A Doula anyone?

amy006 · February 2014

I have a friend/acquaintance who started providing doula services in the past couple years. She posts a lot of information about it on Facebook and her clients seem to love her! I would have never even thought about hiring a doula, but since I know her, I'm looking into it a bit. Has anyone had any experience working with a doula or has anyone thought about it and decided against it for some reason?

BetsyDavis · February 2014

I have thought about it but for me I have been through this 3 times and I have a mom and sister who have been there and are great help during labor so I don't think I would really benefit much from one since I already have great support. Plus my hospital has a amazing nurses who only have 1 patient at a time so they are always there and on top of everything.

That said I think a doula could be an amazing thing to have if you are unsure or don't have great support for the delivery room. They are great at making sure you have the birth you want and making sure you are comfortable and happy. Also they will make sure you are prepared and educated for your labor, delivery, and new little one.

Jennesia · February 2014

I didn't have a doula for my first two children, but I wished I had. Since my first two ended up being c-sections and we were trying for a VBA2C, we decided that having a doula would be a huge help with the uphill battle we knew we were against. When it came time to pick one we were torn between two. One of them was the owner/co-founder of our local doula agency and had a wealth of knowledge. The other had done a VBAC herself, was an LPN and works with a midwife doing home births. In the end we chose both because we knew that this was my last chance to attempt a vaginal birth and wanted the deck stacked in our favor. We were successful and had a 9lbs 12oz Moose completely natural.

If you are a first time mom and/or don't have a good support system, I highly recommend a doula.

This time around we agreed to hire only one. The doula that has experience in VBAC and home births as she was my focal point last time and helped me keep my breathing under control. We are also considering a homebirth so she is more ideal with her experience.

wrightpalomo · February 2014

My sister used a doula for both of her pregnancies and she loved them so much that I'm looking into getting one.

Most of the doulas in my area offer 2 pre-delivery in-home appointments, delivery assistance and 2 hours post-delivery for breastfeeding training, plus a follow up appointment in the week after delivery to help with breastfeeding and getting adjusted. They also charge $1100-$1500. But I live in San Francisco. My sister lives in central California and only paid $400 for her doulas.

It seems worth it to have all that awesome support from someone who isn't emotionally invested in your pregnancy. I have a mom, a MIL, a sister, and an aunt who all have child birth and newborn experience and will all be happier than hell to help me out. But I also like the idea of an objective third party who is working for me being there to make sure that I'm getting what I need during and after the delivery.

amy006 · February 2014

I love all the positive feedback! Now I'm even more excited to meet with her and make this decision. Thanks for the input!

Everyusernameistaken · February 2014

I can't recommend a doula highly enough. I had a very long labour and the emotional and physical support she provided both of us was incredible. My husband is an amazing man but after 40+ hours of labour he was drained and the doula was able to help him help me.

My Dr actually credits her with preventing a vacuum extraction (she suggested a few positions which ultimately got him out after 3 hours of pushing).

They can also provide pp breastfeeding support.

rockychryslerb2010 · February 2014

We had a doula, our actual birth experience was different because we had a planned c-section, but all the work leading up to a due date was great.

We were planning a natural birth, and I viewed the doula more for supporting DH in his role. He didn't think he would be able to see me in the pain and not recommend epidural, especially if I was starting to cave myself. So the doula was going to be there to keep us on the right path together.

We took the classes through our hospital, but the doula was one on one. She came to our house, got to know us, worked on our birth plan with us and taught us pain management techniques together. I loved that experience, and can't recommend a doula enough! We were actually working with a doula in training, so her services were free, we just recommended her when we were done. My due date was right around Christmas, so we had a hard time finding someone available. Doula's have to do three births before they can be certified. If you find one in training, they are usually free.

We have to decided VBAC cs. RCS for this birth, if we do VBAC we are definitely hiring our doula again!

adoxyinherear · February 2014

We had a doula and I am very glad we did. A doula is as much a valuable support for your husband as she is for you during the labor and birth, and a great advocate to have if you're giving birth in a hospital setting.

Everyusernameistaken · February 2014

@dearfoam-- I had heard very good things about this particular doula so I called her around 10 weeks to make sure I got her (doulas will only take a certain # of clients due around the sane time). I kept her updated about my appointments and she was very helpful when I stated having complications around 20 something weeks. We were actively communicating from probably 20 something weeks I think?

eta, we've already hired her for this pg, too

Everyusernameistaken · February 2014

@dearfoam I think it would be awesome to do a class with your doula, you'd get to know them so much better!

bumpuser7698452 · February 2014

On the other side of this, I had a doula for my first pregnancy. She was so sweet and knowledgeable and we got along great. Come time to actually have baby, I wanted to kick her out of the room.

I'm very quiet and independent and like to deal with my pain alone. When the contractions started getting really strong, she was about an inch away from my face and kept telling me to open my eyes and look at her and breath slooowwwly. I didn't want to look at her, dammit. I wanted to keep my eyes closed and just get the contraction over with and when I did need support, all I wanted was my husband holding my hand.

Looking back on it, I knew that that was something that I should do alone, but I ignored my gut feeling. Although we won't be hiring a doula this time around, I did appreciate the time she spent with me prior to labor and all the stuff she taught me. I do think I was much more prepared then if I had done it alone the first time.

bear1215 · February 2014

I'm wanting a Doula this time around!

AbbyAlwan · February 2014

My best friend is a Doula and I am definitely using her. She is also an LMT so prenatal massage is included in her services. Score!

She said that she usually becomes really close with the dad's because they work together so much. I can't wait to have that team on my side!

Irisheyes1247 · February 2014

knickerbockers said:

On the other side of this, I had a doula for my first pregnancy. She was so sweet and knowledgeable and we got along great. Come time to actually have baby, I wanted to kick her out of the room.
I'm very quiet and independent and like to deal with my pain alone. When the contractions started getting really strong, she was about an inch away from my face and kept telling me to open my eyes and look at her and breath slooowwwly. I didn't want to look at her, dammit. I wanted to keep my eyes closed and just get the contraction over with and when I did need support, all I wanted was my husband holding my hand.
Looking back on it, I knew that that was something that I should do alone, but I ignored my gut feeling. Although we won't be hiring a doula this time around, I did appreciate the time she spent with me prior to labor and all the stuff she taught me. I do think I was much more prepared then if I had done it alone the first time.

I looked into a doula last time, but this is ultimately how I decided I would feel. I was able to breathe through a lot of labor and I really just need to concentrate. Although I wouldn't have minded some suggestions on different positions to labor in, transition was really intense and radiating down my thighs.

NYGirl02 · February 2014

Doulas are wonderful! I wanted one last time, but dH was resistant and still is. I wasn't passionate about it last time since I was planning an epidural. However, we are planning a natural birth this time with Bradley classes. I really, really want a doula and will be sad if I don't get one. Google "shoulda had a doula." My doula friend posted it recently and it's a great article to sum up what a doula actually does and busts some myths.

cbelle1231 · February 2014

I had one and it was definitely worth it, DH agreed. He still feels it was a little pricey, but helpful for both of us.

amy006 · February 2014

I haven't decided on whether or not I want an epidural...is a doula not as necessary if you aren't doing a natural birth?

autumnbride07 · February 2014

I did not have a doula for my first two births (both all-natural/med free) but I am considering it with this one. My husband is amazing, but my new hospital does not have a tub to labor in and I'm afraid of getting through labor with this one without it!

duckontheloose · February 2014

amy006 said:

I haven't decided on whether or not I want an epidural...is a doula not as necessary if you aren't doing a natural birth?

I had a doula with my first and I was very grateful. I also ended up having an epidural. You still have alot of labor to get through before they will even give you an epidural. And for me, the epidural wasn't very strong. I went into it aiming for a natural birth, but after an induction and 30 hours of labor, I decided the epidural was what I wanted. My doula helped me make that decision. I was really grateful to have another person there that was educated about birth, but not emotionally involved (this is why I didn't want my mother there). She was super helpful to my husband too- like he actually had a chance to eat and go to the bathroom.

jmolr · February 2014

I'd love to have a doula since I'm hoping to have a vbac but they are very expensive in my area so I'm skipping it. If you can afford it do it! I've never heard of anyone that regretted hiring a doula.

Everyusernameistaken · February 2014

@jmolr, look for a doula in training, they need to attend 3 births to be certified and will often do it for free

smizzle1991 · February 2014

My cousin is a doula and I have been talking to her about it and I think I am totally going to get one! I am so excited about it too! She said if the timing is right she can be my doula!

krazyinsane · March 2014

This is my dream job. I was to be a birth/postpartum doula and lactation consultant... I'm getting ready to start doing the online classes and am super stoked!!!

chusum · March 2014

I think doulas are great support! That being said, I was happy with my first birth. The nurses were fantastic, and they are pretty much doing 90% of the work. And I completely 100% trust my OB. If I was in any way thinking he didn't have my best interest I would definitely go with a doula.

Athena0809 · March 2014

I'm in the process of interviewing doulas. I am so excited. Even though I will be assisted by my midwife in a hospital that is very natural-birth friendly, I feel that only by having a doula there will I have a better chance at achieving the natural birth I have in mind.

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