Midwife? Doula? Or both?

Question

What has your experience with either been? This is my first pregnancy, I am only 3 weeks along so it is still very early but I want to start looking into options. 
I plan on having a hospital birth but want an expert I can count on. My family doctor is also an OB/GYN but I don’t really jive with her personality much so I’d prefer another option if possible. 
Have you had a midwife or doula or known anyone who has and what would your suggestions be? THANK YOU ❤️

Answer

I love my midwife team! I gave birth at a free standing birth center. Doulas are amazing as well, but I think they serve more of a purpose of you're at a hospital and have an obstetrician

Answer

We have a doula and love her! I prefer the idea of a more natural birth and would even consider a birth center but my husband is nervous and wants us to deliver in the hospital in case there are any serious complications. Hiring a doula has been the best compromise. She is 100% dedicated to us during the birth and so I have that support to help give ideas on laboring positions, pain management options, advocating for us if we have to make any on the spot decisions during labor etc. but we are still in a hospital with an OB, which makes my husband more at ease. 😊

Answer

I have a midwife. Ftm here, I knew I didn't want a doctor, so I interviewed 3 midwives and talked to 3 others. It's easier to pick your midwife than a doctor, and you can find one who you are comfortable with and she with you. These women are totally calm, cool, collected, and they should educate you on all the choices and it's up to you what you decide in the end. No pressure. Midwives range in price and IMO a higher price does not mean better care.  Some midwives prefer you to talk to them immediately when you find out youre pregnant some don't care until you wait for awhile. My personal experience was I contacted 14 midwives, didn't hear back from some, others had booked up schedules in December, always go with your gut! 
I have considered a doula but I haven't found one that my gut said "Yes!!!" But my midwife was love at first sight! Ha! 
You got this woman!!

Answer

I saw a midwife my entire pregnancy and she was great. However she wasn't there as far as continuous support during labor. She would come and check on me and that was it. My husband and I decided to not have a doula mostly to save money, but also because we were both comfortable with him being my sole support person. If you want extra support, especially in a natural/non medicated way then go with a doula. She's there for you the entire time with plenty of tips and tricks as far as handling labor well.

Answer

In my experience, OBGYNs are very busy and don’t spend a lot of time with you or give much emotional support - especially if you’re having a normal healthy pregnancy. They usually swoop in only if needed.
Doula’s are all about the emotional support and have a more holistic natural approach when it comes to labor. They’re more recommended for your first pregnancy because their main job is to calm you down and give you confidence during labor, but they won’t actually deliver your baby, you’ll still need an ob or midwife - also, their services aren’t covered by insurance in most cases. 
Midwives are certified nurses and are kind of the happy medium - they’re knowledgeable, professional, they spend more time with you if you’re anxious, their schedule isn’t super busy because there’s more of them available, and they coach you during labor. Midwives usually work in a team during your labor so you have plenty of help. If something does go wrong or gets complicated, there’s always an ob on call at the hospital. Even if you decide to have an ob deliver your baby, you will most likely spend most of your time with a team of midwives and nurses anyway.

Answer

I currently have a midwife, however my experience with her has been terrible. I made an appointment with my actual doctor to get referred to a gyno. (The first time I met this lady we didn't hit it off - but me being the person I am gave her the benefit and thought maybe she was just having a bad day) needless to say a few months later here I am wishing I would've listened to first impression haha

Answer

A doula isn't a medical professional. They're only a support person. I'm a huge advocate for evidence based midwifery care. Depending on where you live you have to be really careful you're choosing a properly trained midwife.

Answer

I had both for my first. My midwife was very present for all my appointments and I never had to wait more than 10 minutes. Our doula was a great support for both my husband and I during labor. Would definitely recommend both.

Answer

I’m a little over 17w and i go see a midwife and I love it. My husband is military so i like the idea of having someone I know with me at the hospital to help me out if he’s not able to be there due to a mission or deployment. And also they just seem to take much better care of you than a regular OBGYN. The place i go to is a midwife/obgyn practice tho.

Answer

I had an OB for my first and hated it so I switched to a midwife for my second and loved it so I’m sticking with a midwife for #3. Never had a doula so I can’t really help there.