Anyone NOT using Doula?

colstj1 · May 2014

Also had no idea what a doula even is. But now that I've looked into it we will not be having one. No need to spend extra money on one in my opinion

abbyful · May 2014

Just a note for those considering a doula, make sure you check the policy at your hospital for how many guests you can have at the birth. My hospital only allowed 2 extra people. A doula is not a medical professional, she counts as one of your guests.

mussalynn · May 2014

I just want to point out you don't have to be "crunchy" to want a doula. It's about support and guidance - they have a lot of knowledge about how to manage your pain, whether it be trying different positions or walking or getting in the shower, things you may not be able to think of when you are just focused on how much it hurts. Not everyone needs one, but they are a wonderful support if you do have one.

montella1064 · May 2014

No doula here either.

carafern · May 2014

We are probably using one, but we are somewhat on the fence. I'm really hoping for an unmedicated natural birth and I know that women who have doulas are more likely to be successful managing pain and avoiding a c-section. But yes, the Bay Area doulas are EXPENSIVE. Add that to the fact that with twins, I have a 50/50 chance of needing a c-sec anyway. I'd still really really like to have one. We hired a day-of wedding coordinator (DH and I were living in different cities at the time and it was so helpful) and this day of seems so much more important.

As a FTM (whose DH is not at his best in times of crisis), I feel that I could very much benefit from professional support. The ones we've researched in the Bay Area are skilled in various pain management techniques, massage, labor positions. They offer meetings prior to the birth, which can supplement birthing classes and will check on you once or twice after the birth. The ones I'm interviewing are also Lactation consultants. Still, its a very personal decision and although I'm totally sold on the idea… we'll really have to weight the cost/benefit before making a final decision. I just wish it wasn't so expensive.

mussalynn · May 2014

carafern said:

We are probably using one, but we are somewhat on the fence. I'm really hoping for an unmedicated natural birth and I know that women who have doulas are more likely to be successful managing pain and avoiding a c-section. But yes, the Bay Area doulas are EXPENSIVE. Add that to the fact that with twins, I have a 50/50 chance of needing a c-sec anyway. I'd still really really like to have one. We hired a day-of wedding coordinator (DH and I were living in different cities at the time and it was so helpful) and this day of seems so much more important.

As a FTM (whose DH is not at his best in times of crisis), I feel that I could very much benefit from professional support. The ones we've researched in the Bay Area are skilled in various pain management techniques, massage, labor positions. They offer meetings prior to the birth, which can supplement birthing classes and will check on you once or twice after the birth. The ones I'm interviewing are also Lactation consultants. Still, its a very personal decision and although I'm totally sold on the idea… we'll really have to weight the cost/benefit before making a final decision. I just wish it wasn't so expensive.

In my area there are a lot of doulas who advertise on Kijiji/Craigslist who have done all the training and are trying to get the allotted number of births under their belts to be certified. They charge much less, and I think they would work just as hard or harder than more experienced doulas. Just another option!

ShelleyElla22 · May 2014

I didn't use a doula with my first 2 and don't plan to this time either. I'm all for meds (I've had one medicated and one not medicated) but know that I can get through it on my own no matter what the situation (although that is my personality...I barely wanted DH to speak to me let alone do anything until it was time to push)

kstirton · May 2014

A What??? I guess it's safe to say I'm not haha

@-)

RachelC79 · May 2014

I definitely am! Especially as a FTM, I love the idea of having someone there who's an advocate for me and a helper for DH. Don't get me wrong, I love my OB, but I know she won't be there through all of labor, and I think it would be wonderful to have a person there who can give me tips on pain management and ideas for how to get myself through labor and delivery.

Olegna · May 2014

I didn't have one last time; and won't this time. I could care less. I don't see the necessity of having the xtra cost. If money were no object I'm not sure I would want one even then.

momtojad · May 2014

If I was in a hospital I would get a doula but I am in a birth center so I already know that we are on the same page with what I want. I think it it more if you are looking for someone to advocate for you.

mussalynn · May 2014

momtojad said:

If I was in a hospital I would get a doula but I am in a birth center so I already know that we are on the same page with what I want. I think it it more if you are looking for someone to advocate for you.

Where I am, doulas can't advocate or make medical decisions for you, since they are not trained medical professionals. They are purely there for mental and physical support. They do have lots of experience with birth obviously so you can certainly talk to them and ask their advice but they have no sway over your medical treatment.

runningmama14 · May 2014

mussalynn said:

momtojad said:

If I was in a hospital I would get a doula but I am in a birth center so I already know that we are on the same page with what I want. I think it it more if you are looking for someone to advocate for you.

Where I am, doulas can't advocate or make medical decisions for you, since they are not trained medical professionals. They are purely there for mental and physical support. They do have lots of experience with birth obviously so you can certainly talk to them and ask their advice but they have no sway over your medical treatment.

I don't think doulas can ever make medical decisions for someone, no matter where they are, but they can certainly influence the mother, who has final say on almost all decisions.

Eta quote fail from mobile bumping

momtojad · May 2014

runningmama14 said:

momtojad said:

If I was in a hospital I would get a doula but I am in a birth center so I already know that we are on the same page with what I want. I think it it more if you are looking for someone to advocate for you.

Where I am, doulas can't advocate or make medical decisions for you, since they are not trained medical professionals. They are purely there for mental and physical support. They do have lots of experience with birth obviously so you can certainly talk to them and ask their advice but they have no sway over your medical treatment.
I don't think doulas can ever make medical decisions for someone, no matter where they are, but they can certainly influence the mother, who has final say on almost all decisions.

Yes this is what I mean by advocate, they are well aware of your birth plan and have actually read it and can remind the mother throughout labor.

mussalynn · May 2014

momtojad said:

runningmama14 said:

momtojad said:

If I was in a hospital I would get a doula but I am in a birth center so I already know that we are on the same page with what I want. I think it it more if you are looking for someone to advocate for you.

Where I am, doulas can't advocate or make medical decisions for you, since they are not trained medical professionals. They are purely there for mental and physical support. They do have lots of experience with birth obviously so you can certainly talk to them and ask their advice but they have no sway over your medical treatment.
I don't think doulas can ever make medical decisions for someone, no matter where they are, but they can certainly influence the mother, who has final say on almost all decisions.

Yes this is what I mean by advocate, they are well aware of your birth plan and have actually read it and can remind the mother throughout labor.

Oh, I misunderstood what you meant by advocate - you are exactly right!

candyfisherman · May 2014

I had a doula last baby and honestly my husband and I both thought she was a huge waste of money. Now maybe we just had a not so great one..but who knows! I think as long as you feel supported by whomever will be with you is all that matters! You can always research different labouring techniques and positions yourself. I've always read (in all the research i've done) that typically the position that brings you the least pain in labour is the one your baby need you to be in to they can make their way out (smart mother nature;)

Good luck!

jakiek · May 2014

I am a physician myself. I am not using a Doula and can assure you that your husband and mother can read , watch videos and take classes and be well informed and supportive.

Nfranco973 · May 2014

Nope... No doula for me. My lil sis and the DH will be there in full swing! They already have it planned out lol. If DH faints, bring in sis! Lol My mom was technically my doula ( and my sis) for ALL our pregnancies. She passed away on 2/19 so my sis will do the honors along with DH.

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