Anybody hiring a doula??

Question

What’s everyone’s experience?
I’m cleared for a vbac, but there’s a small chance I might still end of up with a c section. I’m very go with the flow (do doulas like that)? I don’t want to hire one that is super strict with “natural” my way or the high way… 🤷‍♀️ I don’t know what to expect.
What kind of questions do you ask when you first meet with one? I’m meeting one on Friday and I cannot wait!!🤗

Answer

Do it!! I’m a doula in training so I’m def an advocate but after 2 kids I wished I had a doula 😭 they’re so helpful

Answer

I wish I would have gotten a doula with my first pregnancy. This time I'm having a home birth with two midwives so I'm not worried about it. You should definitely get one. They are there to advocate for what you want and to help inform you on all your choices, not pressure you into having a natural birth.

Answer

I have! This is my this pregnancy and I regret never having one. I have such a beautiful birth team this go around, and I just feel so supported already. I have a doula and midwife team for my homebirth (first two births were induction turned csection, natural hospital vbac) They both just come to my home, talk through my fears, support me emotionally and encourage me. It's been so amazing. I also have an amazing birth photographer as well
I truly believe birth is meant to be surrounded by other women who can witness you and hold space for you (that a man simply can't, because it is a divine feminine experience. I say this as someone with a super supportive husband who is so helpful during labor and birth for me) Its how our ancestors did it, and have been doing it since the beginning of time. Having such an amazing circle of women supporting me has made me feel so empowered and just at peace. 
My doula will be doing almost weekly visits now that I'm on the 30 week range, she's helping me meal prep, and planning a blessing way with my midwife for me. It's just really nice!

Answer

This is my first pregnancy so i don’t have anything to compare it to, but i decided to hire a doula for extra support and knowledge in the delivery room. A big motivator for me was that my hospital is currently only allowing 1 support person (my husband) and a doula is considered a labor support specialist so i just wanted an extra person “on my team” when i go into labor. 
One thing to consider if you have a C-section doulas aren’t allowed in the operating room… just something to keep in mind!

Answer

I had one last time and had a great experience. A doula's job is to support your wishes, so none should feel strict or like they're forcing anything. We interviewed 3 before selecting one, and it was amazing how easy it was to see what their "vibe" was from just a short conversation to tell which matched my personality best.

Answer

I hired a doula. She’s there to advocate for you and your process. You tell her exactly what you want and she’ll be your voice when you can’t. She’ll talk with your husband/SO/baby daddy about what you want. She gives you tips to get you the pregnancy and delivery you wish to have

Answer

I had a vbac 16 months after my csection without a doula. From my experience, a supportive provider is the most important aspect of vbac success. I’m pregnant again now and will have a 2vbac, again without a doula.

Anybody hiring a doula??

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