I'll be 17 weeks tomorrow, and I'm trying to decide if we want to pay to have a doula or not.
My sister is actually a doula, but she will have an itty bitty still when I give birth, so she won't be able to be my doula.
That being said, I have a pretty large support system. My husband will be able to be off of work to be with me through the whole thing, and my parents live very close so they will be able to be there, and they are very VERY supportive and not pushy in theleast. They will respect any decision I have, be helpful and there for me when I need them, and stay out of the doctors way. My sister may be able to come up for a bit depending on how her baby is doing by then, as well as my in-laws will be able to come up to see us as well.
I had a threatened miscarriage a bit over a month ago, but the baby is doing absolutely fine now, and we may be able to find out in 3 weeks now what the baby will be when we go in for our Ultrasound. This is our first, and I am quite anxious, but with my family supporting me it has been so helpful.
I know Doula's are good for those who want to have a 'natural pain medication free' type of birth, but to be honest I plan on having an epidural. Im hoping to be able to wait until 4 cm, as I've heard that dereases the odds of needing a C-Section.
I guess my question is, is it worth it for our situation? With my threatened miscarriage I am off work and won't be working until a few months after we have the baby, and we went from having both of our incomes, to just my husbands. We may be able to swing it for a Doula, as we get some Christmas money. But I'm concerned that we would pay for a Doula, and not really need it, as we have so much family and my husband that will be supporting, and that I don't mind getting an epidural. Just thought I'd check people's opinions. Thanks!
Re: Doulas?
Mid say it is worth checking into. Interview her, to to know her and see what you think from there.
If you think you will have the support, both physically and emotionally during your birth and are planning for the epidural, I'd suggest taking a lot of classes and reading up on birth and you'll be fine.
When you go in for L&D, there are lots of people asking you what you want and giving you helpful information. There is literally decades of experience in the room. You will also have your husband advocating for you, assuming he knows exactly what you are comfortable with. If you take a birthing class, the two of you will be able to talk about medical things knowing what might come up.