To doula or not to doula?

WanderingA

I am planning on birthing at an independent, midwife-run birth center.  We have taken hypnobirth classes and plan to use those techniques as well as having a water birth.  My husband feels confident in his role as support person, but I am still considering hiring a doula to attend as well. 

In the birth room with us will be my mother, my mother-in-law, a midwife and a nurse. I know that the midwife and nurse will be on-board with the hypno practices, but I am a little concerned about my mother and MIL understanding what is going on and not giving in to trying to "coach me" through labor.  I am also worried that my husband won't be able to provide the physical relief (massage/helping me change positions/etc) that I will need. 

My friend (who also birthed at this center) recommended I hire a doula (who has also had a water/hypno birth at this center).  I am interested in the idea, but I don't know if I will actually NEED her, I'm afraid it will just add another body to the room!   If you had a doula, did you find it really useful?  I have explained to the Mom's what hypnobirth in and expressed my desire for calm and quiet, do you think a doula could help re-afirm that on birthing day?  Any shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!

tokenhoser

A doula could definitely help wrangle your mom and mom-in-law... but man, that's some expensive interference. I just wouldn't have invited people that you don't trust to support your birth. I hired a doula, but I'm birthing in a hospital with a doctor and

maelli3

I have loved having my doulas there for my last two births and am excited they'll be with me again. It takes the pressure off of my hubby to remember what to do for me (he just gets to execute the ideas) and since I am a long laborer, nobody is too worn o

cecilyandgautam

Being observed during labor and feeling like you have an audience can definitely slow things down for some women. I think your concerns about the number of bodies is the room is a valid one - in that regard, are your mom & MIL willing to be on

iumegan716

The best benefit for me (because my labors were so quick, she hardly had to do anything!) was to lessen my anxiety and keep me calm going leading up to my due date.  Because I had a doula, I felt more confident about being able to have a good birth.

elle_bee

I found a doula very helpful during my first birth and would highly recommend one if you can afford it.  If you end up having a long labor, she will be helpful in relieving your DH.

Also, I strongly echo what some PPs said about Mom and MI

aylafsu88

I had a doula and she was amazing.  My L&D was 11 hours which is a long time for any one person to act as a sole supporter. She gave my H rest when he needed it and she reminded him of things we learned in our Bradley class.  She kept me hyd

IUlove2009

I just delivered my son 2 weeks ago. I hired a doula and it was totally worth it. She met with us several times before our birth to help guide us and answer questions and was a calm, guiding force during delivery.

Personally, I think the only peo

halfthetree

i didn't have a doula for my first birth and really wish I would have. My hubby would have had a whistle and clip board if he could, the way he coached me I almost kicked him out of the room haha I am hiring a doula this time, to help him help me, she is