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Natural Birth
I just got back from grocery shopping and was stopped by a student doula who said she needed to attend two more births for free before she is certified so she offered me her services free. This is an amazing deal but I had never considered using a doula before, I'm very private and am planning a home birth and I'm worried if I hire the doula that it would too uncomfortable for me having another person there...so for anyone who is using a doula or has used one before what are your thoughts on them, benefits, drawbacks, ect? Thanks!
Wwyd?
I just got back from grocery shopping and was stopped by a student doula who said she needed to attend two more births for free before she is certified so she offered me her services free. This is an amazing deal but I had never considered using a doula before, I'm very private and am planning a home birth and I'm worried if I hire the doula that it would too uncomfortable for me having another person there...so for anyone who is using a doula or has used one before what are your thoughts on them, benefits, drawbacks, ect? Thanks!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Wwyd?
Hopefully you can get the jist of what I was saying stupid iPad won't let me edit it....
Basically free doula, don't know if I want a doula for a home hypnobirth give me some benefits and drawbacks of doula.
A free doula could be a very positive experience for you and DH (and provide the doula with some more experience, of course). If you're at all interested I'd suggest calling her to meet with her, talk about the services she offers, her experience/training thus far, and see if you're comfortable with it all.
In general I think a doula is very beneficial, especially to partners who may feel at a loss as to how to help, what to expect, etc. A good doula wont take over for your DH, but will make him feel like the best birth partner ever.
If she's in the NY area, pass her my way!
Honestly I never thought about getting a doula but I could see them being very handy after going through the process. My husband's part of my labor was intense and exhausting. He was emotional and physical support constantly through the entire thing. He rubbed my back for hours and had to be my rock when I didn't think I was going to make it. I think a doula would have been great for him, even if I was more comfortable without somebody else there. He literally fell asleep 10 minutes after the baby was born and it would have been nice if he had some more energy for that first little while.
Also, you never know how your DH is going to handle labor. My best friend thought her husband was going to be a great support person. In the end, he really couldn't handle her being in pain, her being emotionally dependent on him, or being in the position to help her make decisions in such a high pressure scenario. She really wishes she had a doula there even though she never thought about having one before then.