XP: Doulas...who's getting one and why?

DLD102 · May 2010

I posted on 2nd Tri as well...

This is something I'm considering and I wanted your collective opinions on the subject.

Have you hired one? If so, what made you want one? The more opinions, the better...

TIA, ladies!

LA_sportsgal · May 2010

I've hired one for two reasons. First, I'm trying to have this baby as a VBAC and my midwives have told me the best way to ensure that I have a good shot at it is to NOT labor at a hospital and NOT to have an epidural. So I want a doula there to help me go without drugs, and help realize when I really need to go to the hospital.

Second, my first experience which ended up in a non-emergency c-section made me realize I need someone there who will help me get the type of delivery I want. First pregnancy, I thought the doctors and nurses would be there to lead us through the process. Basically, though, DH and I were really on our own. This time, I'd like someone there to help show me how to alleviate the pain on my own, to help out when DH needs to go get some food or take a break, and to help me realize what is/isn't necessary. When I was in labor, I wasn't really capable of making great decisions and focusing, the doula knows what i want and don't want and hopefully she can help me sort through the hospital red tape.

DLD102 · May 2010

LA_sportsgal:

I've hired one for two reasons. First, I'm trying to have this baby as a VBAC and my midwives have told me the best way to ensure that I have a good shot at it is to NOT labor at a hospital and NOT to have an epidural. So I want a doula there to help me go without drugs, and help realize when I really need to go to the hospital.

Second, my first experience which ended up in a non-emergency c-section made me realize I need someone there who will help me get the type of delivery I want. First pregnancy, I thought the doctors and nurses would be there to lead us through the process. Basically, though, DH and I were really on our own. This time, I'd like someone there to help show me how to alleviate the pain on my own, to help out when DH needs to go get some food or take a break, and to help me realize what is/isn't necessary. When I was in labor, I wasn't really capable of making great decisions and focusing, the doula knows what i want and don't want and hopefully she can help me sort through the hospital red tape.

Great points! Thank you for your feedback!

MalaMomS · May 2010

I have hired one and it has already GREATLY taken the stress off. I considered it initially because I know my Dr. has a reputation for induction, which I'm against unless medically necessary. I just know that I'll get an epidural if I get pitocin and I'd like to try and not. I knew that having someone there to advocate and provide medical back up would help me have the birth I want. My preference is to go natural and I feel having a support person there, offering alternatives to pain medication will be helpful. While I did a TON of reading, and went to all the classes, I just feel relieved that someone will be there to remind us of all we''ve learned. She's also been on-call to talk to when I have concerns or start getting nervous about things. She is just a peaceful precense and I feel 110% good about my decision to include her in the birth of our son, even if it ends up as a c-section or whatever.

dangerkitty102 · May 2010

I can ditto everything LA Sportsgal said (except I'm not a VBAC - just a first time mom here).

I didn't consider a doula until I started asking friends about Bradley classes. Several of them advised me to skip the bradley class and use the money for a doula instead. All have said it was the best money they could have spent.

To me it does make sense to have an expert there that can completely guide you through labor and delivery, who has attended hundreds of births and has seen it all, that will be with you from the start to the finish (not just before you push the baby out - and I didn't feel comfortable taking my chances in hopes of getting a good L&D nurse - I've heard horror stories!).

I feel like I'm paying her to have all the labor knowledge so I don't need to remember anything while I'm trying to deal with the pain of labor. If I'm experiencing pain, it may not occur to me to try switching to a particular position, or to ask DH to massage me in a certain area etc. The doula will be there to recommend all the pain management techniques, taking out the guesswork for us.

She was also HUGELY helpful in recommending OBs and midwives to me. I found out after hiring her that my current OB/hospital was not likely at all to give me the kind of birth I was hoping for. I ended up making the switch at 30 weeks based on her suggestions and could not be happier. I would have just had no idea if it weren't for her, and would have been in for quite an unpleasant surprise when I showed up for labor and found none of the L&D nurses willing to accommodate my requests.

hikerbeth · May 2010

My doula was the best investment ever.

I wanted an unmedicated VBAC and I truly believe that she was a big part of my success. I wasn't afraid to labor at home for the majority of the time because she was there. She also helped my DH understand how to support me.

UkieBabe · May 2010

I didn't have one for my first & as a result of how that went (borderline preemie, failure to progress c-section, difficult post-partum & BFing), I hired one for this birth. The woman I hired is considered a monitrice, which means she has enough medical training (she's an ob rn) to monitor baby's HR & my dilation, in addition to providing comfort & support.

I learned about doulas from my 2 SILs who used them for their 4 homebirths. Births that are attended by doulas are shorter, smoother, use less pain meds, and have fewer interventions. For me that's important because I'm going for an all-natural VBAC and the hospital near me has protocols that aren't supportive so I switched to a hospital that is 45 minutes away.

This way we feel safe that I am being monitored for complications but can stay in the comfort of home for as long as it takes to dilate to active labor. DH can tend to DS until a relative can come for him & I will still be supported. DH's anxiety will be lower because he won't feel like he doesn't know what to do for me, and my anxiety will be lower because I will have an experienced advocate who will fight for my best interests should any issues arise. We feel it is $ well spent for all those reasons. Good luck!

CoastieWife08 · May 2010

I am delivering at a midwifery center at a hospital where pain meds aren't an option.

I had an epidural with DD and I hated it. I am doing everything in my power to have a positive labor experience this time.

I've already leaned on my doula for support during a PTL scare, and she's become a wonderful friend. She introduced me to a birth circle in my area, which has ended up being very cathartic for me.

DH was resistant to the idea at first, especially the cost, but now he's more than happy with the idea and is excited to have support for me and for him during labor.

BlueRidgeMama · May 2010

I have one (she is just finishing her training so she is actually assisting me for free) because I really care about natural childbirth and I want support for me and DH, sort of as back up. She's really great.

vegandy · May 2010

I have one. I got one because I am aiming for a natural and med free birth using the bradley method. With the bradley method I will be laboring at home for as long as possible. DH is going to be such a great coach, but it will be nice to have someone there who knows exactly when I need to leave & also as an extra set of hands. She has been absolutley wonderful. We have had 3 meetings with her already, and after the birth will see her twice more at home for post pardum care and breastfeeding help. She has been great with providing me with books, dvd's, excercises......she came over twice to help me flip the baby since he is posterior. We also keep in contact through email so it has been nice to be able to ask any questions I have in between visits with my midwife.

I will most definitely have a doula with any other pregnancy after this as well. They are worth their weight in gold IMO.

DLD102 · May 2010

Wow! Thanks for all of your feedback, ladies! Much appreciated!

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XP: Doulas...who's getting one and why?

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