is anyone using a doula?

livvielo

At first, I didn't think I'd be interested at all. But after watching The Business of Being Born last week and doing some reading and talking to friends, I'm starting to think about it. I have an OB whom I'm very comfortable with. Just wondering if anyone else has considered adding a doula to their team?would love anyone's thoughts, pro or con!

kristin7701

I just brought this up with H. I was concerned that he'd be resistant as he is a family practice doc who delivers babies. He is totally supportive and said that the evidence shows that women who have doulas have a lower rate of interventions, etc. I mentioned it to my OB and she's cool with it too and gave me the card of a doula she has worked with. She also mentioned that if I really want a natural birth, I could also consider switching from the OB practice to the midwives. The midwife group at the hospital where I'll be delivering have a rate of 70% unmedicated births.

The good thing about a doula is that she will be with you the whole time. Your OB will most likely be in and out quite a bit while you are in labor. 

NewMrs07

I just watched that documentary and it makes me wonder if I should get a doula too. Any idea what they cost? For one thing, I agree that less drugs is better, and I would like to avoid induction (Pitocin, Cervadil, a possible c/s). But no epidural is another story, I don't know if I could go 100% drug free.

Kat28655

I had a doula with DD and she was AMAZING. I'm going to ask her to help with the birth of #2 as well. She worked with us in the months prior to birth and helped me feel really confident and prepared. She was there through my entire 30+ hour labor, didn't say a word when I got the epi in hour 26 and was a calming presence to all. I highly recommend a doula!!!

Laura Cochran

My mom will be my doula. She is a very comforting person to have a round during things like that. She is a nurse and knows all the medical stuff, but I also know that me and the baby will be her number 1 priority and I trust her opinion entirely.

 

ET: correct a horrifying  grammar error.

maschmidt16

I have hired a doula for much the same reasons as others have mentioned. Plus, the doula not only helps you but will your partner in showing ways to comfort you. It cost us $550 and that includes pre and post natal visits.

twh2006

We are. I was a doula for several years, I quit once I finished nursing school. So I know the importance from that end. However I really think my DH needs her there, he's excitable when it comes to me being in pain/my well being so I feel strongly that he needs someone there to offer support and an objective point of view to help make any decisions that might need to be made.

kimisuejoia

We are extremely lucky- one of my closest friends is a doula who is in the middle of her midwife schooling. She offered her services for free!