Are you a soon-to-be parent in Melbourne, searching for the perfect support system of a doula to guide you through one of life’s most incredible experiences – the birth of your child? Look no further; this comprehensive article is here to help you make an informed decision and find the right professional to support you throughout your pregnancy journey.
In this article, we will delve into the top agencies in Melbourne that specialize in providing exceptional doula services. We will explore each agency’s unique offerings, qualifications, and what sets them apart from the rest, ensuring that you have all the necessary information to choose the perfect doula for your needs.
If you are someone who wants to become a doula in Australia, then visit this page to find the top doula training centers in the country.
1. Melbourne Doula Collective
Website: https://www.melbournedoulacollective.com.au/services
*Doulas are mobile, they come to your home and hospital or can ‘meet’ online.
Reach out directly to the Doula in your area:
Brunswick: Claire Wyborn
Phone Number: 0417.195.634
Email: claire@aspecialdelivery.com.au
Northcote: Stephanie Norquay
Phone Number: 0412.619.174
Email: stephanie.norquay@gmail.com
Altona: Bethany Meakin
Phone Number: 0411.128.182
Email: bemeakin@gmail.com
Ringwood: Erika Munton
Phone Number: 0407.685.933
Email: erika@birthready.com.au
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram
Services Offered:
- Doula Support
- Birth Hypnosis
- Childbirth Education
- Postnatal Support
How to Register: From the website provided above, click “Book a Consultation”. Fill out the form, submit, and wait to be contacted.
2. Doulas of Melbourne’s East (DOME)
Address: 6 Winifred Rd, Mooroolbark VIC 3138, Australia
Phone Number: +61.403.916.000
Email: hello@doulasofmelbourne.com.au
Website: https://doulasofmelbourne.com.au/
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Services Offered:
Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Placenta Encapsulation – Price: from $350
Packages:
- Birth Only Package – Price: $1295
- Basic Support Package – Price: $1995
How to Register: Please examine the Doula packages on the website provided. Click “Find out More” for the package that you are interested in. Fill out the form, submit, and wait to be contacted.
Notes:
Payment plan option can be set up on request.
3. Nurtured Birth
Address:
NURTURED BIRTH CABRINI HOSPITAL:
Mother & Baby Centre 181-183 Wattletree Road, Malvern, Melbourne VIC
NURTURED BIRTH WINDSOR THERAPY ROOM:
1/16 Ellesmere Road, Windsor, Melbourne VIC
Phone Number: 0401 083 778
Email: nurtured@nurturedbirth.com.au
Website: https://nurturedbirth.com.au/doula/birth-doula-services/
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram
Services Offered:
- Birth Doula Services
- Postnatal Doula Services (3 hour session) – Price: $260
- Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage
- Osteopathy
- Naturopath
- Birth Support
- Acupuncture & Chinese herbs
- Childbirth Education
- Induction Massage (In clinic) – Price: $180 (90 minutes)
- Fertility Support Massage (In Clinic) – Price: $195 (Initial, 90 minutes); Price: $150 (Follow-up, 60 minutes)
Packages:
Birth Support Prices:
- Birth Doula Support – Price: $2200 plus GST
- Birth Doula Support for single mothers – Price: $3510 inc GST. (This includes two experienced doulas)
- Birth Doula Support + 2 postnatal follow ups – Price: $2550 plus GST. (Extra sessions can be added.)
Childbirth Education:
- 3 hour Private Class with Sarah Goldberg – Price: $450 + GST
- 5 hour Small Group In-Person (max 4 couples) – Price: $400 + GST per couple
- 2 Day Small Online Groups (2 days @ 2 hours each day) – Price: $340 + GST per couple
Naturopathy:
- Individual initial consultation (via phone or in person) – Price: $145
- Couple initial consultation – Price: $195
- Extended return consultation (individual or couple) – Price: $120
- 30 minute standard return consultation (individual or couple) – Price: $90
- Follow up 30 minute phone consultation – Price: $90
General, Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage (In Clinic):
- 60 min – Price: $130
- 75 min – Price: $150
- 90 min – Price: $165
How to Register: From the website provided, click “Book Online” then select the service you like to book.
4. Hypnobirthing Collective Melbourne
Address: Northcote Natural Therapies 275 High St Northcote Victoria, Australia
Scope of Support:
- Northern and Eastern Melbourne
- Melbourne CBD
- available for public/private hospitals
- available for home births upon request
Phone Number: 03.9481.1166
Email: melbournehypnobirthing@gmail.com
Website: https://thehypnobirthingcollective.com.au/melbourne-doula/
Social Media:
Facebook
Services Offered:
- Doula Support
- Birth Education
- Private Consulting (Birth Basics) – Price: $250 / 2 sessions
Doula Packages:
- Best of Both Worlds (Most Popular Option) – Price: $2495
- Basic Birth Bestie – Price: 1995
- Just a Little Bit – Price: $995
- On call – Price: $50 / hour plus additional fees
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://thehypnobirthingcollective.com.au/contact/
Notes: Support couples birthing at:
- Box Hill
- The Royal Womens
- The Northern
- The Mercy
- Sandringham
- Many of the private hospitals
- Private sessions can be arranged for those living in the wider Melbourne or Victoria region.
5. A Special Delivery
Claire Wyborn – DONA Trained Birth and Postnatal Melbourne Doula; Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator
Phone Number: 0417.195.634
Website: https://www.aspecialdelivery.com.au/
Services Offered:
- Prenatal Support
- Labor and Birth Support
- Postnatal Support
- Childbirth Education
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://www.aspecialdelivery.com.au/
Notes: Complimentary interview available.
6. Doula BB
Scope of Support: birthing at home or hospital from:
- Melbourne City
- Bayside
- South Eastern suburbs including Box Hill and Frankston Hospital
Phone Number: 0420.502.915
Website: https://www.doulabb.com/doulaofferings
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram
Services Offered:
- Birth Doula Support
- Birth and Postpartum Doula
- Customize Doula Support
How to Register: From the website given, click “Contact” from the top navigation bar. Fill out the form, submit, and wait to be contacted.
7. Birth for Humankind
Non Profit Organization, Charity Organization
The programs provided are free to people who meet the eligibility criteria.
Address: 552-568 Victoria St, North Melbourne VIC 3051, Australia
Scope of Support: For those who are experiencing financial hardship or economic disadvantage in the following areas:
- Greater Melbourne
- Geelong
- Ballarat
Phone: +61 1300.073.086
Email: info@birthforhumankind.org
Website: https://birthforhumankind.org/our-services/free-birth-support
Services Offered:
- Birth Doula
- Postpartum Doula
- Prenatal Classes
How to Register: If you meet the eligible criteria to receive support, click on “Make a Referral” or “Online Referral Form” from the given website. Fill out the form, submit, then wait to be contacted.
8. Birth Hub.info
Directory of Doulas
Address: 8 Porter St, Briar Hill, VIC, Australia, Victoria
Scope of Support: Varies per Doula. From the website provided, select the doula of your choice by reviewing their profile, scope of work, then contact them directly for any queries.
Phone Number: 0409.955.779
Website: https://www.birthhub.info/doulas.html
Social Media:
Facebook
Services Offered:
- Pregnancy
- Birth Doula
- Postpartum Doula
9. Emily the Doula
Independent Doula
Website: https://emilythedoula.com.au/
Social Media:
Instagram
Services Offered:
- Postpartum Care – Package Price: $2500
- Mini Doula Sessions (3 hour visit + 7 days virtual support) Price: $350
- Online Video Calls (1 hour call) – Price: $80
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://emilythedoula.com.au/contact/
10. Karli Smith Doula
Independent Doula
Scope of Support: In-person doula experience is available for those who reside within 45 minutes of:
- Dromana
- Mornington Peninsula
Website: https://www.karlismith.com/doula-services
Social Media:
Instagram
Services Offered:
- In-person Doula for Birth and Postpartum Doula
- Virtual Doula – Price: $99 (45 minute video call); Price: $199 (90 minute video call)
Birth and Postpartum Doula Packages:
- The Standard – Price: $350
- The Mini – Price: $2200
- Let’s Birth, Baby – Price: 4380
- Just for you, Mama – Price: 2950
How to Register: From the given website, fill out a short form under “Let’s Chat” then submit.
Notes: Payment plans available.
Cost of Hiring a Doula in Melbourne
Hiring a professional doula in Melbourne can be an invaluable investment in your pregnancy journey. However, it’s essential to consider the cost involved in hiring a doula to help you make the right choice for your family.
Let’s break down the various factors that influence the cost of hiring a doula in Melbourne.
Experience and Qualifications: The cost of hiring a doula can vary depending on their level of experience and qualifications. A newly certified doula may charge less than an experienced one with several years of practice and additional certifications. Expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1,500 or more for an experienced doula.
Services Offered: The scope of services provided by a doula can also influence the cost. Some doulas offer comprehensive packages that include prenatal visits, birth support, and postpartum care, while others may provide only specific services. Make sure to inquire about the services included in the fees and any additional charges for extra support.
Location: The cost of hiring a doula in Melbourne can vary depending on where you live within the city. Doulas in more affluent neighborhoods may charge higher fees due to increased demand and higher living costs.
Travel and Accommodation: If your chosen doula needs to travel a significant distance to support you during childbirth, there may be additional travel and accommodation expenses. Ensure you discuss these potential costs upfront to avoid any surprises later on.
Additional Training and Expertise: Some doulas may have specialized training in areas such as breastfeeding support, hypnobirthing, or massage therapy. These additional skills could result in higher fees due to their unique expertise.
Payment Plans and Discounts: Many doulas offer flexible payment plans or sliding scale fees based on your financial situation. Don’t hesitate to discuss your budget with potential doulas and inquire about any available discounts or payment options.
Insurance Coverage: Some private health insurance plans may cover doula services, either partially or in full. Check your policy for coverage details and discuss this with your chosen doula to determine if their services qualify for reimbursement.
Video: Melbourne Doula
The video discusses the evidence-based findings on the advantages of having a doula during childbirth. It also explains how a doula can benefit both the mother giving birth and her partner. Hope this video will help you understand why it can be beneficial to hire a doula for your labor and birth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to expectant mothers and their families throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They are non-medical professionals who work alongside healthcare providers to ensure a more positive and supported birthing experience.
2. Why should I consider hiring a doula from an agency?
Hiring a doula from an agency offers several benefits, such as access to a pool of experienced and qualified professionals, a streamlined hiring process, and additional support services. Agencies often have strict vetting processes and require their doulas to maintain specific certifications and training, ensuring you receive high-quality care.
3. How do I choose the right agency to hire a doula in Melbourne?
To choose the right agency, consider factors such as the agency’s reputation, range of services offered, qualifications of their doulas, and client testimonials. Additionally, schedule consultations with potential agencies to discuss your specific needs and preferences, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your birthing journey.
4. How much does it cost to hire a doula through an agency in Melbourne?
The cost of hiring a doula through an agency can vary depending on factors such as the doula’s experience, services offered, and location. Typically, the cost ranges from $600 to $1,500 or more. Some agencies may offer payment plans or sliding scale fees based on your financial situation.
5. Can I meet with multiple doulas before making a decision?
Yes, many agencies allow you to meet with multiple doulas to help you find the best match for your needs and preferences. It’s essential to feel comfortable and connected with your chosen doula, as they will play a significant role in your pregnancy and childbirth journey.
6. Are doulas only for natural births?
No, doulas can support expectant mothers through various birth scenarios, including natural births, epidurals, cesarean sections, and more. Their primary role is to provide emotional, physical, and educational support, regardless of the birth plan or circumstances.
7. Can a doula replace my healthcare provider during childbirth?
No, doulas are non-medical professionals and do not replace healthcare providers such as midwives or obstetricians. Instead, they work alongside your healthcare team to ensure you receive comprehensive support throughout your pregnancy and birthing experience.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a doula through an agency in Melbourne is a great way to ensure you receive quality care and support throughout your pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period. With access to experienced professionals, flexible payment options, and additional services such as breastfeeding help or massage therapy, you can feel confident that you’re making the best choice for your birthing journey.
When searching for the right agency, make sure to research their reputation, qualifications of their doulas, and client testimonials before making a final decision. Good luck!
Note: Please visit the establishments directly through their website for up-to-date information. If you are a parent looking for a doula, please consult your physician or other healthcare professional before hiring a doula.