Is it possible?
The closer I get to my due date the more I get nervous about attempting a natural birth (no epidural) without the support of a doula. My husband and I have taken a natural birth class together and a skills workshop but it seems like almost every article recommends having a doula to accomplish this goal.
Has anyone had a NB without the support of a doula?
Re: Natural Birth WITHOUT a doula
If money is a factor you could always look into finding a student doula.
My Ovulation Chart
This is exactly what I'll be doing. I'll be 39wks on Friday, and what I made sure to do is be very exact on my wishes with my OB. Then again, I think I'm really lucky that she's had one or two births (at least) that have used the Hypnobabies course and loved it. She actually was able to convince my DH that it was worth the money and actually worked.
It's absolutely possible! Having a doula isn't a guarantee that you'll have a natural birth anyway, it just increases your chances.
My first birth was a natural homebirth without a doula and before I took any training to become a doula myself. Know what you want, politely decline anything offered to you that's not within your plan and rock this birth!
Doula, Placenta Encapsulator, Childbirth/Lactation Educator
Corin Andrew Dec 24/09
Ronan Edward Jul 9/12
Baby #3 EDD Aug 6/14
So far I do miss the perks of having a doula (someone to call with questions, touch base with after appointments, etc.) but I don't think they are essential for a positive healthy delivery either.
I was happy to have it just be primarily DH and me during labor (the nurses were there obviously, but they weren't overbearing).
I think the big question is how supportive is your hospital and OB/MW? If you have concerns that they won't be supportive, then maybe a doula is more useful. But I found that I didn't need one.
FWIW, I would be happy not to have a doula this time around, but I may hire one only because DH is going out of town when I'm 38w, 2 - 4 days, and I want someone on call to be there for me in case I go into labor when he's out of town. Also, I'm afraid my 2nd labor will progress quickly, and we don't have family in town, so I may need someone around if DH has to go drop off DS at a friend's house or something like that.
1st BFP-8/17/12! Missed Miscarriage discovered @ 8 week US. D&C.
2nd BFP-2/13/13! Blighted Ovum discovered @ 8 week US. Natural miscarriage.
3rd BFP-5/22/13! By early June, progesterone plummeting. Another loss.
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Dear Son born 5/28/14
I don't mean any of that to be against doulas! I think what they do is valuable. But at some places like where I delivered the staff there already does things in a way that make it OK not to have one. If I were somewhere else and married to someone who would be more receptive to having an extra person involved I might want one. But it's definitely *possible * to have an unmedicated birth without one.
My Ovulation Chart
It is def possible! I had my second natural in a hospital without a doula, just me and DH. My doctor was on board though and without her confidence I'm not sure we would have done it. My experience was okay, got the natural birth but didn't feel like I really handled it well, just got through it.
With my 3rd we enlisted the support of my friend who had given natural birth before. She came with us and played music, kept the lights low, ran and got stuff for DH, helped him support me. I have to say it was a much better experience and I think having the "peer pressure" there helped me stay calm and power through.
If you cannot afford a doula I would try to see if you have a supportive and knowledgeable friend who would come along and help. If not, just make a detailed birth plan, do NOT be afraid to stick to it within reason. Be very clear you only want med-free supportive nurses helping you. (you can request a different nurse if you don't like who walks in). Stay vertical as long as possible, it will make your labor go faster, giving you a better chance. Put on music, diffuse essential oils, etc..
Immerse yourself in natural birth stories/videos etc... so it seems so normal to you and DH. You can do it!!
Natural M/c 12/13/08 at 8w5d
My OBGYN and hospital I am delivering at have a reputation for being pretty natural birth friendly so I think that will be helpful.
I'm not sure what you consider natural, though. I was induced with my second, because the little bugger didn't want to come out.
But even with the induction I was able to deliver med-free.
Totally possible, and doulas are not really needed for some.
Monster Truck (It's a GIRL!) is due 19/02/2015!
I think its funny that some people mentioned having more of an intimate experience with DH, when in most hospitals you will have nurses (strangers) and doctors (possibly strangers) intruding on you constantly. Its definitely not a very intimate or private situation unless you stay home for the majority of your labor.