Anyone using a doula?

Demedoll

Any recommendations on who to use?

KrystinLC

Unfortunately, in this area, midwives and doula's are hard to come by. My sister, who is an RN, sat in as my doula for me. Try to get a family member to help you out for the first week or so and always do LOTS of research for yourself.

Demedoll

Yeah, I am thinking I might just have to "force" my hubby to embrace the role. In our first delivery he was pretty shaken up and even though he doesnt admit it I think seeing me in so much pain upset him a little. We'll see, maybe this time around since it isn't so new and unknown he might be able to help me focus.

broccolimama

YES! there are MANY doulas in the St. Louis area! I had a doula with my first birth at St. Lukes and my husband and I were so thankful we hired her! She will be assisting us with our next little one due in a few months. 

Jen Jester was our doula. Her website is www.birthwisely.net.

I am a chiropractic physician who specializes in treating pregnant women and highly recommend doing anything that will support your decision making process, health, and sanity when it comes time for the birth.  

Feel free to message me if you have further questions! 

Demedoll

Thanks I appreciate it! I will definitely check out her site. We haven't found one yet

Cilley

For my last pregnancy, we had Julie Guttmann from circleoflifedoulaservices.com. I don't remember her helping me much during L&D. DH was my main support person. She was quite helpful before the baby came, answering my questions and everything.

I would highly recommend my 1st doula, Briana Mager, but she moved from STL more than a yr ago. My 1st pregnancy was so difficult and she helped me a lot. I was induced, so the contractions were pretty intense.

 A useful tool that helped me through my 1st L&D experience was the TENS unit.  My 2nd came so fast that there wasn't a lot of time to use it.