Who hired a doula for their pregnancy and would recommend me to do the same? What are the pro and cons for those of you who Did hire a doula.

Question

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Who hired a doula for their pregnancy and would recommend me to do the same? 
What are the pro and cons for those of you who Did hire a doula.

Answer

Doulas have been proven to reduce a laboring mother’s need for pain medication and reduce the risk of unnecessary medical intervention and c-section.
If you’re planning a natural, drug free birth, they’re incredibly helpful. Our midwives highly recommend having one.
I’m a postpartum doula, so I’m a bit biased, but my SIL that’s a birth doula will be attending my homebirth.

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I had a doula for my second and it was worth every penny. For me I wanted to go natural because I didn’t get that experience with my first and the doula was about the same price as an epidural.
She knew all the positions to put me in, kept me focused, was there throughout my pregnancy and after for support and questions.
I think if you are wanting to have pain meds there really isn’t a need because you won’t feel anything with the epidural, but if you are wanting to do it without an epidural or having a VBac I think it’s so worth it.

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I have a doula for this pregnancy. It's my third pregnancy. I'm so excited for this birth experience with her by my side. My husband will be there too, but he gets really nervous and doesn't know what to do when he sees me in pain. I know she will be an amazing cheerleader and hopefully keep my husband calm too 😂

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Other than my husband (who is wonderful and supportive), I didn't have any close family that I would have felt comfortable supporting me during my delivery. Our doula was really there to support him, to coach him and encourage me when we both got tired. Labor is hard. And long. And it's really nice to have someone who has been through it all many times in the room. I especially recommend doulas to first time parents and women who want to try for a natural (no pain meds) delivery. My husband still says it's some of the best money we ever spent!

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I hired a doula because I want to try for an unmediated birth this time around. She has been an excellent support during this pregnancy, providing encouragement and advice when needed. She’s recommended great natural remedies that my doctor or midwives have agreed with. She will be working with my husband and me on positions to get my baby turned (if she’s still breech when the time comes), transition to active labor and then get the baby out. She’s also educating my 4 year old on having a baby sister...showing him how he should hold her, how softly he should touch, etc. and educating us on how to keep him feeling included. She will be my advocate in the hospital to speak up about my birth plan. I don’t think hiring a doula has anything to do with mental fortitude or the lack thereof...but having someone help create the experience you want.

Answer

We had a doula with our first and have one this pregnancy, too. I highly recommend. :)
Everyone else in the room is really focused on the baby. A doula focuses on you and your needs. One of my needs is to make sure my husband has the support he needs. Simple things like reminding him to eat and drink. That helped me stay totally focused on what I was doing and not having to worry about anyone else. It's also nice if your partner needs a break. You have someone with you. The doctor isn't there that long. Nurses come in and out. Continuity of care is really wonderful. 
Doulas provide support during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum. Mine is certified lactation specialist and has experience with tongue ties. Both are important to me since I found the lactation specialist at the hospital well meaning but not effective or well trained. Our son was tongue tied. The doula was the only person who caught it.
I also liked having support after delivery. Our doula came and stayed overnight so we could get some sleep and would bring the baby in just to be nursed. And she would help make sure the latch was right. When you're sleep deprived, it is amazing to have this type of well-rested, well-trained help. 
As for the mental fortitude stuff, I think real strength comes in knowing what type of experience you want and finding the best ways for you to achieve that experience with the outcomes you want. I had a 9lb 5oz baby (with the biggest head they said they had seen) naturally. That takes a bit of mental fortitude. ;) Having a doula there allowed me to have the support I needed so I could focus and get the outcome I was going for...a healthy baby and mom and a labor and delivery experience that was remarkable and something I think of fondly.
Having a doula was one of the absolutely best choices we made the first time and looks like we're on the same path for an awesome experience this second time. :)

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I had a horrible labour and birth with my first. This time around I think I'll hire one or ask my sister in law to be there for the birth.

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I think if you think you’re mentally strong enough to handle labor you don’t need one. But if you feel like you’re going to need encouragement during then go for it!

Who hired a doula for their pregnancy and would recommend me to do the same? What are the pro and cons for those of you who Did hire a doula.

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