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anyone using a doula?

ChrissyK88ChrissyK88
in 3rd Trimester

Im not exactly sure what the advantages are. If any of you ladies are using one can you give me some details? DH saw an episode of A Baby Story and they had one.. so now we need one.

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Re: anyone using a doula?

  • SmellygirlSmellygirl member
    The only insight I can add on a doula is to make sure your hosptial allows it before you go through the effort of finding one.  My hospital does not.
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  • RusticBrideNHRusticBrideNH
    we are using one. our hospital has a free volunteer program so it's completely free for us. we really like her. i'm looking forward to having someone there to take the pressure off of DH. she will remind me of strategies, positions, remembering to breath and making sure my labor wishes are granted as much as possible. that reminds me i was supposed to call her after my last appt. oops.
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  • babyjoy09babyjoy09
    yes my boyfriend is my doula he will do a fantastic job.
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  • robbie3982robbie3982 member
    We're using one.  She'll be another support person who's there to help remind us of what it is that we want and how to help us get that.  We want to have a natural birth so she'll suggest ways to cope with pain and remind us that we don't have to make any immediate decisions if we're faced with any possible interventions.
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  • AeL347AeL347

    We are using a doula too... just another support person... someone that gets to know you and your DH ahead of time, knows your birth plan, and can advocate for your wants and needs and has a general understanding of the birthing process... our doula will come to our house when I first go into labor and then will go to the hospital with us too... she is also a chiropractor & a massage therapist - so she will be my pain control, since I am going natural... she also helps your DH understand the process & can instruct him on what to do.

     

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  • peachypearpeachypear

    imageSmellygirl:
    The only insight I can add on a doula is to make sure your hosptial allows it before you go through the effort of finding one.  My hospital does not.

    Seriously???? That is so backwards.

    We've hired a doula. They have been shown to improve birth outcomes for mom and baby and reduce medical interventions in quality, medical studies, which is what I want. For us, the primary reasons that we chose to hire a doula is that (1) she a source of experience, which is good for us because we are newbies to birthing, and can offer suggestions for positions and pain management, and be a sounding board for decisions that we need to make that differ from our birth plan, (2) she can advocate for us if the hospital staff aren't following our wishes, (3) she will be the only constant support in the room. (While doulas are not medical personnel, our doctors and nurses will come and go but our doula will be with us from when we call her until first BF latch). I've been surprised by how helpful her pre-natal advice has been, too.

    If you want more information on doulas, I suggest you look at dona.org

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