Im in the Los Angeles area and have had one heck of a year. Just a little background. I had a still born daughter in March of 2007. It was a devastating loss and my dh and I just knew we had to try again. I found out I was pregnant again In August of 2007. All of a sudden my DH leaves me while 2 months pregnant. He steals everything I have and now we are going through divorce. On top of that I lost my job in December, the company I worked for went bankrupt. No one will hire me to make any kind of income since Im due in just 6 weeks now and have had no income since December. Im surviving by a miracle, WIC and Medi-cal. Since my EDD is approaching I am looking for someone to support me during and after birth, a doula. I dont have much money. I just dont want to go through it alone since my stbx will not be there. Of course my mom will be there but I really need support and maybe postpartum help. If anyone has ideas or suggestions it is much appreciated.
(sorry for those that dont know the lingo... DH= darling husband...STBX= Soon to be ex EDD= Estimated due date. I hope that clears it up)
Thank you to everyone that has contacted me. What a wonderful feeling to know I can find support during this hard time, I LOVE THIS SITE! I have found my doula!! YAY! (you know who you are) I knew things would come together, they always do some how. Again thanks to everyone!
I also recommend Jana Wernor. For my first birth, my doula was trained by Jana.
I also recommend Traci Hartley. Traci got me in touch with a free doula for my last (2nd) birth when I couldn't afford my first doula anymore. Here is her info: http://www.bestdoulas.com/contact.htm
You are doing the right thing in having a doula. All the best of luck to you!
Hi T.,
Congratulations on your upcoming birth. Sounds like you've been going through a lot of challenges lately and I commend you for looking into using a doula to help you get through the birth and postpartum period. I second the suggestion of checking out www.bellywomen.net Also, there are always doulas that are part of DASC that are looking for certifying births. I can post something if you want.
I may be able to find a postpartum doula that can help you after the birth for minimal fees. I am a postpartum doula trainer for CA and my students are always looking for work so they can get certified. You can contact me at ____@____.com
Best Regards,
D. Burns
CD, CPD, CPD Trainer, CCCE, CLE, CHBE
www.douladarla.com
I am sorry that you are going through this but I am a true believer in everything happens for a reason. It has helped me through many hardships, deaths & terminal illnesses in my family. I think if you go through a massage school , you can probably find a doula who can be there for you for credits. Google massage schools in your area and contact the instructor/program director, let them know the situation and see where that takes you. Maybe your baby will be better off with out a Father like that. Stay strong and congratulations. Whatever you do, don't take out your hurt on your baby. Good luck!
Hi T.,
Your ordeal sounds horrible. I think you are doing the right thing by seeking a doula and making sure you have support before, during and after the birth.
I reccommend calling Jana Wernor - her number is on her website supportedbirth.com - and she trains doulas. She can put you in touch with someone appropriate.
Good luck!
I feel so lost. What is a DH, and what is a stbx?
All I can do for you sweetie is pray and I will pray that the lord brings the right help at the right time for you . Just BELIEVE that he will and you can count on it. Good luck God Be with you and your precious cargo. L.
Hi T. I'm sorry to hear you are having such a hard time. Just wanted to let you know my husband and I were having a hard time financially also and I found a couple of websites that I was able to take online surveys and you eventually start getting paid for them. They send you cash or checks and they also send me products to test which is great because I tested products like Gucci perfumes to aveeno baby wash for my son. It is not much what I get a month maybe $30 or $40 a month but anything is better than nothing. Let me know if you want to know the websites to this. And keep your head up you will make it through this.
You can try the doula schools, often times new or soon to be doulas will work for free or a discounted rate.
I am a single Mom and I decided not to have a doula and rather just had two of my friends in the hospital with me. I read a lot of "natural" birthing books and felt like comfortable with what was going on.
It worked out really well. They were thrilled to have shared the experience with me.
I know this might be difficult, but contact the welfare office. They can assist you with food stamps, employment training, a small cash assistance, medical assistance and possibly housing. Don't give up, there is support out there for you. Just realize it might not be a quick fix and it would be temporary until you can get back on your feet, even if getting back on your feet takes you a few years. I hope that helps. Take Care of yourself. :)
What about your church family? Where is LA do you live/ I'm in the inland empire. I may be able to offer suggestions, but they are in the the IE.
Hi there, have you thought about just finding some local doulas online, contacting them and explaining your situation? i would think they would be more than happy to assist someone in your current situation. there is always a way, that's what i believe.
hang in there and keep the faith, things always change, and in any instant. when one door closes another opens. it all happens for a reason. i always come back to these things in harder times, even though it may feel like there is no way out. take care of and love yourself. sending you prayers and positive thoughts.
-J.
where are u delivering at? that is heart breaking to know that stuff like that happens. I am currently pregnant myself and looking for a doula of some sort because all my "support people" for my July 2011 birth isn't going to help...I have 4 kids but lost them to a court case last yr. I would be willing to at least be some sort of support to you if you are open to that...my email is ____@____.com if you are interested. God bless and good luck!
Check out the DONA Website, and look for doulas still awaiting certification--most of them are willing to do the doula work for free or for little cost, in exchange for experience. That's how we got our doula.
Hi T.. First of all, I am truly sorry for the loss of your baby. Second, your better off without that coward of a man! I'm not sure where or what exactly a "doula" is, but you can apply for cash-aid and section 8 in your area through your medi-cal office. Hope this was useful info. Best wishes,I hope everything turns out well for you and your baby. Remember, this will make you stronger, keep your head up. -A. ;)
Hi T.,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss and pain. I am a birth and labor doula and would be willing to speak with you and if we hit it off work with you. You can also contact DASC and look for new doula's working toward certification, they often take clients and in exchange for services use the data towards their certification. You can contact me through pm here or my website which is www.sweetpeabirth.com
I look forward to speaking with you,
A.
DONA might be able to help ... DASC only lists doulas who are certified or in the process of becoming certified and are, therefore, not likely to work for free or low cost.
However, there is http://www.bellywomen.net/ which does provide free doulas AND I can post your request on the DASC group email list (but only with your permission) which does reach the brand new doulas who may be willing to work for free or low cost.
Some birth doulas work for free while trying to become certified, but I don't know of any postpartum doulas who work for free or low cost.
I was in a very similar situation 37 years ago except that I did NOT have my mother to support me -- and there were not doulas then :( Somehow I got through it and I know you will, too :)
Happy Birthing!!!
Have you called your local la leche league? They may be able to help or at least steer you in the right direction.
T., blessings on you! I will keep you in my prayers. Where do you live in LA? I used to be a volunteer doula with the Pasadena Public Health Dept, but live in AZ now. The national doula organizations are DONA and ALACE. Try calling their local numbers in and tell them your story. You will find someone. Blessings and love---------
What is your due date and where do you live? I may be able to help you. I am a doula. If not, there is a woman by the name of Jana Warner who is a doula, trains doula's and offers birthing classes. There are always new doula's willing to work for free. Your welcome to contact me at ____@____.com and/or Jana at Supported Birth at ###-###-####.
Warm Regards,
Persephenie
Hi T.,
I'm sorry about the loss of your daughter. Congratulations on the new baby.
Check out www.dona.org. It is the international doula association. They may be able to recommend some doulas in the are to help you out - maybe someone in training who will work for free.
Good luck.
L.
Your WIC office might have a referral for a doula, or perhaps La Leche League. The San Diego phone number for La Leche is ###-###-#### but I am sure there is an LA # too. My advice is to start your child support case right away while you are staying home. Don't feel sorry for your STBX like I did. He does owe the $$$ and the sooner you get the case started then better. Best of luck to you!
T., Congratulations on your upcoming birth. With so many stressors this year, you must be an incredibly strong woman! I acknowledge your courage and trust that it will serve you and your little one. Doulas often take "pro bono" work- they are dedicated to being of service afterall. I recommend contact Doulas Association of Southern California (www.DASCDoulas.org) which has referrals- including newer doulas, looking for clients for their certification. There is also www.DONA.org. I encourage you to ask for what you need, and not be put off by an initial price quote. Best of luck to you!
Peace, J. J
RoomforLifeOrganizing.com
