?: Did anyone use a doula?

markyslove · March 2011

I'm thinking about the possibility of hiring a doula (I think DH is pretty terrified of the birth). Did any of you use a doula for your birth(s)? What type of birth were you planning/hoping for vs. what did your experience end up being?

I appreciate any insights (and recommendations if applicable)!

mrsmikey · March 2011

I didn't use one the first time, but I am considering using one for this baby. However, I have recently learned that OBs alot of times don't really like working with doulas, so I want to talk to my OB about it first. I realize I can have anyone in there I want, but I also don't want it to cause more tension and defeat the purpose of having her there in the first place.

If I were in Cary, I'd be delivering at the birthing center. Wink

alchris · March 2011

Yes, I did for DD1. I adored everything about having her there, and DH did too. My OB hadn't worked with many doulas at all but he had no issues. After all, the OB is usually not with you much at all! And DH just needed to be told that she was there to help him in large part; indeed my labor was so long that having both enabled them to have breaks.

He was very grateful for all she did. Good luck!

markyslove · March 2011

mrsmikey:
I didn't use one the first time, but I am considering using one for this baby. However, I have recently learned that OBs alot of times don't really like working with doulas, so I want to talk to my OB about it first. I realize I can have anyone in there I want, but I also don't want it to cause more tension and defeat the purpose of having her there in the first place.
If I were in Cary, I'd be delivering at the birthing center.

Yeah, I wasn't/still am not completely sure that I want to commit to med-free which is a big problem if I go to the birthing center My current plan is to see how far I can get on my own. I am asking that I not be offered drugs but I haven't ruled out me asking for them. That's one of the reasons I'm thinking about a doula as I think if I have more support I won't be as quick to ask for the meds.

alchris · March 2011

markyslove:
mrsmikey:
I didn't use one the first time, but I am considering using one for this baby. However, I have recently learned that OBs alot of times don't really like working with doulas, so I want to talk to my OB about it first. I realize I can have anyone in there I want, but I also don't want it to cause more tension and defeat the purpose of having her there in the first place.
If I were in Cary, I'd be delivering at the birthing center.
Yeah, I wasn't/still am not completely sure that I want to commit to med-free which is a big problem if I go to the birthing center My current plan is to see how far I can get on my own. I am asking that I not be offered drugs but I haven't ruled out me asking for them. That's one of the reasons I'm thinking about a doula as I think if I have more support I won't be as quick to ask for the meds.

I found that my doula was amazing for discussing this in the heat of the moment. She helped me make a decision, and one that I am very thankful for and have no regrets about. The two biggest benefits of having her there were 1) helping DH support me through contractions and think ahead to what I may need next, and 2) that conversation.

And, since it might surprise you having read that, I did have an epidural with that birth, but no regrets.

markyslove · March 2011

alchris:
markyslove:
mrsmikey:
I didn't use one the first time, but I am considering using one for this baby. However, I have recently learned that OBs alot of times don't really like working with doulas, so I want to talk to my OB about it first. I realize I can have anyone in there I want, but I also don't want it to cause more tension and defeat the purpose of having her there in the first place.
If I were in Cary, I'd be delivering at the birthing center.
Yeah, I wasn't/still am not completely sure that I want to commit to med-free which is a big problem if I go to the birthing center My current plan is to see how far I can get on my own. I am asking that I not be offered drugs but I haven't ruled out me asking for them. That's one of the reasons I'm thinking about a doula as I think if I have more support I won't be as quick to ask for the meds.
I found that my doula was amazing for discussing this in the heat of the moment. She helped me make a decision, and one that I am very thankful for and have no regrets about. The two biggest benefits of having her there were 1) helping DH support me through contractions and think ahead to what I may need next, and 2) that conversation.
And, since it might surprise you having read that, I did have an epidural with that birth, but no regrets.

Thank you for sharing that

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