doula - with a CNMW?
MTAtlanta
member
I got 2 great responses from my March 2012 board, but thought I might get more bites here:
I'm reading 'Natural Hospital Birth' and it has me seriously considering hiring a doula - and surprisingly DH is all about it! Apparently he is feeling very anxious about being the main support person during our hopefully natual birth experience.
I go to a practice with OBs and CNMWs - there is always at least one of each on call, and we're going the MW route with our regular appointments.
Since we see MWs and will have a MW at the hospital instead of an OB (as long as things are going smoothly of course) - would a doula be overkill? I'm tempted to look into it more as DH is very on board, but I guess I'm just not sure how that will work with the MWs.
The doula we're looking at does a couple of prenatal and postnatal visits as well as the actual birth. Does that mean she might go to appointments with the MW - or just at home?
Of course I'll call her directly and get more info and ask about it all at my MW appt next week - just looking for input if you guys have any.
TIA!
Re: doula - with a CNMW?
I am having a hospital birth with a midwife and also hired a doula. My wife was very clear on wanting to be my emotional support and not have the additional responsibility of being 'in charge' of the medical and physical support challenges.
Having a doula has increased my excitement for birth, lessened my anxiety, and lessened my wife's anxiety. I have no doubt that she will be worth every penny.
http://oi62.tinypic.com/2w73hq9.jpg
Meh, for me it'd be overkill. I'll have a midwife, if not two and my FI. My birth will already be going the way I choose for it to because we're at the birth center. I would hire a doula for a hospital birth to be my advocate
However, that's me personally, if it feels necessary to you, then go for it.
I had a doula and a midwife who was at my side most of the time. My doula was invaluable when it came to pushing and support. She held my hand and helped me chant/breathe through those intense pushing contractions for almost two hours, and helped with ice chip refills and towels so hubby could stay by my side and be behind me rubbing my back or pulling up my hair, etc. You can even hire student doulas. There are even studies that show that having a doula at your birth reduces pain medication usage and the likely hood you'll want/ask for an epidural!
Good luck!
Yes - in Atlanta and going to an OB/CNMW practice. It's OBGYN of Atlanta, but they have several OBs and CNMWs on staff and you kind of 'pick your route' and of course we're going the MW route. That's why I'm not sure about the doula factor - it would be great to have someone with us since the MW will have other patients - and to help us out at home to make sure we don't go to the hospital too early.
I'm just not sure what their policy/attitude is about doulas in general - my appt is next Wednesday so I'll ask there before committing.
Then I would absolutely get a doula. I went with the one real midwife practice in Atlanta (delivers at AMC, I had a waterbirth) and even with them I had a doula. If I was delivering at Northside or Piedmont and wanted a natural birth there is no way I would leave to it just my midwives, especially as they will be with other patients. It is within your rights to have a doula. If you need one I would contact Labor of Love.
I would definitely hire a doula for a hospital birth, even with a CNM, for the reasons you mentioned. We had our DD in a hospital with a CNM and had a doula for that. In that practice, you get whatever CNM is on duty when you go in. I had never met the midwife who was there for the birth, but I really didn't care, because I had my DH and my doula who I knew and relied on. If it turns out to be "overkill" you will probably be in a lucky minority. I wouldn't go in assuming you won't need a doula just because you'll be seen by a CNM.
It's huge that the doula will come to your house during labor. I just felt so safe and trusting with her there, that it really facilitated the process of labor.
If the hospital has a lame attitude about doulas, that's more their problem than yours. Of course, they could make it your problem if they're that backwards, but then your doula could interface with them so you are buffered from their attitude and free to birth with the support you deserve.