Yes!! I hired a doula early in 2nd tri, and we're meeting wk 36 to put together my birth plan. I really wanted someone who could help DH with whatever he needs while I'm in labor, who could be our advocate with the medical team assisting me, and who could come to our house and tell me not to leave yet. I know myself and that I would likely get scared and head to the hospital too soon...but it's REALLY important to me to labor at home as long as possible, so having someone confident and knowledgable who I really trust tell me to wait will make a world of difference. I'm so happy and excited to have a doula!
We are hiring a doula because we both want someone in the room that we know and trust, who knows and will help us voice our wants in L&D. My mom is gone and his mom does not hold the same beliefs we do so those options are out
Plus, our doula was our Hypnobabies instructor! So excited to have a pro in the room!
I am not hiring one. I like the idea of them but I feel like, knowing how I am during labour, I wouldn't use/need her as much as I think I would. Does that make sense?
However, I am considering becoming one after this baby is born.
No doula the first time and no doula this time either. I am planning on a medicated birth so there would be no point. I would consider one if I wanted med-free birth but still am not sure that I would get one.
Me: 38 DH: 36 Married 8/27/2011 BFP #1 9/28/2011 DS born 5/22/2012 BFP #2 4/24/2013 m/c 4/25/2013 at 4w BFP #3 1/31/2014 DD born 10/14/2014 BFP #4 1/20/2016 m/c 2/12/2014 at 7w2d BFP #5 8/19/2016 DS2 born 4/29/2017 BFP #6 3/7/2018 EDD 11/18/2018
I hired one early in second tri and I think she will be really helpful. I won't be able to get an epidural, so I think the doula will be crucial to helping manage the pain when both my husband and I start feeling overwhelmed. I know my husband will try to be a helpful coach, but I'm really glad we will both have someone there who has seen hundreds of births before.
Me: 30 H: 30, Married Since 10/2010, TTC #1 in 12/2013, BFP 2/13/2014, Baby M 10/16/14
Nope, I know a lot of women love them but I just don't want someone else there with me except for DH. Also, the cost...they are pretty expensive by me and I just couldn't...not when DH rocked last time!
Yes, I felt like I needed the extra support for this twin delivery... the whole pregnancy has been so much more medicalized than my last, and we need help navigating it.
I considered it after DH passed, since he had done a lot of studying on how to perform doula support, but instead I just recruited my SIL. She's been reading up on massage techniques, plus she's in public health and has no problem advocating (loudly, if necessary).
Me: 30 | DH: 4/12/85 - 6/16/14 | Quinn Patrick born 9/28/14
We're in the maybe camp- I feel super confident in my care team (MW and nurses) along with my husband. Our need for one is related more to the logistics of having another child and not having family in the same state to help us out. Part of me thinks that it might be best for me to be with the doula so DH can take care of our son and then the doula could call him over to the hospital (it's like 5 min from our house) when I'm close and she can help with our son.
Re: Are you hiring a doula?
However, I am considering becoming one after this baby is born.
Married 8/27/2011
BFP #1 9/28/2011 DS born 5/22/2012
BFP #2 4/24/2013 m/c 4/25/2013 at 4w
BFP #3 1/31/2014 DD born 10/14/2014
BFP #4 1/20/2016 m/c 2/12/2014 at 7w2d
BFP #5 8/19/2016 DS2 born 4/29/2017
BFP #6 3/7/2018 EDD 11/18/2018