Thoughts/experiences with having a doula?

Question

My husband is really loving the idea of getting a doula, but for me I’m just think “thats more money to spend. “Which is opposite for us because he’s the money thinker lol but I’m curious, does anyone currently have or had a doula? Is it worth the money?

Answer

Yes to doulas! Especially if it’s your first pregnancy. I had one (and her assistant doula in training) for my first delivery and they were amazing. 
Beyond being a huge advocate and voice for what you want so you can focus on labor, they got me water constantly, reminded me to drink, took me to pee, massaged my back, did counter pressure, rubbed my feet when labor was slowing down to pick it back up, helped me change positions, gave me positions to try for different stages of labor (hands and knees, kneeling leaning over their shoulders, crawling to position baby, etc), breathing techniques to help open cervix, breathing techniques to not tear! I needed zero stitches thanks to them. Seriously, they make the whole thing easier and help you SO MUCH to have it go your way!

Answer

I had one with my first and it was totally worth it. I can’t believe how cheap they are considering the time they put in and mine helped me reduce so much pain and discomfort. The hospital staff just follow procedure but she was prepared to let me know when I wasn’t being given all my choices (ie when I got there they had to monitor the baby for 20 minutes before admission and told me I had to lay in a position that hurt a LOT, and she was right there to be like “or she could be in this position or this position, right? Which they reluctantly agreed to and was so so much better) and when I could ask for more pain medication after birth, etc. My husband was great but he was also overwhelmed and tired after 30 hours of labor and it was such a relief to have someone there ready with a bag of things to help me get more comfortable and empowering me with information I was not always readily given. 
That said, I have had friend whose doulas were not good in birth so if you do decide to hire one, interview a few and make sure they are there to support you and your decisions not with an agenda of their own.

Answer

I had a friend who was one. All they are is extra support. I really don’t see the need for them.

Answer

100% worth it in my opinion. They let you know what your options are, how to advocate for yourself (in some situations they advocate for you), they not only support you and baby, but ALSO dad. Couldn’t imagine a birth without a doula now. My DO and I agree that we will pay what it takes to have one again.

Answer

There are HUGE benefits to having one! We are really struggling with being able to afford one but it’s not on my optional list, I will have a doula present.

Answer

Absolutely worth it. Everyone else is really there for the baby. Your doula is there for you. Also, I make sure she is there for my husband because if I don't have to worry about making sure he eats, hydrates, and rests than I can just focus on labor and delivery. 
We had one with our first. And just put our money in for our second pregnancy. So excited. She's also a lactation specialist. In my experience doula's are way better at getting a great latch from the beginning than the folks at the hospital (even the "specialist" at the hospital). 
Our doula will also do postpartum care. Which is so great. I find it so helpful to have someone who is actually well-rested to help make sure I'm okay (mentally and physically). 
If you can swing it, I absolutely recommend.  Interview at least two or three to make sure you're getting a good fit for you. I also had my husband interview with me because if he is comfortable with the doula than I can be more comfortable in labor and delivery.

Answer

I have a friend who is one and had a friend who used one for three/4 pregnancies. They had no money for one and her husband is a pretty cheap guy. (I say this nicely, we’re friends) still he would say it’s worth every cent. 
A doula is there for mom and baby no matter what. They are your advocate when your doctor won’t listen to you. It’s hard to fight for what you want during birth so they do it for you. They have been trained so they know what is absolutely nesicary  or not. 
If possible I would totally be getting one myself.

Thoughts/experiences with having a doula?

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