Doula?

My mother is planning on flying in and staying with me for the first three weeks after the babies are born. Other family members and friends may also come to help but have not committed to anything. My mother wants to pay for a doula to come which I think is very generous however, is it necessary to have one come when she is here to help?? Or, should I get a doula only after she leaves? Also, those of you that have had a doula, how long after the babies were born did you have one visit and how often? And how far in advance to you interview and hire one?

 

I've been looking into this too. I've been looking at student doulas as you get them free, or at lower rates.

 

QUOTE(pdxpeach @ Jun 25 2007, 09:48 AM) [snapback]306030[/snapback]
I've been looking into this too. I've been looking at student doulas as you get them free, or at lower rates.



Where are y'all getting info on doulas? Just curious if it's somewhere on the internet or local newspaper or what? I've never heard of a doula before being on this site.

 

I think my mom just googled "Doula and the City and State where I live" I live in Charlotte, NC a pretty big city so there are a lot to chose from and they have their own websites.

 

Here is a link. Here you will find what a doula is and does. There are two types... birth and post-partum. They train differently and do different things.
There is alot of info on what doulas do, and where to find them locally.



http://www.dona.org/mothers/index.php

 

Just wanted to bump this one up. I am really hoping to hear from some one who has had a Doula and their thoughts on my original questions! Thanks