I agree with "some random guy". I hate to turn down any offering for a raffle of gift item.. but I think this is too personal of a gift to offer at an Elementary school.
We had a doula for both our children's births and she was/is awesome.
That said, pairing people with a doula can be very tricky and definitely personal. It doesn't get much more personal than having someone who isn't family there for every aspect of the birth, and supporting both the mother and father.
Everybody has to be in sync and there are a ton of variables here: personality between all family members and the doula, views on anaesthesia, birthing techniques, traditional medicine vs non-traditional, etc.
I hate to say it as I do think it's a wonderful service, but I might politely decline the offer because of the personal nature of the business. It's not like a gift certificate for pizzas!
I know I personally would not bid on it unless I knew the person offering the service. I also don't think the PTO should be the one doing the refund since that is like giving a refund for a bad meal at a restaurant in some ways. Perhaps making sure it CLEARLY includes that it is non-refundable with the PTO so parents know that they are making a choice and if they end up not liking it they still have to live with it?
I have someone wanting to donate doula services to our auction.
Doulas are basically labor/birth attendants, of sorts, lending their support to laboring mothers, and their husbands/partners/families, also. A birth doula will typically meet with a mother/family once or twice while she is still pregnant, then during labor andchildbirth, and at least for a bit afterward. It is a highly personal choice.
Question is: if someone bids on the service and the match between the bidder and doula isn't good, should there be an offer of refund attached?
