Doula?

Question

Has anyone used a doula? What were your likes or dislikes? I'm considering it but I still plan to have a hospital birth and I'm open to meds. Thoughts?

Answer

We are going to have a family friend who does it for free for any woman not just friends as a side hobby. She's helped with 100s of expecting mothers. The benefit I see is that I will have a more one to one personal experience with the classes. I can ask questions at any point without being on other couples time in a group setting. I'm due at th end of February a will start about an hour class with her once every week in November tip the birth. Before that coming up in a couple weeks she'll meet with me and we will talk so she can tell me what to expect between now and November.

My sister-in-law had her baby a couple of months ago and loved having her as a doula. She advocated for her in the delivery room when she getting panicked. She brought a huge bag of snacks for daddy to be and any long term visiting guests. She also brought her own personal camera to capture moments and left it there over the course of the hospital stay because she didn't have a camera of her own.

If you are hiring one I would really be picky with the interview process.

Answer

I personally will be using one. My husband will be deployed, it's my first baby, and even if my family is there I'm sure they will drive me more crazy than they will make me feel better. Also, my mom is 100% unsupportive of what I want in my birth plan. So I personally want one. I also will be having a hospital birth, and plan to start interviewing next month.

Answer

I had a doula with first birth.. she was useless and didn't listen to me at all

Answer

Interview like a mad woman. Be picky. I picked the wrong one and it didn't go well but there are good ones.

Answer

I work on a military L&D floor and the only experience I have with the one doula I've seen wasn't impressive. She would just walk out of the labor if the mother even thought about changing her pain plan to an epideral, saying she was there to help control pain and that was it. I just wasn't impressed.

But there is a new doula in our base who really seems to advertise being a part of the wholes experience, taking photos, encapsulating placentas or doing the "tree of life" thing. If say be picky about what you want.

Answer

I LOVED having a doula. 
A good doula is an amazing asset for labor. I agree with the others who said to interview. Make sure you get someone who is a good fit.

Here is a little info sheet on some of the statistical advantages.

Answer

I'm planning on using a doula. This is my first child, and I have literally no idea what is going on most of the time. Every day is a new adventure! I think it would be best for me to have someone who is clear on what I want and can advocate for me in an emotional and potentially difficult situation where I might not feel comfortable speaking up.

Doula?

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