Private Doulas vs Hospital Doulas | Magee Doula Program | Free Hospital Doulas Pittsburgh

Should I get a hospital doula because they may be free?

The answer is- it may be right for you, but we do not suggest it- and not just because we are doulas...

We highly recommend hiring a private doula, (no it doesn’t have to be us! Just a good match for you!) whenever possible- if price is holding you back, many offer payment plans.

The Hebrew Free Loan Association will even give you a loan for your doula care with zero interest!

Many take FSA and HSA!

Why do we recommend this?

It is very important to have someone outside of the hospital system if they are in an advocacy role for you- but- if it is between no doula and a hospital doula, it is nice to have an extra set of hands in the room for sure.

Many hospitals hire newer doulas and pay them very little so there is high "churn"/burnout. It is a cheaper way to bridge staffing gaps rather than hiring more nurses. (We believe doulas deserve sustainable careers and patients deserve great care and unbiased support)

There is not a continuity of care before and after the birth, you get whoever is on shift- sometimes that is no one who is available...

As a private practice of doulas we take our careers very seriously, we do continuing education, have insurance, we are truly in the business of giving you the best support- and your family is at the heart of our work. Being able to build those relationships with you before and after your birth is essential to the care we give you during birth. (which is why we do not have a "birth only" support package!"

One of our doulas Lisa actually left the hospital doula model, after feeling as though she couldn't doula the way she wanted to, or speak up, or build relationships with families!
Have more questions? Let us know in the comments!