Girls who went natural/used a doula?

JCM052707

Do you have any good questions to ask potential doulas? I am planning on using one and found one I think I like, but I feel silly b/c I don't really know what to ask.  She also holds Bradley Method and Hypobirthing classes which we'll start in 2 months.  I am terrified of a medicated birth, but will be in a hospital so I don't want to be pushed into anything.  Anyone else doing the same thing or did the same thing? Any good questions to ask?

destinationAZ

I'm not sure how common it is but I used a doula and epi. Most of the ?'s we had for her was what DH's role would be because he was concerned he would somehow be left out if the doula was there. Also, I wanted to talk about medicated vs non-medicated and her opinion (I was open to whatever would get me through and give me a healthy baby and I wanted to make sure she was too).

I'm not much help but I'm sure you can google questions for her. good luck.

SeaSoul

We didn't have a doula but I did deliver without medication.  We interviewed a doula but she was a doula in training and had no hands-on experience and lacked confidence, so we decided not to hire her.  I now wish we had had one.  My midwife was good but like a dr she couldn't be there the whole time.  I would have liked to have had someone other than DH who was there with me for the duration, even if only for moral support.  What I would ask is what kinds of tools she uses to ease labor.  There were times when I just felt like I was flailing and needed some direction or ideas (or help) of how to get through the next contraction.  I would imagine an experienced doula will be able to meet those needs.

As for your concern about not being pushed into anything...one thing I liked about our midwife practice is that they don't bring up pain intervention options during labor; they leave it up to YOU to say whether you are interested in them.  Had she brought it up, I don't know...I may have caved.  So, you may want to tell your dr/nurse that you don't want any mention of meds unless you bring it up.

Good luck!

SeaSoul

I should say that once I was in active labor there was at least 1 nurse with me at all times, it's not like I was alone, but I think a doula would have been focused solely on my needs for the entire experience.  My nurses were great but they weren't right there at my side the entire time, giving me direction - sometimes they waited for me to ask.  And when you're in active labor it's hard to muster the strength to communicate.  It would be nice to have had someone who could sense my needs.

JCM052707

Thanks girls - that helps a lot!