To Do-ula or Not to Do-ula

moogieks

That is the question! 
Anyone have experience with or without Doula's they can share? I'm doing a home birth and I do my homework and will take classes and be as prepared as possible. I just am already spending out of pocket for midwives that more dough for a doula is a stumbling block for me. I FEEL like I can do it myself and I'd rather have as little people involved as possible and just rely on my husband. But the midwives do recommend Doulas. 

wednesdayschild

@moogieks, I haven’t had one, but my friend did for her second after a textbook birth for her first. Said it was a waste of money, since her second was similarly easy (he literally fell out on her like, third push). I think they can be helpful if you feel like you won’t get the support you need from your care team or if your partner doesn’t know what to do for you or if your births are more difficult, but…with what you’re describing, I’d probably skip. Just one more stranger. 

bluecampanula

@moogieks do you have two midwives that will be attending you for the birth? I think that's usually standard, so one can concentrate on the baby and one on mom. But if not, that might be one reason to have a doula. Otherwise, I've heard some will come and help out during the postpartum days, so if you think you'll be lacking support then it could be helpful. I have not used one myself though. 

moogieks

Thanks guys! @bluecampanula yes, there will be two midwives. I'll put my husband thru some good daddy doula education and myself through childbirth classes, even though I feel pretty well educated already. I think we got this 👍 

wednesdayschild

@moogieks, I think they’re called “dude-la” 😂
 You’ve got this for sure! 

beltwaychina

I’m a 40 year old, Black woman pregnant with my first child. With the maternal mortality rate as high as it is among Black woman and my advanced age, I’m DEFINITELY having a doula. I’d rather be safe than sorry.

moogieks

@beltwaychina that's totally valid! Whatever makes you feel the most empowered for your experience.