Experiences with a doula?

Question

I'm a first time mom and I'm honestly really nervous about labor and delivery! I was thinking about hiring a doula because it makes sense to have someone there whose is devoting their time to ensure a relaxed and comfortable birth. I feel like I would really want the support from someone whose seen birth and has experience with what I'll be experiencing. My boyfriend will be there but he's just as new at this as I am lol.  
Has anyone hired a doula before? Was it worth it? It costs anywhere from $600-$1300 for a good doula so I want to make sure it's money well spent!

Answer

I absolutely recommend a doula. I seriously don't know what I would have done without mine. She was invaluable during labor. She didn't take the place of my husband but rather helped him help me, and stepped in when he couldn't be with me (like when he was loading/unloading the car) or when more than one support person was needed. She held my leg up for over an hour as I was pushing. She constantly made sure I wasn't tensing up anywhere in my body, and she set up an amazingly calm environment during labor. She also took some great pics. Having a doula really helped both me and my husband get through labor and I feel like it helped strengthen our relationship. Interview a few until you find one you click with. Mine was $850 (which is about $200 more than others in my area) but worth every penny.

Answer

I will be. So many of my friends, including my SIL swear by it. Your hubby gets to love on you and someone else orders you to breathe and stuff. With the doula as her advocate, my SIL got to spend extra time walking the halls as labor progressed. No other woman on the floor got to like she did.

Answer

Felt the same way and after searching I decided to get my obgny's opinion. I loved her advice. She does it everyday and everyone at the hospital does. She said "you have a supportive husband so why pay someone else to double up" it made me actually feel so much better. I'm not hiring one now... Midwife is one thing- they have training- worth the money. A doula doesn't.... Make up your own mind of course. Some might need it and they love it I decided to use my husband instead.

Answer

I've hired a doula for my birth in November.  MIL is terminally ill, I've spent A LOT of time with her in the hospital.  Someone there advocating for you is a Must (in my opinion) based on the crap I've seen happen in hospitals.  I had to switch OBs bc mine had a ban on doulas in the birthing suite.  The doctor shows up for the last 30 min of labor, I want someone there for me during the whole experience.  I also want to labor at home as much as possible, and a doula will be able to help me cope with pain and stay out of epidural's reach for as long as possible.

Answer

I am getting one. Her rate is $600. We have a minimum of two meetings with her before 37 weeks and then at 37 weeks she is available to me 24/7. She is also a lactation consultant and will do an at home follw up after the birth.

I decided to hire a doula because I have to give birth in the hospital (insurance wont pay for any other way), but I want to have a natural birth with interventions for me or the baby unless medically necessary. My husband is very much a "whatever the doctor says" kind of person, so I want someone else there to be an advocate for me.

Experiences with a doula?

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