Lots of questions- if you had a doula ?

Re: Lots of questions- if you had a doula ?

• Suzi-G- member

  November 2011

  I used Kathleen with this group and plan to use her again next time, she just had a baby herself though so I don't know how soon she'll be taking new mamas on. 

  I actually had a second doula (who was super duper uber crunchy, if that's your thing I'll give you her info) who did an induction massage for me (which worked, BTW) and was present in the hospital with us as K's back up. 
  

  I delivered at St. Luke's in the med center and was a patient with the midwifery practice there.
  

  I fully intended to have a natural delivery, wanted to go drug free etc.  Long story short, I labored for 36+ hours (mostly at home) and ended up with an epidural, and a c-section due to complications.  DS had his cord around his neck 4 times and never would have been born the normal way, the cord was too short for him to drop.  Doulas support all kinds of births though, so it's not just for if you want to go natural.

  We met w/ Kathleen several times during my pregnancy (she came to our house).  During labor she did a lot of massage, acupressure and aromatherapy to help me relax and cope with labor.  She came to our house while I was laboring at home and then followed us to the hospital, it was comforting to have someone there who really knew labor to help coach us through.

  Interview several and find someone you click with one, you need to find the right person for you because if something about their personality annoys you or you feel a little awkward with them it's going to be 10,000x worse when you're in labor. 

  And congrats to you!  
  

  ETA: A lot of doulas also offer postpartum care/help, I didn't use it but I think in the absence of my own mama I might want it, so that's something you might look into. 
  

   

  My big boy is bounding towards 4! Baby brother coming in October!
  

   
  

  Hipster dog is not impressed.

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• PineappleLane member

  November 2011

  Suzi, thank you so much . that is really helfpul . I don't have a birthplan and realize things can change quickly during labor butI I think having someone i'm comfortable with and helpful can only make my experience easier.

   I will definitely add TLC to my list of possibilities. in what month did you arrange for the doula services?

  thanks again so much !

  

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• CallMeKel member

  November 2011

  YAY! Glad you finally came out of the closet! And I already shared my doula experience with you but let me know if you have any more questions.

  Couldn't be happier for you, A!

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• SageBeginnings

  November 2011

  Hi Annie!

  Very cool that you are looking into a doula. Doulas are great for emotional, physical, and educational support. We provide lots of information and prenatal assistance to help your labor and birthing time be as healthy and low risk as possible.

  who was your doula? LOL, I birthed all of my babies in Michigan, so I can't help you there, but I can refer you to Doula Match, a great resource to find doulas in your area, read their personal and professional philosophies, and to see if they are available for your estimated due date.
  

  where did you deliver? Again, I delivered in Michigan, but I can tell you that the women whose choices were MOST honored and not battled by their places of birth delivered at Bayshore, St. Lukes, and Clear Lake Regional.
  

  describe your experience. please Your doula should meet with you between 1-3 times prenatally to go over your desires for birth, provide you with homework and reading lists, familiarize you with the process of labor and birth, and practice relaxation and nutrition/exercise. She should then meet with you at your home (if you want to labor at home before heading to your place of birth) or hospital/birth center and labor with you, helping you to gauge how far along you are, what position your baby is in, and help with massage, counterpressure, acupressure, relaxation, cue words, position changes, hydration and nourishment, and educational advocacy.
  

  did you have any complications?statistically having a doula reduces your chances of cesarean or instrumental delivery. I can tell you that my cesarean and instrumental delivery rates are far lower than the national averages, as are most doulas'. Some doulas specifically work with high risk women, though, so their stats might be a little higher.
  

  If you wanted to ask specific questions, feel free (here or by pm) and I can try to help you more. I do have a list of FAQs and Doula interview questions, as well as tips on finding the perfect fit for your needs. Good luck! 

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