Go with Doula Friend or Probono Offer for a Doula in Training?

Hey N.:

I am a Doula. I am certified with DONA (Doulas of North America), I love what I do and I have never heard from any of the families that I worked with that they were disappointed or that I did not meet their expectations. The reason I say this is that the first half a dozen births I attended were done for free and I obviously had little experience. I have no children and had never attended a birth before.
I don't know if the doula who offered had any training or not, but I read a ton before I attended my first birth, and I had been through extensive training before my first birth, and I was supported by other women in the community whom I was able to call before during and after those first couple of births. I guess what I am saying, is that we all have to start somewhere. I personally would want the doula at my birth. We are professional ( you can count on us being available to you) and we are trained and know, at the minimum, the basics. We are loving and she is willing to do this amazing job without getting paid. She could, realistically, be with you and your family for a couple of days. That is dedication. And the fact that she is 20 I think is great. She probably has a lot of energy and stamina and passion!
I could also suggest having both the doula and your girlfriend with you. Maybe your girlfriend can be your daughter's doula. :)
Feel free to contact me off this list if you have any questions. I love talking about birth...
Good luck to you and your family
P. L. ____@____.com

Can't tell you who to choose but if you're worried about your friend's availability perhaps you could have the doula in training be her back up? Might even be possible to have them tag team if the labor is long or overnight (sorry!). Just some thoughts...good luck with your upcoming birth!

Sounds like you have a wonderful quandry! >wink< I think you'll have a better sense of what direction to go once you have had a chance to meet the DIT. I agree with the other gal who said that it depends on the doula and her preparedness for your birth - we all start somewhere and one advantage of her being new to the business is that she is going to probably work very hard to do her best to support you. It is a thrill and an honor to attend a birth - if she feels that way too she'll give you her very best and want nothing but your trust in return. (I am not certified but have served as a doula... still gaining experience myself - chuckle.) Best wishes for the birth - you'll be terrific!

Hi there! Congrats on the new baby and bless you all! When you meet the Doula in training you will have a better idea of what to do. Go with your intuition and get good counsel from loved ones and you'll be fine! I understand your concern about the friend Doula and her being distracted and if you decide to go with the Doula in Training I'm sure your friend will understand.