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Birth Doula

shanaynerzshanaynerz member
edited June 2014 in Multiples
Hi ladies, I'm sure this has been asked before a bunch, but I searched and couldn't find anything so I hope you guys can just help me out.

Anyways, we had a doula with DD's birth and it was wonderful. She helped DH a lot, too, when things went crazy and stuff. This time though, we're not new to the whole birthing experience, and I'll be having an epi anyways, so not natural like last time. And it could end in a C-section. Oh and she has experience with twins and is a lactation consultant, too.

We were gonna not bother using our doula again b/c we hadn't heard from her in months and she costs $650. But now I've heard from her, so we're wondering if we should just tell her we'll pass or if it'll be worth it to have her there for support. Otherwise it's just DH and I in the labour room.

I know you guys recommend a PP doula, but we have a nanny so I think she's all we'll use for after. Did any of you have a birth doula or, if you didn't, do you think it would've helped at all to have one?

Thanks so much for any advice and again sorry for asking as I believe it's been asked before.
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Re: Birth Doula

  • lks18lks18 member
    I can't comment from the point of view of a STM like you, but I feel so much more comfortable going into this birth with a doula.  I've noticed that the doulas I've spoken with have always had other doulas attend even their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th birth.  So if even a doula wants a doula there, you can imagine there is value to having someone attend your birth.  Of course they may be attending for free or at a reduced cost as a professional courtesy, but it still is not a small thing to ask your colleague to hang out with you for possibly 24+ hrs plus for no reason.  Plus even every singleton birth is different, so a twin birth should have even more twists and turns in comparison to your last experience, so a knowledgeable doula could be very valuable.  You'll probably have different nurses than last time even if you're using the same OB, and you don't know how helpful or interactive they'll be.  I asked the woman who taught our childbirth class (granted, a doula herself) if she felt it was worthwhile to have a doula in the event of a epidural or c-section and she said absolutely. They could be even more helpful in those situations as your birth becomes more medicalized so they can help you distinguish between what is necessary and what is the labor staff getting antsy. But you'd have to make sure in advance that your doula is supportive of interventions (when necessary) like you may be receiving.  The only situation I'm not sure if they doula will be entirely worth the money is if it's a scheduled c-section.  And according to my doula's paperwork there is no refund for that.  But I am doing what I can to get to a safe vaginal delivery and I feel like having a doula in place will be part of that.  So I vote for it being worth the money but of course you have to do what you think is best for you two (actually five). :)

    And like you mentioned, one of my main reasons for having a doula is to take some pressure off DH.  We've been to the classes, we've read the books, but It's not like either of us really knows what we're doing.  I'm hoping that the doula will be helpful in giving him suggestions on how to support me so it's a positive experience for both of us.  
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