its helpful to have these hospital-based doulas who won't clash with the docs and nurses -- more pragmatic and less ideological. Since it is an on-call program, the doulas are very open to supporting you in the kind of birth you want to try and have -- they are open to more natural vs more interventionist, whichever you prefer. Also, they know little inside stuff at the hospital, like where the extra blankets are, etc, in the maternity wing.

I had my husband with me as a support person, and he was helpful, but he is (understandably) no childbirth expert. I really liked having the doula to be there the whole time, offer tips, suggest techniques (sit on birthing ball, lean on partner, etc). The nurses were very in and out, covering lots of patients, so the one-on-one attention of a doula was really worth it to me. I plan to use the program again for my next baby.

[Anonymous]

OP here...thanks for the responses...very helpful!

[Anonymous]

I used a doula from Hc last summer. She was awesome! I was determined to have a natural labor/birth with my second child because I had a terrible epidural experience with my first. My doula was such a blessing. I am certain that without her support and care my labor would have gone completely different. She was an advocate for my birthing plan and helped my husband support me. I cannot speak highly enough of her. I had actually met her at the open-house and was ecstatic when it was her who walked through the door. I am pregnant again and will be highering another HC doula. I have full confidence that whichever doula is on call will serve me and my family with excellence.

[Anonymous]

This is an old thread, resurrected -- unfortunately, I believe Holy Cross discontinued their doula program in spring '09 due to budget cuts. I heard that several of their former doulas have joined together as a private practice, but I can't find their contact info right now. I hope you find one you love, 22:06!

[Anonymous]

Holy cross doulas

http://www.byyoursidebirth.com

[Anonymous]

This is definitely an old thread, but I recently signed on with the group that used to be in the hospital doula program. It took a bit to find them 'cuz they're not on the hospital website, but I finally got the number (301-725-3662) from someone at the hospital and called. Super friendly and reassuring so far. There is also the website that PP mentioned. I think the group's name is the same as the web address.