Thinking about going natural and hiring a doula

hurricane1212

I've been doing A LOT of research lately and I'm really considering trying to do this without any drugs. I have always said that if they are offering a pain outlet, I'd take it but now I'm not so sure. After reading several studies and watching several documentaries on the topic I am really starting to think that my body is built for labor and delivery and the natural way is better for both me and the baby. DH and I discussed it last night and he asked if I wanted to deliver at home. I don't think I do, but we are definitely considering hiring a doula. I don't want my wishes to be swept under the rug and I don't want the hospital staff to put anything and everything into my veins without consent. I can't believe I'm changing my mind this late in the game, but I really do think it's the best decision.

3Girls3xsTheFun

My best friend said her Doula made all the difference in the world when it came to her med-free birth.

I would certainly look into it if it's what you want. Make sure your hospital allows them (some have rules about the # of people present for delivery), and check that your OB/Midwife is on board with your new birthing plan.

I agree that it's a little late in the game to switch it up, but you should still have time to take a class or two on med-free birthing so you are even more prepared.

Good luck!

DaisyJanie

I don't think it's that late in the game to be changing strategies! Talk to your provider about how supportive they'll be. A doula would be a great help, too.

mrsbookworm

Good luck to you!  I also am a strong believer that our bodies are built to labor & deliver (although I caved and got the Epidural last time - which didn't even work for me for the first 6 or 7 hours (long story) - only because I wasn't as educated about birth last time). 

I had planned to hire a doula too, but changed my mind simply because I didn't want to shell out the $1000-1200 going rate for an experienced one in the DC area.  I'm sure I could've found a training doula for much less expen if I'd put my mind to it.  I am aiming to go natural too and plan to labor at home as long as possible; then, I'll be heading to the hospital.  I'm also on a wait list for a midwife who practices at a hospital, but at this point I'm thinking I'll be stuck with my OB/GYN.

Again, good luck!

cvl105

3Girls3xsTheFun:

My best friend said her Doula made all the difference in the world when it came to her med-free birth.

One of my best friends said the same exact thing!

kimbo1216

Just try to keep an open mind no matter what.  Here's a link from the natural birth board I like sharing when I see questions about natural birth.  It helped me a lot.

 

 

MammaBear81

I don't think it's too late in the game to change your mind.  I didn't have a doula or midwife, but I had a really great OB/GYN who actually listened to me and did what I asked.  I'm pretty sure they all thought I was crazy the first time around (I was only 24) but they respected my wishes and were pleasantly surprised after I delivered.  The one piece of advice I got that really helped me was you need to learn to relax when the contractions hit... most people tense up, but if you concentrate you can relax your body and work with the contraction.  I didn't take any classes, but I'm sure you could sign up for one or two that would fit with your personality.  Good luck!

jetskreemr

cvl105:

3Girls3xsTheFun:

My best friend said her Doula made all the difference in the world when it came to her med-free birth.

One of my best friends said the same exact thing!

I recently met with a doula, and this is what I took away from that meeting. That said, I told mine that I wanted drugs for sure, and she had no problem with it, so you can still use a doula if you do a medicated birth, although you may need to ask her philosophy about it first. You can always ask for drugs if the going gets tough either way too. I loooooved the woman we met with, and now even though the docs determined I will need a scheduled c-section a couple of days ago, the doula said she would still be willing to be there with me to support me during the surgery. She's great!

Pookie's_Girl

I'm in pretty much the same boat as you, I only just decided to go totally med/intervention free with the birth. But, both DH and I agree that neither of us wants a homebirth for the first baby. I probably saw the same documentaries as you (The Business of Being Born and Pregnant in America right?) And those had a huge impact on my decision. Before making any drastic changes, you should talk with your OB and find out what the hospital does for those trying to go natural, because not all of them will sweep your wishes under the rug. I'm going to talk to mine at my next appt next week and find out what she says, but the hospital I plan to deliver at sound very natural birth-friendly on their website. If it ends up turning into a situation where they clearly are not going to respect your wishes, then you should probably switch, but it is still possible to achieve a natural birth at a lot of hospitals.

mskolman

I am all for doing whatever you feel comfortable with. But just know, that they can NOT put anything into your veins without your consent. My son spent 3 1/2 months in the hospital at birth and I learned a lot of things. You have a right to deny any medical care you do not want. I remember when a veteran nurse told me about this, I was like, well...duh, I am the customer here! I learned how to advocate and not be intimidated by the docs. Just wanted to let you know...

tchubirubi

Well, my OB says that untill someone sticks a needle in your arm or cuts you open, it is never too late.

Congratulations on researching and finding out what is right for you - I have nothing against even medicated birth or elective c-sections, as long as the mother choosing them is making a fully informed decision.

And yes, I feel the same way about labor and delivery so I hope both of us get the natural births we want.

I also think you should talk with your doc or mw in order not to have pain relief offered to you - so that you can only get it when you ask for it. My OB also said that offering pain relief to a laboring woman is like offering a seat to a maratonist - unnecessary temptation in a moment of weakness an vulnerability. She says she'll always wait for the woman to ask for it. I can see what she means.

Good luck, everyone!