Doula

lcseip

What are your thoughts of having a doula?

TXSparky

I want one. I didn't have one last time and I regretted it.

tbmadeamistake

I think they are awesome IF you find one that you can click with. I thought I had with mine.  We talked endlessly, we had the same views on childbirth and using alternate pain relief methods, I made my thoughts clear on liking a firm touch and counter pressure...  Then I went into labor.  She did a lot of soft talking and stroking.  STOP STROKING ME, WOMAN!  Dude, I got so pissed.  If I wanted someone to stroke me, I'd have called my great-grandma, for crissakes. 

After the delivery, during which she took pictures even though I expressly told her not to (ok, some of them I like, most I could still do without), she left pretty quickly.  We met up once more after the birth and all she did then was try to convince me to give up my horrible, flamable Lysol wipes to buy her brand of all-natural cleaning spray shit she was selling.  I don't want that, I'd prefer a flammable baby, thanks. 

In theory they are wonderful, but it really does need to be the right fit.  I thought I found that in mine, I was wrong.  This time, I've already informed hubby that he is up to bat for that sort of thing.  Here's hoping he pays attention better than she did!

MrsCase1

earthlingz123 said:

I think they are awesome, and I would hire one if I could afford the extra expense!

THIS!

Snickerdoodle24

I'm planning to have one, but I admit that I'm nervous about having one that I don't "click" with, like @Lilygrace48. I would love to get a referral from someone local, but unfortunately none of my friends have used one and my local bump board is pretty sparse.

ColeyJ88

I've been thinking about it... If I don't then hubby is gonna do his research, cause he is not ending up on the floor with a washcloth and juice like last time. I was lost!!
Anyone happen to know average costs?

Mamacarly

I would advise for a first time mom. I didn't have one, and wish now that I had! Birthing classes just don't prepare you, although I'm glad I went through one. All of my nurses at the hospital were great when I had my DS, EXCEPT for the one that was there for most of my laboring. I felt like she should have been my advocate & she really wasn't, but a doula would have been.

tbmadeamistake

@ColeyJ88, I think I paid 600-700 or something.  They vary greatly depending on where you are and what they offer.  Some do one meet before, the labor/delivery, and that's it.  Some will meet as many times as you like and after attending the birth will meet with you after.  Some will bring you meals after.  Some write up your birth story for you.  Student doulas are way cheaper, though.

Snickerdoodle24

@ColeyJ88 I've heard $700 as a number thrown out there, but I really think it depends on where you live, so the price range is probably pretty big. I've also heard that some doulas will work for free for low income families or at least give discounts. Apparently some even barter for their services.

MississippiCatfish

The birth center that I'm hoping to deliver at has doula interns that only charge a small fee. I'm considering that:) You could look for a doula-in-training if that sounded like something you're interested in.

FlashingLights

Some people swear by them and I considered it with my first pregnancy, but my doctor said that some are real pills in the delivery room and it just complicates everything. In the end, I'm glad I didn't have anyone else there. I handled labor on my own just fine, especially once I got the epidural! No c-section necessary. Definitely won't be doing it this time, keeping my FX for an easy labor and delivery. However, I might give some thought to hiring extra help for once baby comes home. I could have used more of that last time around.

KingLED

The hospital my doctor is associated with has doulas on staff.  It's kind of a first come first serve sort of thing, so you have to sign up some time in your 2nd trimester for the program and then do some other stuff that I don't know about yet, but it's a free service that the hospital offers.  It's one of the reasons I like that  hospital so much.

hypotheticalme

My husband was pretty supportive the first time and I'd also worry (for myself) about finding someone I click with. If it weren't for that I love the idea.

Snickerdoodle24

@EllyD14 that's amazing!! You're not by chance in Michigan, are you?

Unknown

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ktwils2010

We are planning on hiring one. I'm hoping for a VBAC so all the extra support we can get the better in my opinion!

natasha.miller3

I didn't have one the first time but will for sure this time!

Waliany2015

meladoriestar said:

So what exactly does a doula do? Are they helpful for hospital births/high-risk deliveries or are they best for standard deliveries?

Doulas help you with labor. They do whatever you ask like hold pressure, play music, or speak encouraging words. I see them most with natural births but seeing more with epidurals lately. Basically they are at your side for whatever kind of support you need. Some will take the placenta and turn it into capsules for you to take or use it as a stamp to make some pretty interesting art. I am an L&D nurse and I find them very helpful.

TXSparky

Waliany2015 said:

meladoriestar said:

So what exactly does a doula do? Are they helpful for hospital births/high-risk deliveries or are they best for standard deliveries?

Doulas help you with labor. They do whatever you ask like hold pressure, play music, or speak encouraging words. I see them most with natural births but seeing more with epidurals lately. Basically they are at your side for whatever kind of support you need. Some will take the placenta and turn it into capsules for you to take or use it as a stamp to make some pretty interesting art. I am an L&D nurse and I find them very helpful.

There are also some doulas that only do post natal care. They may help with breastfeeding or help you settle in. One I researched even does laundry! Services vary from one to the next.

In my area labor doulas charge $500-$700 for a medium to very experienced person. A doula with montrice training charges closer to $900. With montrice training they can check blood pressure, fetal heart tones, maternal heart rate and blood pressure and do cervical checks. They don't make medical reccomendations, just give you the data to make your own decision if you want it.

KingLED

susienick24 said:

@EllyD14 that's amazing!! You're not by chance in Michigan, are you?

@susienick24 Nope.  Central Indiana. 

Pintobean39

My Doula is my husband!

cncrod722

Since I'm a first timer and my mom is no longer with us we decided to look into doula services but at the same time keeping the epidural nearby incase her methods dont work well enough for me. LoL My Dr. Said she would give us referrals when we came back for our next visit. BUT she did mention that if i got an epidural then she would suggest passing on the doula bc it may not be worth it at that point. Now I'm not too sure what to do :-/

Pintobean39

@ cncrod722

My first two children I had epidurals. I just laid in the bed all day and waited. My first son I pushed for 15 min my second I pushed once. My dr had a nurse that stayed with me while i was pushing and held my hand and told me what to do. I think this is common around here.

I know it doesn't alway happen like that but once you have an epidural you can't do much but just lay there.

Personally since I'm having an epidural I'd rather spend that money on a maid once I got home.

ekcarrington

The hospital I'm delivering at and where my OB is out of (GBMC in Baltimore) offers a doula service for $425 that I'm going to look into after my first OB appointment. 

GoMommy

We plan on Vbacing so we are hiring a doula... She is a girl I met at ICAN meetings and works well with my midwives.  I'm excited.

Snickerdoodle24

EllyD14 said:

susienick24 said:

@EllyD14 that's amazing!! You're not by chance in Michigan, are you?

@susienick24 Nope.  Central Indiana. 




Bummer :-<

jenandbrett

I think doulas are most helpful for girls going with OBs. I had a midwife and my husband last time and they were all I needed, but if I were with a dr, I think I would want a doula for the advocacy and support part.