I went to a doula openhouse tonight...

JaGirl

and now I'm seriously considering hiring one. I'm delivering at a hospital and would like to lower the need for medical inverventions, but I'm not entirely wedded to the idea of a med-free birth. Actually, I really haven't settled on a birth plan so I was encouraged to hear that these doulas don't favor any method over another. They are just there as emotional and physical support, to help you remember your options and stick to your coping plan as best as you can. Knowing that I tend to be a nervous wreck when confronted with major life stuff, and given that my mother may or may not be here when I go into labor, I think I would benefit from a doula. Anyone else considering a doula?

GenRN45

We signed a contract with ours at 18 weeks.

OscarQ

I'm intrigued by the thought of one.  I don't want anyone at the birth but DH but he's also not the greatest in dealing with medical situations - that's my strong suit - so I feel like having a doula would be a good idea.

JaGirl

OscarQ:

I'm intrigued by the thought of one.  I don't want anyone at the birth but DH but he's also not the greatest in dealing with medical situations - that's my strong suit - so I feel like having a doula would be a good idea.

 

Yes I feel the same way about DH.

LTF525

Yes, I'm considering one.

GenRN45

Mostly I want my husband to be able to focus on being my husband and the baby's daddy, and not my coach. I don't want him worrying about my pain more than he already will be, and I don't want him having to feel like he's a go between for me with the medical staff if I am too focused to communicate.

Our doula is AWESOME. I love her. And she has a few added perks too... like once the baby is coming out, she will take pictures... so DH's first views of our baby will be through his eyes with me - not through the lens of the camera. I know that's silly - but I like that she's willing to do that for us. 

So, she's going to get me through my unmedicated labor and she's also going to allow us our time as a family when the baby is delivered, rather than mommy baby and daddy with the camera.

This is my doula's website - if anyone is interested in taking a look.