doula search

[fluffyyduck]

I'm starting the search to find a doula on my own. I applied to Operation Special Delivery - they help military wives get a free doula if their husbands are deployed - and was accepted. They put me in touch with the volunteer lady for Washington and she's supposed to be looking for a doula for me. I waited a while and then contacted her multiple

Comments

[liannas_mom]

I have a friend who is a doula, she isn't practicing right now, she is actually doing the birthing and lactation education at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, but she would almost definatly have a good referrences if you want me to ask her the next time I see her.
Contact the Seattle Midwifery school, that is where the doula training seminars are held because yes, a doula does need so many hours in a birth to get certified and anyone in training would love the opprotunity to do it for free to get the hours.
Where are you planning to birth? I wanted very little medical involvement in my birth and the hospital I birthed at was very respectful of my wishes (Evergreen). For hospitals Swedish and Evergreen are the best.

[fluffyyduck]

That would be awesome if you could ask her! Thanks, I will contact the school.

I'm planning to have her at Northwest. I went to a tour of the birth center there and the nurse talked about how they're a good place for natural births and that they respect birth plans, so I got a good feeling. I don't know anyone who's given birth there though.

[liannas_mom]

Ironically the lady I know who will have a doula referrence, Candace, used to do some educational things there and still works there per diem (as need and based on her availability), she works with me per diem as well, that's how I know her (I work at Virginia Mason in downtown).

[ll_violence_ll]

I know nothing about Doula's... and have never heard of them until the last few months.lol.good luck on your hunt for one though =]

[autumnthing]

hello, i came across your journal via this site: http://ex.plode.us/

i live in Bellevue, and my son is 16 months old. i had him at a freestanding birth center (which our insurance covered), and with the help of a doula. i don't know if she'd be able to work for free, though she could probably help get you in contact with other doulas or doulas in training.

my doula's name was kristin_dibeh and her e'mail address is apurebeginning(at)yahoo(dot)com. she also teaches birth classes (bradley method) and maybe you and one of your parents/friends could take her class together??

oh, and for more doula info and resources, i highly recommend The Doula Advantage (which you can check out from the library; i know they have it :) even if you can't get a doula paid for, and especially b/c your husband is deployed, i have to say that doulas are worth the cost. they are worth their weight in gold!

[fluffyyduck]

Thanks! I've e-mailed her

[woundedglory]

I hope you find a doula that you like and can work effectively with. I can't really offer you any help, seeing as I've never really considered a doula, but I send warm wishes and good luck your way. :)