Doula..yes/no? 🤰🏼💕

Question

FTM here (well, I have a teenager, but FTM to a baby) - any advice on doulas, was it worth it, helpful? I’m worried I won’t know how to navigate this process and will just do whatever the doctor says without thinking twice - and I found this doula that does all of your pregnancy, birth and some postpartum help..
I had a midwife, but couldn’t keep her because of my BMI and I’ve heard Doulas are similar support..
Thank you!

Answer

We did not have a doula. My husband and I took the birthing class offered to us at the hospital and we did our own research. Toured the birthing center, spoke with nurses about their basic procedures to get a feel for what we wanted from our experience and how open they would be with following that so long as there weren't any emergency situations. My husband was a great birth partner. Because he was informed of my wishes, he was my best advocate when I was too focused to speak them myself. I didn't need a doula, but they can definitely be someone you feel you need to express your preferences for you when you can't.  :)

Answer

We had a doula twice. At the birthing center where I was, they leave you alone a lot until you’re in active labor so it was handy to have someone with me to help with contraction management. My doula had a ton of tricks to help ease discomfort. 
Also, it was nice to have an extra person so my husband could go get something to eat or take a break without leaving me alone. It was especially good because he left to get dinner thinking I would continue to progress slowly, but while he was gone things really started to move. I was grateful to have a familiar person with me!
Also, she offered postpartum hours so she came over to cook dinner, help tidy, and get our older child to bed.

Answer

Doulas are amazing ! Just to have someone to rub your back or keep you focused !

Answer

I found a doula online. She was doing her internship so her services were free. I think it was very helpful considering I had to have my daughter completely natural due to a spinal fusion when I was 13. My husband was frozen with fear pretty much the entire labor and delivery. He has a daughter from a previous relationship but didn’t get to be there when she was born due to complications so this was his first time being in the delivery room and she helped him too. She helped me cope with the contractions and showed me some laboring techniques one which actually broke my water so the doc didn’t have to. I enjoyed her. I don’t plan on having one this time around though just because we think we got it this time around lol

Answer

I love my husband very dearly. He is very attentive and caring and kind. But this is our first baby, and I know we both have a million questions. I have seriously considered a doula just to have someone who will be calm and informed and focused entirely on supporting my husband and I both. I’m going to be busy birthing a human. I need someone to support me and my husband, since we are so so new to this process. 
I’ll update if we decided 100%, and what our experience is like!

Doula..yes/no? 🤰🏼💕

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