Doulas-Anyone having one, or had one for a previous labor?

elana80 · August 2009

So, I'm considering a doula this time around. It's my second pregnancy, and DH struggled during the first. He has already stated that he's afraid of delivery this time around. I would punch my mom if she were in the room with me (love you, mom!). Because of this, I'm debating a doula. Tell me about your experience with a doula, whether this is your first, and you decided to hire a doula, or if you had one in the past. Thanks!

Mrs.KLF · August 2009

Yes, I've hired a doula and yes, it's my first.

I talked about my decision to hire one on my blog in this post.

Jen&Louie · August 2009

This is our first and I have already hired a doula. I want as few medical interventions as possible for the birth and a doula will support that. Also, my poor DH is terrified of seeing me in pain and being the sole coach so she will help support him coaching me.

Sthrnbell · August 2009

This is our 3rd baby and the last one ended in a c/s, so I am hoping to attempt a VBAC this go round. My OB suggested using a doula to help me through. It took quite a bit of research and interviews to find when that I meshed with, but I am happy so far. She has been really helpful so far and also plans to teach DH so helpful relaxtion techniques to he can be "helpful" before she is able to get to us.

mrswags05 · August 2009

I had a doula when my first child was born, and will have one again this time. Our doula was very helpful in providing physical assistance during my unmedicated labor (especially counterpressure on my back during contractions). Most importantly for us, she was able to reassure my husband and walk us through the "normal" course of labor, so that he didn't panic as labor became more intense. It was incredibly helpful to both of us to have an extra support person with us throughout labor and delivery.

flyer23 · August 2009

I had a doula with my first and I'm getting ready to hire one for this one, too.

Our doula was awesome. She really helped support both DH and me. DH was fabulous all on his own, but the doula just made it that much easier on both of us... DH was able to eat and even take a quick nap during labor, so he stayed fresh, without worrying about leaving me alone through contractions. (My labor was nearly 24 hours, so he needed the occasional break!) Also, my doula and my DH just supported me differently. DH's support came out of his love for me, and my doula's support came out of her experience with birth -- I needed both types! I'm sure DH also had moments where he wasn't sure whether what was happening was normal or what to suggest, and our doula was just such a fantastic, calming presence.

I highly recommend finding a doula who you (and your DH) mesh with! It is sooooo helpful!

elana80 · August 2009

Thanks, everyone! I greatly appreciate the input. If anyone is comfortable sharing the cost of their doula, I would love this info also. I realize this will vary from location to location, but I'm curious.

sbollenbach · August 2009

In the Los Angeles area, I've been quoted $425-1200, but have been told it can be as much as $2k. We're not that wealthy, so I'm hoping to find one in the $425-600 range (I have 2 interviews this week), or we'll have to pass.

Married2MrWright · August 2009

We wanted to hire a doula/monitrice to help me labor at home and then stay with us at the hospital, but alas every single one in my area is not available for our EDD (I've contacted at least a dozen)! They run around $400-500 here.

I plan to have an unmedicated/intervention free delivery (as long as my or the baby health is not compromised) and have some specific desires for my birth plan (waiting to cut the cord, nursing right away, etc.) that I hoped a doula would be able to help us avocate for at the hospital (I would prefer a birthing center or home birth but my insurance doesn't cover it and since this is my first baby my DH feels that a hospital birth is our best choice right now).

So Plan B...Bradley Method and husband-coached birth. DH is up for it (he's in nursing school right now and is not afraid of L&D) and my mom will be there too (we're really close and she's very good and being supportive without taking over the situation).

We will probably hire a postpartum doula to come to the house once we're home to assit with BFing and stuff around the house.

Bridgetkaryn · August 2009

I am not having a doula... 2 reasons for this for me... 1. My mom was an L&D nurse for over 20 years and she will be there with me and more than likely she has more experience than any doula I would hire 2. There is a high probability that I will have to have a c-section... If I am not going to go through hours of active labor, I am not sure I can justify the cost of it all...

englishviola · August 2009

We are having one. I didn't for DS#1, and DH was great, but he has a tendency to blindly follow what the doctors dictate and doesn't like to see me in pain. So, for example, I wanted to go non-med, but when he saw me in pain it was uncomfortable for him so he was pushing the epi. And I didn't have the energy to talk/argue about it. Not a criticism of DH, but I think it would be nice to have an additional support person with a little more experience to be rational in the situation.

I know my doula pretty well through the mom's network I'm a part of, so I feel very comfortable.

In this area (fairly LCOL), doulas range from $250-$800.