How far do you travel for a birth?

PBDS · 01-20-2010, 10:29 AM

I am trying to figure out how far is too far to travel for a birth. I generally try to keep my travel to an hour, but have been known to go as long as 2 hours away. I realize this is really only something I can decide,but I'd like to hear how far you go... just being nosey I guess, LOL!

BeauChoix · 01-20-2010, 11:03 AM

An hour is my limit now. I have a new baby so that's as far as the cord goes for the moment. ;-)

mamato6 · 01-20-2010, 12:05 PM

I go by mileage because around here, sometimes it takes an hour to go 40 mile!! LOL
I have lots of hospitals within a 30 mile radius, so I charge my basic doula fee for those in my area. For those beyond that radius, and ONLY up to 90 miles (the max I want to travel), I charge another $50, plus mileage fees if they want more than 2 prenatals. (50cents a mile both two and from each class starting at the 30 mile mark).

There is one hospital that is ouside my range (about 45 miles) that I will go to without an extra fee. Providing the family still lives within my 30 mile radius (and most of them do).

I was asked to teach classes at a birthing center 45 miles away, and I had a hard time deciding if it would be worth it (seeing as how I would have to drive it no matter how many showed up). I turned it down because I was JUST certified, and feeling green. I still wonder if I should call them up (because they still dont have classes on their website) and see if they are still interested, but that 45 mile drive just hinders me!!

cali4niachef · 01-20-2010, 12:19 PM

An hour. If I travel more than that I add a $50 fee.

happydoula · 01-20-2010, 01:38 PM

An hour to an hour and 15 minutes...

Doula_Steph · 01-20-2010, 02:30 PM

Anything beyond 1 hour I am rarely happy with. I will however, go further for VBAC moms who need good support from someone who has been there. I have travelled 2.5 hours away to support a mom who really needed it.

DoulaMegz · 01-20-2010, 02:38 PM

30 miles covers a lot of hospitals here, and I'll clearly be flexible if the need arises, but I feel like 30 miles is plenty in a metropolitan area. That can take 45 minutes or more depending on what direction that 30 miles is in!

DL · 01-20-2010, 03:16 PM

I have driven for 1 1/2 hours before (rural & interstate, not metropolitan) for a special situation and would be willing to do that again if it was on a very occasional basis. My usual limit is within an hour's radius, but I REALLY prefer to stay within 30 minutes.

doula Michele · 01-20-2010, 03:21 PM

I occasionally drive an hour, and I HATE it every single time. ( all hiway..going about 130-140 km) I prefer the 5 minute drive from my house to the hospital.

DL · 01-20-2010, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doula Michele

I prefer the 5 minute drive from my house to the hospital.

Oh, that would so spoil me!

Our local hospital is a 20 min. drive.

Amlie... I've not missed a birth because of distance yet because I always ask my clients to let me know even if they think they may be in labor and then we keep close tabs after that. I do admit, however, to ALWAYS being very nervous during the longer drives, worrying that things will pick up while I'm in route and I'll miss it. I HATE that feeling! Then...there is always that tiring drive back home afterwards, so the drive back home should definitely be considered. An hour or more drive after a very long birth can be brutal and sometimes unsafe. Just some things to consider...

Apple Blossom · 01-20-2010, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doula Lori

An hour or more drive after a very long birth can be brutal and sometimes unsafe. Just some things to consider...

Lori I agree with you on this one... it's something to consider. Heck, sometimes the 10 minute drive is home is scary enough after along birth.

As it turns out, you can get everywhere 'metro/ around here within 30mins really... I've recently had some enquiries about going more rural (2 hours away).. and am considering it for a homebirth lady..... but it would have to be special circumstances for me to travel that sort of distance.

ETA: I try to think of what's fair to me, but also to my client of course - it would kinda suck to not have a doula because she's doing a road trip to get to you.

WestsideDoula · 01-21-2010, 01:28 AM

I'm so spoiled here in LA. I have one hospital that I could bike to (if I didn't need my doula bag) and others further but still close. I started out with a 15 mile radius, but really, I don't want to go much farther than about 8 in some directions, and 3 in others. (20 min drive MAX). I've offered a $50 discount to women who lived further away who just want me to meet them at the hospital (and do the rest of the meetings at my house or near the hospital or on the phone). And I refer out.

I have two young children and I don't want to be tied to prenatal appointments or early labor check ins that take 4 hours.

So far, it's working for me. Spoiled rotten? Absolutely.

DoulaWendy · 01-21-2010, 01:35 AM

I drive an hour tops. Traffic in the area is so horrible that I have to really consider not just distance, but time. If a client calls me during rush hour it could take me three times as long to get to a location. It's better for me to refer people that live past certain areas out because of the traffic scenario.

Plus, sitting in rush hour traffic in my SUV costs me a bunch of $$$!

medicinehatdoula · 01-21-2010, 03:17 AM

I'm the odd ball I guess - I will travel upwards of 2 to 3 hours from home - but usually charge a mileage fee. I guess it comes from being the only doula for so long in such a large area. Even now with other doulas in certain areas I still get clients. I don't mind the drive - I know where and when my limits are and have been known to crash in my car, at a motel or my client's home after a birth for a few hours before heading home. I find the "alone" time on the road refreshing to be honest!

AngelsMum · 01-21-2010, 04:14 AM

I have wavered on how I deal with this issue. The two closest hospitals ( 3 mins & 45 mins) only deal with approx. 60 births & 500 births. A large portion of women in my area go to the larger regional hospital, 2 hours drive north. Initially, I was only going to restrict myself to my immediate area. But I decided to charge extra for travelling to this hospital as I will have to stay overnight before driving home. I find the drive hard going at the best of times, but it would be completely reckless of me to do it post-birth.

I do get quite a few enquiries from women who live the regional town 2 hours north, as there is no doula that attends hospital births. However, to do pre & post natal support that far away is too hard. I can't fit it all in. But I will do homebirths as the midwife will provide good post-natal support.

Just last weekend I met up with the homebirth doula in the regional town for a birthy chat. She actually suggested something along the lines of her providing pre & post-natal support and I can do the birth in hospital. Something to think about and work out the details. It may not be the ideal of continuity of care, but it's better than no doula being available.