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October 2016 Moms
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Are you using a doula? Thoughts/ experiences here!

Sprinkels28Sprinkels28 member
in October 2016 Moms
Hi All-- 

I did a search and didn't see anything about doula's for our October 2016 threads.  So, I'm curious, is anyone using a doula? Have you used one before? What are your experiences? Advice? 

I met with some doulas recently and instantly connected with one of them-- so we hired her. Today is our first prenatal appointment/ class with her and then we have another one at 30 weeks.  I am so interested in learning of your experiences with doulas! Hopefully we have some BTDT moms who can share!
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Re: Are you using a doula? Thoughts/ experiences here!

  • coffee89coffee89 member
    We didn't have one last time and I don't regret it per say. What I do regret is not having someone fully involved in my wishes who was able to advocate and help me. I don't take direction from DH well and he isn't good at getting yelled at.

    We haven't decided yet as I'm only coming up on appointment 2 with my midwives, but I feel good from our first meeting that they would be fully involved in my labor and wishes. Last go around I saw my OB  twice during labor, both times to discuss c-section and for a chunk of my labor he was in appointments in his office and unavailable to me. If things proceed and I think VBAC will be easier with a doula I'll research it but since my goal isn't med-free, but just to have a trial of labor and hopeful VBAC I feel good about having the midwives by my side to guide me.
    BFP: July 2013 M/C August 5, 2013
    BFP: October 22, 2013 EDD: June 21, 2014
    Baby boy arrived June 23, 2014

    BFP: February 2016 EDD: October 17, 2016
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  • mauishaymauishay member
    I think we will. Although we love the birthing center picked and we will have a chance to meet/spend time with all the midwifes in centering before the birth, we won't know which one will be on shift when the baby comes. We also just met one we really connected with (who works the front desk at the birthing center) we just really haven't talked with her about it yet. 
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  • Sprinkels28Sprinkels28 member
    @coffee89- Thanks so much for your reply. At this time, SO is even confused as to why I wouldn't want to use meds/pitocin so I'm not sure that he would be the best advocate either..... like I said, we are meeting with the doula today so maybe she can shed some light on how to be supportive in labor, etc. 

    That's great that you feel comfortable with your midwives! I love the midwives group we are working with as well.  They are so much more personable then docs!
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  • TurtleMommaTurtleMomma member
    I really want a doula but don't think I can afford one. I'm trying to save money so I can pay my bills while I'm on maternity leave and I make so little to begin with that it's hard. I might see if there are any doula students locally for free/cheap. 

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  • Sprinkels28Sprinkels28 member
    @TurtleMomma , definitely see if there are students or brand new certified doulas who generally charge less than more experiences doulas. Also, my doula helps with insurance reimbursement after birth. We pay her up front and then submit a claim with her assistance after the birth..... worth a thought and checking in to.  Most insurances won't confirm that they will or will not cover doula services but I have found some lists of providers where some or all of the fees have been covered.. Def worth a shot in speaking with a doula in her experience in this.
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  • aesthyerinaesthyerin member
    We didn't use one last time because I didn't really know they existed. I'm using one this time because my labor was so amazing last time I'm almost nervous I'm going to overthink everything this time. Last time I didn't even realize I was in labor and walked into L&D at 9cm! I feel like it sounds dumb that I'm using one but it's already making me feel less stressed about it. Plus I love that she will help with breastfeeding and does a well visit a few weeks after
    ~Erin~ 
    proud pagan 
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

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  • nsquaredlife13nsquaredlife13 member
    Absolutely yes! We weren't sure about Doula's my last pregnancy, and decided at 35 weeks to hire one. Found our gal at 36 weeks, and at 37 weeks learned my LO was breech and we would have to have a CS if he didn't flip. A little bummed we spent the $$ to hire her, because she couldn't do much with a CS, but she was still great support with everything leading up to delivery, and even helpful post delivery. 

    Hoping for a VBAC this go, so we will be hiring our Doula early on this time. 
    Pregnancy Ticker
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    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

    Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16)
    DS born 12.13.14
    DD born 10.15.16
    BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18
    <3 BFP 4.25.19, EDD 12.31.19  <3


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