Is it worth it to have a Doula?

Question

We had a doula come in to speak at our birth class today and I got her card but I'm up in the air about it. On the one hand having someone there who knows all the techniques to help through labor sounds nice. On the other hand I'm an introvert and want as few people around me as possible while giving birth (rn it's just my husband and the midwife) and the idea of adding even one more person puts me on edge. 
Just want to get some people's opinions and if you have had one please tell me your experience

Answer

I am also a very private introvert who would love to labor In a dark cave by myself, but I cannot sing the praises of my doula loud enough. If you want an unmedicated birth, I 100% recommend hiring one. She was invaluable for my first birth. She had so many suggestions for how to labor at home (and stay at home... I would have gone to the hospital 5 hours earlier without her), to stay relaxed, positions to try, and ways to visualize and breathe through the waves. You can practice on your own, but having someone remind you exactly when you need it in the moment is so helpful. She also got my husband involved so effectively. He is squeamish and would have been so much less useful without her. She suggested ways he could help me at just the right times. She also advocated for me with the hospital staff when things deviated from my ideal birth plan. She came up with alternatives that helped me stay comfortable and worked for the medical team. She also helped us postpartum with latching and nursing holds. Then checked in a few weeks postpartum. I also texted her so many questions in the interim. She was the 4th person I told this time. I am a actually excited for labor with her again!
I think the key is to find someone you click with and whose style and personality compliment your own. I interviewed a few doulas and when I met her I just knew she was “the one” 😂.

Answer

100% yes. I had an unmedicated birth with my first and she’s the reason I got through it. It was rough. I’m having her again with my second.

Answer

100% yes if you’re planning an unmedicated  birth. It took a ton of the pressure off of my husband to feel like he had to make decisions and know exactly what I needed while I was in “labor land”. He was able to savor the experience and feel supported too. 
Bonus, a lot of doulas will snap a few pictures of you during those first precious moments meeting Baby. Ours our priceless. 💙

Answer

We hired one around 24 weeks and definitely don’t regret it. She’s amazingly informed and knows an invaluable amount and has experience being at nearly 300 births. Theres no way I’d get the kind of support she can provide from my husband or family. Family’s job is to love you and be family, the doulas job is to make your job easier and guide you through the entire experience. We wish we would have had one when we had our twins, probably would have changed our birth outcome. I highly recommend having one if it’s an option for you!

Answer

I have always wanted to have one. So this birth I am having one. My husband will be with our daughter since the closest family lives over 12 hours away.   She has already taught me things I figured this being my fourth I would have known. She is absolutely amazing. My doctor spoke very highly about having one. Plus There is a lot of evidence to their benefit.

Answer

I’m not getting one. In our first birthing class today I found out that the can cost up to $2,000. I’d rather save the money.

Answer

I appreciate it ladies!!! I will be getting a doula for sure!

Is it worth it to have a Doula?

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