Are you using or have you used a Doula?

JamieDubs

Are you using or have you used a Doula?
I am a FTM and considering one. Any advise would be appreciated! Thanks

saintpaulJess

I had a doula with my second and she was amazing. 

That said, I didn't end up springing for one with my third and won't be this time either.  Although the hospital I'll be delivering at has volunteer doulas available that you can request, and I might do that.

universeofblue

I'm a FTM and I'm having a homebirth with a midwife and a doula!

Kbhunter

I had a doula for my first birth. I won't be hiring one this time. I'm hoping it's the right choice. My birth went so fast the first time that it was kind of a waste of money for me. Although her being there did help me calm down a little more.
I would recommend it especially for your first birth, there is so much anxiety and unknowns. It's scary and you want an advocate other than your husband sometimes. He's going to be as shocked and inexperienced as you are by the whole thing.

crbpjb

I am a FTM and we are having a doula. Totally worth the expense in my opinion due to deceased risk of c-section and all the other benefits. Then my husband can focus on doing what he is good at too. She is also providing our classes for us so that will save us some money.

Knottie1445378742

This is so interesting. This is my 4th and is the first time I've been considering it. My middle child's birth was unmedicated because I arrived at the hospital so late and it was by far my easiest. I had a TON of complications from the epidural with my last pregnancy and would like to avoid that this time around. I feel like a doula would help me avoid the "get in bed and stay there" approach that I feel is inevitable when I check into the hospital, but I also don't want to pay if I have a c-section, decide I want a medicated birth at the last minute, etc.  

ashwise

I'm a ftm and we just found our doula. We met with her over the weekend, she's awesome. I look forward to working with her. She's still in training to become a certified doula so it's saving us some money oft of the typical cost of most doulas around us, so if you're interested but don't want to foot the bill that might be an option.

Krysta6

We got a doula. Our natural childbirth class instructors highly recommended it since we are shooting for an unmedicated hospital birth. I had pain last night and I texted her to see if it was normal or call the doctor pain. Its nice to have another opinion because we are first timers and have no idea what to expect or do!

double2rouble

Everyone i know that has used one has loved it. Im considering it this time but havent looked into it too much

wcm2b

I've had my doula since 12 weeks. So far we have only had conversations whenever I have questions and she will explain things to me about birth. This is my first so I am hoping she will help to keep me calm and also facilitate and guide Dh and my mom to help me in productive ways and maybe keep them calm too! I feel very comforted knowing she will be there to stay with me and help me at the hospital because where I live basically you are on your own until pushing , aside from nurse checking you. I am going to have epidural, which is unusual for people who hire doulas but she is extremely supportive of my choice as long as the timing is right (for ex at 6-7 cm as a tool to progress labour or only after I have tried other techniques)