Doula?

wife1014

We just finished our natural birthing class.  I learned a lot about what may have happened in my first delivery and really want a different experience for me and baby #2.  I see an OB.  At 32 weeks, I have a bit of anxiety about switching to a midwife even though I'll probably be more successful with one.  I am wondering your thoughts on using a doula with an OB.  Do you think this could be counter-productive? 

I also know I may not be able to find a doula at such short notice, but need to explore options...

Thanks so much!

AJM796

I am a doula and Bradley teacher and, in my opinion, having a doula at a (I'm assuming) hospital birth with an OB is one of the best things a mom can do especially if there is any hesitation about the birth environment. Your support system is incredibly important (support for you and your partner) and having another person there will benefit the positive energy that you will need to have the birth you want.

Hospitals and OBs are/can be intimidating...esp. if you've been home the first part of your labor, being in your own clothes, free to move around, etc. and then you are admitted given a gown, hooked up for initial monitoring, and talked 'at' instead of 'to'. I'm not saying this happens everywhere and to everyone but it can be unnerving to feel like you had everything under control at home and then a loss of control at the birth place. A doula and your partner are there to reign it back and and refocus the efforts on you and your baby so you can be an effective birther.  HTH 

jpowell3

FYI: My hospital has free volunteer doulas that they staff 24/7, look into your hospital before you hire one!

AJM796

jpowell3:

FYI: My hospital has free volunteer doulas that they staff 24/7, look into your hospital before you hire one!

That's a good idea. I know a few hopsitals in my area that do that as well. Also, some doulas who are working towards certification that will attend births for free or a small fee.

drewiekc

I see an OB and am using a doula.  I really like my OB, and she is 100% supportive of my birth plan.  However, since I AM using an OB, I know that she wont be there to support me through the labor and will really just be there for the pushing.  That's why we hired a doula, so that I (and DH) have someone there to help get through the labor.  My OB is totally fine with this.

Mrs. Sara Beth

A doula is a fantastic idea! Maybe ask your OB if he/she has anyone to recommend? Doulas are fantastic to just be both mom support and daddy support. I think if my DH had someone giving him pointers @ the hospital it would have been very helpful for baby #1 (for some reason we didn't call the midwife when I got into labor after having to be induced though she would have acted as a doula... i was just to into it to think of that and DH was just batty)

But I think a doula could run interference if needed so you and hubby can keep your focus on the birth process. They are wonderful!

 

Good luck!

tastyburger

drewiekc:

I see an OB and am using a doula.  I really like my OB, and she is 100% supportive of my birth plan.  However, since I AM using an OB, I know that she wont be there to support me through the labor and will really just be there for the pushing.  That's why we hired a doula, so that I (and DH) have someone there to help get through the labor.  My OB is totally fine with this.

same with me, exactly.  and I think we hired a doula more for H's benefit.  I know I can do this, he seems to have some lingering reservations, and I don't want him to be scared during labor.  Plus if I have to answer "is this normal" throughout my labor (like I have throughout my pregnancy), I might punch him one.

wife1014

Thank you so much.  My hospital does not offer volunteer doulas, but that would be great if they did.  I made an appt with a midwife practice to feel it out and will call Doulas today at naptime.  I will talk to my OB again about this at my 32 week appt (Thursday) and make a decision after meeting the midwife.  I just can't believe I am doing this so far into my pregnancy.  I almost feel empowered to have the ability to make these decisions.  Feels good!

How many Doulas did you meet with before deciding?  I'm sure I'll be limited being it so late...

max1563

Are you planning on laboring mostly at home?

wife1014

max1563:

Are you planning on laboring mostly at home?

Probably not!  I delivered O within 5 hours of labor beginning, and I live about 50 minutes from my hospital.  I would love to be able to labor at home, but am very scared of not making it.  Hmm, Do you think that makes a difference?

lindsayll

Hope it goes well with the MW.  I switched to a MW at 29 weeks.  It's never too late if that's your preference.  I had a doula too.

I would say a doula is a really good idea if you stick with the OB.