Doulas

WRWrunnergirl

Who is hiring a doula?  If so, when do you plan to do it?

For those who have used one in the past, what was your experience like?  

Cythe

I have not used one before, but am planning on using one. Most in my area (and probably all over) reserve 2 weeks for your birth so they aren't splitting time. I would start finding one sooner rather than later. I'll probably start looking with a purpose at the start of 2nd tri when I'm out of the highest risk phase.

yenrec

This is my second child and I will absolutely have my doula again. Knowing that someone is going to be there for me and my comfort is so reassuring and is a big confidence booster! My husband and parents and in laws were there, but they weren't there as a specialized professional working to comfort me and get me ANYTHING I needed. I didn't know what to expect and it was amazing having her talk to me and explain to me what was happening. Although I've done it once now, every birth is different, so I'll be happy to have her ther again in the case I need advice, or pain management she can offer to me. It's just really nice knowing someone will be there that I can count on to help comfort me through the proces and I dont have to have any comfort-related expectations for my family members! 

mommac2017

100% hiring my doula again. I've actually already asked her because she generally only takes 2-3 clients per month and wanted to make sure I got in. 

I had an amazing experience with my doula. I cannot recommend it enough!

Here is what my doula offered:
- 3 prenatal visits to discuss birth plan, offer advice, and just check in with me
- her being present throughout the birth and being my advocate/my everything (I'll go into detail below)
- unlimited emails to ask questions throughout my pregnancy 
- assistance with breastfeeding after birth 
- 1 postpartum visit at my home (I'll further detail below)

My doula was INCREDIBLE. My labour was 29.5 hours. She was there for 24 hours straight with me. I didn't even see her go to the bathroom. I did see her eat an apple at one point. 

She came to my home and helped me labour there for a while. We went to the hospital and she never left my side. She was a HUGE support to my DH who did not have a clue what to do. He appreciated her because she not only helped me, but she helped him look good. She'd tell him what to do to help me. So he got the credit of doing what I needed lol She helped explain when things got confusing. Our labour was rough and in the last minutes when I cried "I can't do this", she looked me straight in the eyes and said "YES YOU CAN!" And then I pushed one final time and he came out. I am 99% sure I would have ended up with a c-section if it wasn't for her. 

I struggled with breastfeeding after my son was born. And also had some PPD. I called her crying on the second night we were home because my milk has come in, I was in pain, and my son wouldn't eat. She came over and within the hour she had him nursing. She came back a few days later to check on me again, teach me different breastfeeding positions, she even did my dishes!

Doulas are amazing!!!! I would not know how I would have done it without mine. I cannot rave enough about mine!!!!

buttercream_frosting

I'm highly considering one because I really want VBAC. It's so important to me. My CS almost gave me PTSD because the anesthetic failed to work. Also my DH is terrified by the labour and the botched up CS so I think he may need some support. I will start contacting once I do the HB scan at 8 weeks.

rawr1131

Anyone have recommendations for how to best find a fouls in your area? I ended with a CS last time without a doula. Haven't decided if I'll do a VBAC but if I do I will definitely need one! 

yenrec

I just googled "Michiana (my area) doulas" and there is a doula board with multiple connections listed. You should be able to locate some like that, or you could contact your OB to see if they offer any referrals! 

buttercream_frosting

@rawr1131 If you do decide on VBAC we should start a VBAC check in group down the track! 

rawr1131

@buttercream_frosting yeah or even a post CS check in! I would love to go for a VBAC but in the interest of "know thyself" ... I am a pretty paranoid, risk averse personality so I may not be able to mentally handle VBAC labor, haha... We'll see!

buttercream_frosting

@rawr1131 good idea! I think it will be handy to get a support group going. I'm definitely going to need it. I have heard of some great positive VBAC stories already and I find them inspiring and reassuring. But yes, you do what you are comfortable with. Noone should tell you otherwise.

emwj10187

I will definitely be hiring a doula. Just need to convince DH of the cost. I think its totally worth it. I also am not sure when to reach out to one, so any advice on that would be most welcome!

MCraig1484

I just started to think about this the other day.  I wasn't able to get a epidural during my first and would love a doula that could help me through labor and delivery if that's the case again this time.

mommac2017

@emwj10187 and anyone else asking about timing of hiring a doula, I would encourage you to do it sooner that later. Firstly, most doulas only accept a certain amount of clients per month so they lower their chance of having multiple births at once. That being said, if you go with a doula "company" then they'll just send a doula that's available. But you won't have the same rapport as if you had a private doula. Also, the sooner they are hired the sooner you can start building a rapport with them. This is someone who is going to be involved in a VERY intimate and personal part of your life. I trusted my doula with everything! And it helped me feel comfortable because I had built a relationship with her!

cupcakesforbreakfast

I had one with my first, and I was glad she was there. But I'm not hiring her again for this one. She was present for most of my 31 hour labor, and she was supportive and calm and kind. My family is out of town, so having someone besides my husband to help me (especially while he had a chance to eat or go to the bathroom or whatever) was really nice. But I don't feel like she was so vital that I couldn't do it without her. Maybe if money wasn't an issue...? She cost $600, and that's not something I can afford this time around. I will either go doula-less, or try to get a volunteer doula from the hospital the day of (they're on a first-come, first-serve basis, so they might not be available). I'd recommend a doula if you're not super confident about your ability to birth, or about your DH's ability to fully meet your needs.

I don't remember exactly when I hired my doula last time, but I know that when I met up with her, I was very obviously pregnant, wearing a maternity dress and feeling huge. I probably called the company earlier on in my pregnancy, and then actually chose the specific doula (interviewed her and went with that first choice) later on. But I live in Chicago, so there are a lot of doulas to chose from. I wasn't worried about not finding someone.