Is there such a thing as too much support?

lauriedupuis

I just switched practices midway through my pregnancy to what I feel is the ideal practice with a midwife that you read about in all the books on what a midwife should be.  Prior to finding her, I was facing giving birth in a hospital with a C-section rate that tops 60% some months, averages closer to 50% and with providers that all have the middle name 'induction'.  I had no support at this practice, but my options were limited.  I live in a rural area  and this was essentially the only game in town as the only other practice was not accepting new patients. 

 So, my decision was to hire a doula more as an advocate for me and to help me beat the odds and hopefully get a med-free, induction free, natural birth. I have a fabulous husband who has really dug into researching labor and delivery and is an incredible support person now - so I have no doubts that he will be exactly what I need in labor.  I thought that the doula would just be there to run interference essentially, so that hubby could focus on me and I could focus on the baby.  

 Now that I have an incredible midwife, whom I will see exclusively from now through delivery, I'm questioning whether I need the doula or not now that my original top priority for her, an advocate, seems unnecessary.

 Is there such a thing as too many people in the delivery room or too much support?  What's been your experience or what is your opinion?

tokenhoser

I think there can be too many people in a delivery room, but I don't think that DH, a doula, and midwife is too many. If you added your mom, your BFF, and your sister: that's too much.

I don't think a doula is as key with a great midwife. You might still love her or she might be overkill. If the money is a big deal to you and you're not already under contract, you might want to skip it.

pixieprincss

If you are a FTM or in a hospital setting (even with a CNM) I would keep the doula. I agree with PP that "unskilled" support like a BFF plus your mom plus your MIL, etc. might be too much but doula + DH + MW seems like a great support system without being overblown. If you have a straightforward labor, it may end up seeming like excess, but if you have a long or difficult labor or if something comes up, knowing that you were armed with every reasonable resource can help you get through that. Also, is the doula coming to your house to help with early labor an option? That is something probably not in the scope of work for your MW.

nosoup4u

No, I don't think you can have too mamy people supporting you during birth. It can be long, so having people around to give each other breaks is a great idea. How many people you want around you during labor is a personal thing, and something you have to decide for yourself.

judahsmommy1

I had a long and difficult labor. Our doula was wonderful through out the entire process! My husband was an excellent coach and took on most of that role, but my doula did a lot of "running." She ran for coffee for DH, and food/drinks for me. She talked with our nurses to explain to them what our goals were and helped to get them on board. When my labor stalled, she was the one who got us started again without the use of Pitocin. She was phenomenal! I don't think it's over kill. A midwife has some experience with the emotional side of labor, but her main role is going to still be medical. She will also likely have experiencing in interacting with doulas and so you could get some great team work there. I think you've got a great team assembled.

lauriedupuis

Thank you ladies for your opinions!  I was on the fence I think because my original idea of what my doula needed to do for me was no longer needed.  You have all brought up excellent points that I did think about, but being a FTM, I just wasn't sure if I was going overboard.

I really appreciate the input!