Do I need a Doula?

Question

I’m considering hiring a Doula. Most women I’ve spoken to have had great experiences! However, I do plan to get an epidural. I also plan to exclusively formula feed. I know Doulas are beneficial for many reasons, but it seems most women who hired a Doula chose to not have an epidural. Will I still need one?

Answer

Doula and mama here. Doulas absolutely help mamas who have epidural. There is still a ton of pressure and positioning that your spouse or loved ones may not be able to help you with. There are also birth plan things like delayed cord cutting and advocating for your legal rights that a doulas will help with whether you use interventions or not. Infant and mama mortality rates go down significantly with use of a doula. I highly recommend it! 💕💕

Answer

A good doula is there to help you advocate for yourself and your wants not to make sure you have a med free labor. 
A good doula is going to help you through whatever labor you want and help you with gathering information and asking questions when decisions need to be made.

Answer

I had an unplanned epidural with my first and really wish I would have had a doula to help me and help me advocate for myself. The hospital/nurses were incompetent and didn't help at all with positioning so my already difficult labor was made even more so.

Answer

I had a doula with my first, and it was a great experience. I did have an unmedicated birth, and found that the most valuable part of her presence was helping me with breathing techniques throughout my labor. She was a wonderful, consistent presence throughout an 18+ hour labor. I would love to have her with us when this baby comes, but she’s employed by the hospital, and I have to be masked whenever an employee is present, and a doula is always by your side. Having moments that I can breathe freely is just more important to me at the moment.

Answer

They are there to help through natural med free labor. They wouldn't need to help if you are not able to feel labor

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I honestly wish i wouldve had a doula with my vbac birth. I got an epidural and i wish i wouldve had someone to help me (snd my husband) still manage the contractions. You dont necessarily *need* one, but they are there to help you advocate too for what you need/want as well as to help guide your decision making