Is a doula worth it during COVID?

Question

My mother in law offered to get me a doula. Because I want a natural birth with as little intervention as possible, and because it is my first baby, I am considering it. But I also don’t know if it is worth it right now during COVID because the doula will not even be able to be there during the birth. What do you ladies think?

Answer

No because what’s the point of one if they can’t be there?🤷🏽‍♀️

Answer

We hired a doula before COVID, but now she won’t be able to be with us during the hospital part. However, she’s been an awesome resource so far. She checks in every couple weeks, and will respond 24/7 to any questions I have. She has explained the birthing process, different techniques, and pain relief alternatives. When I’m closer to my due date, she will come to my house and show my husband the pain relief techniques that she uses so he can do them when the time comes. Whenever I go into labor, she’ll come to my home and help there. Then when we go to the hospital, she’ll provide support virtually. She’ll be in contact with my husband through text and FaceTime to offer advice.  She also will check in a few times after birth to see how I’m healing, check on my postpartum emotions, and to offer breastfeeding advice if needed. 
I had a typical birth with my daughter and ended up with the epidural. I have struggled physically with that ever since, so I’m very grateful to have someone help me with a natural birth, to offer alternative methods, and to provide some affirmation when the time comes!

Answer

We hired a birth doula. They are medical staff and as long as they can prove certification, they are allowed in the hospital and don't count against my one support person.
Definitely call your hospital and ask them their rules on doulas.
We also hired a postpartum doula to come help out after baby is born, since this is our first. I'm really excited about it.

Answer

If you find a company with a doula you want to go with, they will also know the current hospital rules in your area. Couldn't hurt to ask. I think the service they provide is more than worth it

Answer

She can still offer pre and post partum support so I would say yes

Answer

I'm still hiring the doula I had last pregnancy. 
*Hospital rules may change.
*You're more then likely labor more at home.
*Even if she can't be there, you can still face time which means;Your partner can get real time instruction on how to help you, she'll still be able to intervene if the Dr is pressuring you to do something you don't want and is not necessary, she'll be able to go over all options when it's given to you and can remind you of questions you've previously discussed with her. 
*Doulas are great pre birth and post birth, they give invaluable information on pretty much everything labor and birth related, mine even helped with stretches that yoga never mentioned. Post birth, they'll see how you are mentally and point you in the right direction if you have any tiny problem.

Answer

I think it's worth keeping in mind that we don't know how long we will be restricted to only one support person. Doulas aren't medical professionals, they are support people. If the restriction is still in place, you would have to pick having her in the room or your husband/wife/boyfriend/whoever.
It might be worth it to interview a few and see if there are any skills they could teach you and your support person in the event they couldn't physically be there and could only attend via video chat. Some interviews might give you a better idea of whether it would be worth it to you.

Answer

Nope. Most hospitals won’t let them in the room when you give birth.

Answer

Wouldn’t your doula be able to help you with the most of the laboring part at home? Aside from emergencies you don’t go right to the hospital when you think you’re in labor. A doula can be very useful.

Is a doula worth it during COVID?

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