Hi ladies,
I'm doing the Hypnobabies home study course, and I wondered if anyone had an opinion on whether a birth doula is necessary? My husband will be there for the birth, but since this is our first baby, I'm not sure if we really need a doula or not.
Thoughts?
Re: Do we need a doula for Hypnobabies?
Thanks, Megan. Good luck--looks like you're close!! If you can, let me know how it goes without the doula.
lurker chiming in!
We used hypnobabies and also had a doula. She was not specifically trained in hypnobabies, but had served as a doula for other hypnobabies births and knew the basic language and concepts. We also gave her materials from the workbook to read. During the birthing time, it was great to have an extra support person with us. She pretty much let us do our own thing, but was a really good support for my husband, who started feeling sick and faint at one point. She also helped by repeating the cue words "peace" & "relax" when my husband was out of the room. In all, it was a great experience! We had a quick, non medicated birth. GL, I'm sure your birth will be wonderful!
I didn't have a doula for my HB birth and I actually don't think it would have been helpful. I was very much in my own zone and it was distracting to interact with anyone. DH and I had talked about ways he could support me, but in the end all I wanted him to do was get me juice and start/stop the tracks. Any other help just threw me off my game.
Our First was a HB birth and we DID have a Hypnodoula (our instructor). I loved having her there. My only regret: Not calling her sooner! I have already emailed her because we'll have another HB birth (hopefully at home this time) and I want to make sure she can be there.
For me, I loved it, think of your doula as your personal assistant. Who gets you what you need without you even knowing you needed it
I was so glad she was there to help us. In addition to the whole helping with birth, relaxation, hypnosis, etc, she parked our car, heated my bucky (buckwheat heating pad) got me drinks and also rubbed my hips and feet.
Each mother is different, but for me and DH, it was exactly what we needed.
NorCalMOMS bio* NorCalBOTB* babywearingBIO
Harmony Doula