Natural Birth, Doula, etc.

tinkiewinkie · October 2013

Alright ladies, I am a STM and with my first I had an okay birth. Due to some "medical issues" (I hesitate to call them real medical issues because I was an influential unaware FTM who believed everything her OB told her) as well as my husband being military and set to be deployed on my due date, we had a scheduled induction. The pit made my contractions absolutely horrendous and I ended up getting an epidural at 8cm and having a 2nd degree tear. Anywho, this time around I want a natural birth. I am looking into hypnobirthing as well as the Bradley Method but would like some first hand advice from other mom's who have had a natural birth. Are doulas really worth it and how do I go about finding one? I have a list of local doulas in my area but do I just call them up and do interviews? TIA!

lizardknitter · October 2013

I don't have any advice, but will pursue a med free birth this time as well. A doula is great (even if you have an epi) because they provide support for you and DH during and after birth. Many even come visit once you're home to help clean or cook. Good luck!

Nickiechan · October 2013

I am pursuing a natural birth this time around too. With DS's birth it went very well and I had a great supportive hospital. (One of the main reason we are not going with a home birth this time is because the hospital was very respectful and followed our wishes).

One thing that i would HIGHLY recommend and wish I had one with DS's birth was a Doula. We interviewed and hired our around 13 weeks. I am very excited and very happy with my decision. I often hear Doulas are invaluable no matter what type of birth you are reaching for. I thought I could go without one, but with DH's anxiety it was hard for him to be my 'coach'. We both did our research, but we never have experience a real life birth. My Doula has 320 under her belt... and is a midwife apprentice and having that personal support that is only looking out for my baby and my well being is very valuable.

For DS's birth I used Hypnobabies and did the self study course. It was very nice and I would highly recommend it... however when I was around transision it really did 'go out of the window' which is why I wish I would have had a doula to keep my focus or do the 'take charge method'. My DH tried to keep my focus, but I wasn't giving a crap about him... It wasn't until my midwife came in an coached me for a good 6 hours did my contraction become more manageable... which was in turn the responsibility of the doula. I often think that I was listening to midwife instead of DH was because I felt the midwife know what she was doing and had an authority figure... which I had to listen to her.

I also would do research on your hospital and see what their stance on letting a mother labor naturally? Do they do constant fetal monitoring? Do they let you roam free? Also, inquire to your OB/Midwife that you are hoping for a med free birth this time around. I noticed that all the midwifes at my practice are very excited when mother want to have a natural/med-free birth. I always request to see a midwife. Also a Birth Plan/Birth Wishes will help your hospital understand what you want out of your birth. That is another item that I think is very invaluable... When you are in labor you really don't want to be rambling off your wishes or wants...

If you think you can do this... you will! You have to keep birth in a positive light and keep the negativity at bay. If you believe in yourself that you can do this... you will.

ceh789 · October 2013

I just want to share from my own research that there are two similarly named programs - Hypnobirthing and Hypnobabies. I'd recommend checking into both, as I've found that in my area at least Hypnobabies gets much more positive reviews.

Good luck with your decision!

knittinlins · October 2013

I am a FTM, so I don't have my own experience but my dear friend had a doula last year for her birth and said she was a gift from God. Most doulas allow you to do interviews prior to being hired to make sure it is a good fit. I told my doc I would have one and she was supportive of it.

One thing my friend said to confirm is that the doula does an after birth visit. Hope that helps

aracelyluna · October 2013

I has a med-free hospital birth. DH and I attended the Bradley classes and found a doctor that was comfortable with natural births-in that she let me labor as long as I needed without pushing pitocin or c section. We also did some research with our hospital and did a hospital tour. The tour was very helpful because the nurse was very reassuring about our goals during labor. We did not have a doula, and will not be getting one this time around either.

coldenka · October 2013

I had a med free birth with DS with a midwife at a hospital. We used the Bradley Method classes and overall had an excellent experience. It was just fantastic. Since then we have moved out of state and our area doesn't have any midwives. My labor with DS was only 4 hours so we're not in a position to travel far. We decided to go with an OB that's 15-20 mins away and plan on getting a doula this time.

I definitely recommend taking some classes or doing research into it and talking to your provider about their epi and c-section rates. Make sure they are really on board with everything you want!

peachy0709 · October 2013

I'm a FTM so my advice is strictly second hand, but my good friend had a doula with her last pregnancy and will be having one again. She felt very supported with her and was glad she did it. Just like with anything related to pregnancy, I'd interview, research -- it's okay to not go with someone you don't absolutely love!

IdyllicPursuit · October 2013

Definitely go with a doula. I had such a traumatic first birth, and so for the 2nd birth I just gave in to everything....after studying to be a doula myself, I realize how beneficial they are.

Want a personalized experience?

Natural Birth, Doula, etc.

Re: Natural Birth, Doula, etc.

Choose Another Board

Search Boards