Tell me about your doula experience!

[LeslieR]

After hearing the statistics last night at lamaze on how much a doula can help in labor, I'm rethinking my position on the subject. It will only cost us $100, so it's not a money issue. I think DH and I are just more worried this person will get on our nerves as opposed to being helpful. (frankly, I'm worried about DH getting on my nerves, too, but that's another story altogether :p) Sooooo...

Did you use a doula during your labor?
Do you feel that it was worth it?

TIA!

[mom_to_zoe]

We were very glad we had our doula. And we paid $700 for her services.

Basically, I wanted an unmedicated birth, so we thought the doula would be a big help. (I was giving birth in a hospital with an OB, no midwife or anything, so it was already your standard medical setting.) We contacted the doula organization here in town and met with two possible candidates. We really clicked with one -- she had a super-laid back, maternal vibe, so we picked her.

Then, as it turned out, I was induced a week early and got an epidural because the pitocin contractions were too much for me and I wasn't able to change positions or anything to deal with the pain. I was worried that the doula wouldn't be helpful with an epi, but she still was. My epi was such that I still felt a lot of pressure, so for several hours, DH and the doula worked together, applying counter-pressure and helping me breathe through my contractions. Then, when it was time to push, my DH held one leg and the doula held another and they both encouraged me a lot. After the baby was born, the doctors whisked her to the other side of the room to check on her and I needed quite a number of stitches. DH went with the baby and the doula stayed with me, which was really nice. All in all, DH and I both felt that she was a wonderful, helpful presence at the birth of our daughter. The only person who I was annoyed with during labor was DH! But even that was pretty mild. :D

[BTB]

Edited as time is a brilliant teacher.

[LeslieR]

Thanks for the replies! Your experiences sounds so wonderful.

The doula program here is through the hospital and it's funded through a grant which is why we only have to pay $100-I had no idea what a deal it was until now! Unfortunately, we won't meet our doula beforehand as they are on call through the hospital, but I'm actually okay with that. Just based on your experiences and the statistics our lamaze teacher mentioned last night(possibly 4 hours shaved off your labor time! Hello!), I'm pretty much sold! :D

Thanks again for your replies! I'd love to hear more experiences, too.

[celina]

How does one go about finding one?

I tried to do a local google search but have been unsuccessful.

Thanks.

ETA: Stupid thing won't let me edit the thread title.

[Reenie]

Doula Network (http://www.doulanetwork.com/directory/) has a fairly comprehensive listing.

[dana b]

dona.org (http://www.dona.org/)

[mamax2]

In addition to DONA mentioned by the PP, check alace.org - ALACE is the other major association to which a doula may belong.

[Dotsie]

I'm not even pg with my 2nd yet but I am also looking into the possibility of a doula. I'm not trying to go unmedicated or anything like that but I like the thought of having someone there to help out.

[Renrel]

We had a dualah. I ended up with a scheduled c-section but then I went into labor the night before and labored for about 7 hours with fairly strong and very close contractions. The dulaha stayed out of the way and helped when she could. I don't remember feeling she was in the way at all. Mostly I remember the dulah changing the music and taking some notes for our birth story. But she was great at talking to the doctors and letting us know how impressed she was with them, which made us feel good. She also talked her way into the ORk, which was amazing. This meant I was never alone. She stayed with me when DH went with the baby. Even though I was not up to talking to anyone at that point, just trying to relax into my shakes I appreciated having her there. She also was amazing at the prelabor meeting where she reviewed everything with us and helped us practice relaxation techiques with my hand in ice water so we could figure out before hand what really worked for me. She was also a masus (sp) which was handy.

[Marisa]

I am absolutely looking into having a doula for my 2nd child. For my first my DH and my mom were both there, and my mom is a Lamaze instructor so she was my main support (took the pressure off poor DH). But I know that for #2, she's my first choice to stay home with Joey. :)

That's *awesome* that your hospital has that program! :D

[MrsT]

I loved my doula and her presence was invaluable. I too thought it might be weird to have a "stranger" in the delivery room with me, but it was awesome.
First of all, your doula should take the time to meet with you a few times before birth so she doesn't feel like a stranger (mine happened to be my Bradley teacher, so I already saw her every week for 10 weeks, then for the last few months of my pregnancy we emailed a lot). My doula came to the house while I was in labor - brought the birth ball (score!) and basically helped keep me and my DH calm and helped us figure out when the right time to go to the hospital was. She went to the hospital, helped me get undressed, explained the monitors and such and again, helped DH help me (massage, pressure, birth ball). During the labor and birth she kept supporting me (even when I succombed to the epi during after hour 13). She took pictures, got ice chips, warm blankets and helped me breastfeed for the first time. As a bonus, I think she also helped my DH by being a voice of calm and reason and familiarity. After E was born, she came by to make sure the breastfeeding was going well (and helped me get over my unhappy issues about getting the epi). We still email and if we still live here with the next pregnancy I'll definitely call on her again. It was great to have a reassuring voice, someone who had been there/done that in the room with me. Made me feel a little more powerful and assured and not outnumbered. It was also great to have someone there to offer advice from a perspective different than the doctor (who I completely butted heads and ideals with).

So, yeah, superlong post to say that I really thought my doula was great and $100 is a steal!! (Mine was $375 I think).

[LeslieR]

Sheesh, I never thought to come back here and share *my* doula experience! Duh!

I have to say that was the best $100 we have ever spent. Her help was amazing. Just her presence alone was a nice comfort. She got me to try different things while I was in labor that I probably would not have tried had she not been there (jacuzzi tub, birthing ball). She was there with us from the time she got the call until after Luke was born. Her support was amazing. I had a long and hard labor since I was induced. I was not the best patient at all-I kept saying I couldn't do it and asking for something for the pain. She just kept encouraging me over and over again. Whatever I needed-she got it-ice chips, cool cloth for my head, etc. She massaged my legs and feet during contractions. I honestly believe my labor experience would have been much more difficult than it already was without her help. DH was originally afraid he would feel left out, but it truly was a team effort and he can't say enough about how great it was to have her there. She even took a ton of pictures after Luke was born and emailed them to him so that we could have them (our camera went on the fritz-go figure)! Like I said, without a doubt, the best $100 we have ever spent. We will definitely have a doula again next time!

[jnshanna]

I had never heard of a Doula until recently but now that I have, I think we'll have to have one!! I'm not pg yet but I asked DH about it and he's all for it. I think that's mostly because he's scared that he won't know what to do. Thanks for all the great stories!

[chefker]

I am 18 wks. along with my first pg'cy, and investigating whether or not we want to use a doula. DH is receptive to the idea; he doesn't mind an extra body in the room, if her purpose is to help the mom!

I've done a search for doulas on their website, and did find a few local ones, so at least I know there are some in my area.

I'm just looking for some feedback from those who have used a doula, how was the experience? Would you use a doula again? What is the average fee they charge? ( if you don't mind posting that info). Thanks in advance! :)

[mel7dog]

We're looking into this as well, but DH is skeptical :rolleyes: Anymore experiences to share? (good or bad) Thanks!

[mom_to_zoe]

mel7dog, tell your husband that my DH was skeptical too, at first, especially when he found out how much it cost, and now he is the biggest proponent of doulas you'll meet. He really felt like having the doula there took the pressure off of him to always be there for me and to always be strong. With the doula there supporting me and being strong for me, DH got to enjoy the birth of his own child more and take a break without feeling guilty. Plus, after DD was born, he could stay with DD while she was being examined, knowing that the doula was with me while the doctors stitched me up. Basically, having the doula there freed him up from having to be in two places at once.

[EJM]

Here was the progression of my DH's attitude:

Pre-hiring a doula: No way, she'll try to replace me and you think I cannot handle it.

Interviewing phase: Ok fine she won't replace me but she's expensive.

Hiring the doula: Whatever you want since you're the pregnant one.

Post-birth: Everyone should hire a doula.

He even wanted to pay her a bonus because he thought she was so terrific. Now he cannot shut up about others hiring one. I had originally wanted her to help us with a natural birth, and unfortunately ours was totally opposite, but she was needed even more IMO. Like the PP, having a doula allowed DH to get lunch, coffee, fresh air etc without feeling guilty about leaving me. I was in the hospital for 20 hours of labor (I was induced for low fluid), so he needed a break. She didn't come for a while, we asked her to stay home until I had progressed because I didn't want both she and DH staring at me although she called hourly to see how things were going.

She was also terrific about dealing with the hospital staff, or helping me if a nurse wasn't available right away. My biggest plus, without her I have no doubt that my BFing relationship with DD would not have been so easy. She had DD on the BB within 30 minutes of birth and prior to bathing her. I'm sure the nurses could have helped, but as I learned later everyone had a different opinion of what would work. I was so tired and delirious after so many hours of labor I couldn't remember anything that I had read about BFing, she took over and talked me through it.

[mel7dog]

Here was the progression of my DH's attitude:

Pre-hiring a doula: No way, she'll try to replace me and you think I cannot handle it.

Interviewing phase: Ok fine she won't replace me but she's expensive.

Hiring the doula: Whatever you want since you're the pregnant one.

Post-birth: Everyone should hire a doula.

He even wanted to pay her a bonus because he thought she was so terrific.


You ladies are making me feel so much better! I was mad at DH because I thought he was just being an ass, but now I realize most men don't know anything about this and he is normal, hehe. I will be sure to show him this thread later :)

[linda_loo]

Did you use a doula during your labor?
Do you feel that it was worth it?

yes, with our 2nd child. she was $550, and that included 3 prenatal massages and 1 pp visit (she was a massage therapist). having a doula was fantastic. she worried about all the stuff, so dh and i didn't have to. she asked questions of the medical staff, clarified instructions, took notes, offered options, guided me through positions that could help, reminded dh to take breaks, fed me icechips, held my leg, etc. i never felt like she was in the way at all. most of the time, i didn't notice her there, she pretty much only spoke when spoken to.

[LeslieR]

my DH was skeptical too, at first...now he is the biggest proponent of doulas you'll meet

Ditto this!

[fats]

DH and I had agreed to have a doula in the delivery room and I was planning to start looking for one now (since the holidays are over and I have time!), but now I'm starting to have second thoughts....do I really need one? I feel like millions of women do this all the time without the extra support so maybe I should be able to as well. And what if I get there and I feel like I don't want any extra people around?

I'm curious what you're all thinking and/or what you're experiences were with a doula in the delivery room. What exactly did she do and was it worth it to have her there? And was she there throughout the entire labor or does she give you some time alone as well?

[fats]

DH and I had agreed to have a doula in the delivery room and I was planning to start looking for one now (since the holidays are over and I have time!), but now I'm starting to have second thoughts....do I really need one? I feel like millions of women do this all the time without the extra support so maybe I should be able to as well. And what if I get there and I feel like I don't want any extra people around?

I'm curious what you're all thinking and/or what your experiences were with a doula in the delivery room. What exactly did she do and was it worth it to have her there? And was she there throughout the entire labor or does she give you some time alone as well?

[Renrel]

I had one and while I really did not "need" her since I ended up with a scheduled c-section it was still nice to have her and I don't think we made a mistake in hiring her. She was very experineced so she was able to actually get approval to come into the OR with us. That meant I was never left alone. When DH was with our new son I still had our Dulah sitting with me, and although I was sort of in my own world trying to relax into the shivers I was dealing and not interacting with her I was comforted by her presents. She also was wonderful in our pre-birth meetings. She sort of did a tutorial on giving birth where she reviewed everything with us personally and had us practice different pain relief techniques with my hand in ice water which really help me figure out what worked for us. She was also a trained massuse and the prenatal massage was very nice. It was ressuring to have her there telling us that the doctors and nurses were doing a really good job at doing their jobs. I did labor without meds for the 7 hours before the c-section and my contracts were strong and frequent and I never concidered going for drugs. Don't know if that had anything to do with her or not. She stayed out of the way most of the time but was their if we needed her. She recorded things going on to write out a birth story for us. She changed the musice on the CD player. I was very glad that she was there to tell me that when I changed position my contracts would likely get worse for a while. They did and if the C-Section had not occured as scheduled at about that time knowing what I was experience was predictable would have helped me.

One reason we decided on a Dulah was because there was a fair chance my DH would be out of the country if I delivered early and we don't have any close family near by. She gave me security that someone would be with me for the whole labor if DH was not available.

[EJM]

Bump

[AirForceLove]

We LOVED our doula. She helped me stay relaxed and kept me focused on what what was going on and what to expect. Telling me that I was in tranistion, what I was feeling, ect... The best thing was I wanted a natural birth and because of her I know that is why I was able to have one. I was induced with Pitocin and people kept telling me "oh you are going to want an Epi" or "get your Epi as soon as you get there". I succeded and didn't have the Epi. My doula was also able to give my DH a break if he needed to get some rest or get some food. I didn't want him eating in the room if I couldn't eat:p. All in all it was a WONDERFUL experience. We even hired one with our second baby and even though I ended up having a C-Section she was there with me after DS was born and did her post natal appointments with me. What ever you choose to do. Good luck and congrats!

[EJM]

I bumped up a thread for you, it had a bunch of replies, hope it helps! We LOVED our doula, and I think we would always have one again at future births.

[HGMorgann]

I didn't think I would need a doula, but I so wish I had one. We wanted a natural labor, but when the time came, I really needed the support, but I was so concerned about baby that I let them do all the interventions I did not want. A doula can be your voice of reason when both you and DH are a little freaked out.
Next time I will have a doula. $300 would have been so worth me not having a c-section and the emotional pain from it.

[Sandie78]

I didn't have a doula, but I also planned for and had a medicated birth so I don't really think I needed one. My husband and the nurse were plenty of help. In my case I think another person would just have been superfluous.

[eli1126]

I definitely want a doula when the time comes especially one that can be helpful with BF'ing. Everyone I know who wanted to BF had difficulties and went to FF. I think it would be well worth the money to have a doula if she could get me through that rough patch that usually has people giving up. How do you go about hiring one? I live in the Albany NY area and no one in my family or circle of friends has ever used one so I'm not sure how to go about one.

Beth

[charliezangel]

Well, I cannot say from experience since i have not had a baby. However, my mother is a doula. I have only heard wonderful things about them and all of her clients rave about her. She does some light childbirth education a few months before the birth, maybe twice a month. Then, the 2 weeks around your due date she is on call 24/7 for you. Keep in mind that a doula is there to support you and your DH, not to order you around. She acts a liason between the nurses and you. For instance, if you feel like you need to get up and walk, or you need pain killers, or you feel like you have to push, she would speak with the nurses or dr to make sure you were getting everything you needed to keep the pressure off of you and DH. My mother has her "doula bag" that she keeps all kinds of stuff in (i.e. relaxing music, small massaging tools, heating pads and cold packs, water bottles...) so she can keep the mother comfortable at all times. She is also there to remind you in your hour of insanity when you are screaming for an epidural that you wanted a natural birth (she has told me some funny stories about this!!!).

In my opinion, i think that they are very helpful and necessary especially if this is your first birth and DH is gonna be in the room with you. I personaly will have when when we get PG.

ETA: re her being in the room at all times...keep in mind she is there for you. If you and DH need time alone or you want to take a nap, she will leave the room if asked. My mom also mentioned times when the MIL or mother was there and she would get them a drink, or something to eat so that there wasn't any hustle and bustle. Also, she has been a calming point for a lot of first time dads who were on the verge of freaking!!!

[Dotsie]

I know you can find doula's through the hospital you're going to deliver in.
I have a question. Is a doula worth it even though you don't want a natural birth. I'm planning on an epidural but I think I would like a doula because my DH was annoying the last time I had a baby. Is it worth the money?

[Toonces]

We didn't use a doula with DC1, but plan to with DC2 (if we ever get PG again...). I didn't have pain medication with DC1 and while DH was great, I wish I would have had a "professional" in there with me who could talk me through the breathing, who would have prepared me ahead of time for a med free birth, who could have helped us afterwards, etc. With DC2, DH will probably be watching our DD so I'll most likely be in there alone, so we're definitely going to use the services of a doula. I really like that doulas are there to totally support the mom before/during/after the birthing experience. I want to go into my next L&D experience more well prepared and confident to handle any situation that might arise.

[baboo]

I LOVED my doula! She met with me several times before our birth, assisted me with my birth plan, and really prepared me for birth. I ended up with a C-Section and she was invaluable in helping me come to terms with it. She explained that it was really the only way and that the DR's and myself had done everything possible ... without her expertise I would probably still be blaming myself.

Prior to the news, she walked with me, helped me through the contractions and helped keep people from irritating me. She was a great go between.

She also wrote a very touching birth story for us, helped with breastfeeding and I still contact her. I highly recommend a doula. I don't know what I would have done without her!

[bluebunny]

We signed up for a doula (they are free at the hospital where I delivered) but didn't have the opportunity to use one as our son arrived less than a half hour after we got to the hospital. If we deliver at the same hospital next time, I will definitely sign up for a doula again. If my labor had been any longer, I would have loved to have another support person besides DH. DH was great but if labor had been long, I know he would have gotten tired, too, and a helping hand would be nice.

We met with several of the doulas at the hospital prior to signing up for one and they all said that they would do whatever the mom wanted -- stay in the room, leave the room, help the mom, help the dad, etc.

[HedgeGirl]

We had a doula and I'm very glad we did.

It was also reassuring to me to know that I would have someone trained to support me (and who had given birth 4 times herself) there. I knew that I would be able to lean on her if things got really tough and that she would be able to give us suggestions of things to try, she could help give my DH a break, and she'd be another set of hands. She helped me prepare in our prenatals where we really connected...I talked about what I hoped the birth would be like and she asked some good questions to make sure I was as open to whatever might happen as I could be.

During L&D that was relatively little for her to do...DH was a wonderful support person, my labor went smoothly and fairly quickly, and my midwife was also a great source of support and guidance. So was it still worth having her in the L&D room? Definitely! She made sure I was well hydrated (holding the water bottle within reach between each contractions). She helped provide massage and counter pressure. She took pictures and video (which I wanted but was happy I didn't need to specifically ask for and DH didn't have to try to juggle taking pics and being a part of the birth. She was great at blending into the background and not being intrusive. She told me at the postnatal appointment that she would have left at one point (she described it as an intimate moment and the nurse and midwife had left the room) but we were blocking her way out so it was easier for her to just stay in the corner...I was really glad she did stay because she got some great pictures of us during that time and I didn't feel like she needed to leave.

I believe a good doula will totally respect your need for privacy or your need for an active support person during L&D.

[BTB]

If you use the drop-down box in the upper-right hand corner, just a bit below where it says "welcome", and type in doula to the search this forum box, you'll get a lot of hits. Same search in the parenting forum gets you even more. :)

[craftgenius]

My sister used a doula for her second child. She was EXTREMELY happy she did. She said that the doula worked harder than the doctor and nurses!!

[Marie]

I have a question about the experience of the doula you used. I just contacted a doula who sounds wonderful but she's only been licensed for just over a year, training started 3 years ago. However, she's had 3 children herself with midwives and seems to know what she's talking about. Now, because of how new she is I'm getting her for about half the cost of a more experienced person and she was very up front about what her experience was. Additionally there seems to be an epidemic of pregnancies among doula's in my area and so far she's the only one who is available for my due date. We just had a phone consultation and have a face to face meeting set up next week. She will start with me at my home and stay there as long as possible before going to the hospital ~ which is what I was hoping for.

Would you be concerned?

Did anyone else use a relatively new doula?

Thanks in advance!

[tgal]

I only had two to choose from in our area and I opted for the doula with the lesser experience because I felt more comfortable with her. I don't know what organization certified your doula, but I believe DONA requires X number of births. So, I definitely wouldn't base my decision simply on the fact she was recently certified.

I can honestly say that hiring a doula was the best decision and especially the doula we choose, she is just wonderful! :D

[Marie]

Thank you for explaining the certification process - now it makes sense as to why she was in training so long. She was certified by DONA just over a year ago. I'll meet with her and if she's as nice/informative in person as she was on the phone I think I'll go with her.

Thanks again!

[EJM]

Marie: I would be more concerned with the number of births she has attended. Being certified by DONA doesn't mean much. Once you have attended X number of births and submit write-ups on them you are certified (more or less). We went with someone who wasn't certified but had attended over 100 births when we hired her. She also had worked extensively with my ob practice and was a referral from a friend.

I'm in Chicago as well and would be happy to PM you the name of the doula we used if you want it -- she was fabulous (pricey, but great)! I'm fairly certain she isn't pregnant.

[Txfish]

One of the girls on our pg board posted this link: http://www.bellywomen.net

It's for free doula services; looks like it's kind of a craig's list to match up doulas with women to get enough births for training/certification. I'm looking into it, because I figure hey -- she'll know more than dh, and I'm educated enough to fill in gaps. I'm all for whatever it takes ot get more doulas in the world! I'd look into doing it myself, if the hours weren't so repugnant to me LOL

Great doula stories, and I'm so glad you all posted the husband's reactions... that's exactly what I'm expecting to hear! :)

[Camdynlyn]

I've been contacted by a doula to be present at my birth for her certification. She came recommended by a friend here on CC and IRL so I'm all for it. I am looking for an answer to a question though (same question as Dotsie that wasn't answered).

Is it worth it to have a doula if you are not set on a non-medicated birth? If I plan to have an epidural, would it still be worth her while? She needs to attend 3 births.

[LeslieR]

Definitely! I knew I was going to have an epidural, but still wanted a doula. She was such a huge help in her knowledge and experience. I was induced and had made no progress on my own-i.e. was not dilated, not effaced, baby had not dropped. It was a very long and rough labor. She got me in the jacuzzi tub, had me bouncing on the ball, and we tried to go for a walk, but I only made it through one lap. Had she not been there, I'm not convinced that I would have tried any of those things. She stayed with me when DH went home to shower and feed the cat. She rubbed my feet, put cold washcloths on my head, etc. During delivery her help was amazing. She was very encouraging. I was not the best patient in the world. I probably said that I couldn't do it at least a dozen times and she encouraged me through it all the way. I can't imagine going through labor again without a doula!

[Camdynlyn]

I spoke with the doula and I think we will set up to meet on Tuesday. I will get all the nitty gritty details then. I'm really excited.

[Renrel]

Camdynlyn - If you read my earlier post you will see that I had a Dulah for what ended up as a scheduled C-Section and still found her to be helpful.

Interestingly enough, when I was learning about dulahs I read that they did a study where dulah just sat in the room with the birthing mother, I think taking notes or reading, maybe doing nothing, but not interacting with the parents or medical staff, and even there the inteventions were significantly less than in an unattended birth. Not sure why, maybe the mothers feel reassured by having someone who knows what is going on there, and stay calmer, maybe doctor and nurses think more before intervening when someone else knowledgable is watching. But I seemt to remember the outcomes being somehow better even absent medical establishment issues, things that just had to do with how the mom labored. Sorry I can't be more specific, but I gave birth close to 3 yrs ago so my memory is vauge at this point.

Any if there is no cost I would definately have a Dulah present. If the cost was managable I would also do it. I am not sure if I would have paid for my very expensive, very experienced Dulah had I known I was going to have a C-Section rather than trying for a natural birth, when I booked her, even if I had known I would labor for quite awhile before the surgury, but she cost well over $1000, so it was a very significant cost to be contempating.

[Sarah]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Marie: I would be more concerned with the number of births she has attended. Being certified by DONA doesn't mean much. Once you have attended X number of births and submit write-ups on them you are certified (more or less). We went with someone who wasn't certified but had attended over 100 births when we hired her. She also had worked extensively with my ob practice and was a referral from a friend.I don't think that's quite true. I discussed the DONA certification with our doula, and while yes they technically only need 3 births, they also need to have attended training seminars, write essays, be reviewed by both the women they attended and the doctors/MWs who delivered the babies, and more.

Also, they need to have 3 births, but the requirements for those borths are very strict. You have to be there from 4 cms on (I think it's 4), you have to not leave the facility, and there's more. So most doulas end up needing at least 5-6 births in order to get 3 good ones. But yes, I do agree with the PP that a higher number of births is best. But I think that DONA certification is a good indicator, too.

Our doula was wonderful. She really helped me relax and she took some pressure off my husband. She was there to help out when I needed stitching and my husband was holding the baby, she went and got us drinks and snacks during the labor, and she made me feel less lonely when my DH had to leave the room at all (bathroom, etc).

I doula-ed for a friend (I am not a doula) and she felt it was really helpful- she went into labor at night around 9, and I came over to her house to sit up with her and watch movies while her husband got a good nap in. She was in early labor so she didn't need a ton of help, she just wanted someone with her keeping her company, getting her water, reminding her to breathe.

[mel7dog]

Yes, yes, yes, get a doula! We hired one as I was planning on having NCB. But after 40 hours of labor I ended up with an epidural, pitocin, and a c-section :rolleyes: Regardless the doula was the only reason DH and I stayed sane through it all. Because labor can be so unpredictable to really helps to have someone there with your best interests in mind and who understands what type of labor you are aiming for.

[NYLACHI]

I'm really excited to read all these posts. We've recently hired a doula and now I'm even more comfortable with our decision, whether we end up having the unmedicated birth we hope to or not. I'm happy to see the Doula was helpful in all situations.

[Camdynlyn]

We met with our doula last week for about an hour and she took all our information and I gave her a copy of our birth plan. We spoke about how I would like the labor/delivery to go (meaning, who will be in there, etc) and she's coming Monday night to go over relaxation techniques and to see what I like and don't like. I really enjoyed meeting with her and think she'll be awesome.

[Scooter]

We had a doula, and DH & I decided it was some of the best money we ever spent. We did plan for a NCB, but I ended up having to be induced. She was able to help me through 12 hrs of difficult labor on pitocin without pain meds.

After that I had an epidural, and it was still totally worth it. Whenever something was confusing or scary (we had lots of decelerations & they were close to giving me a c/s at one point), she was able to be there to keep me calm and explain what was going on. She was also a big help during the pushing. The nurses kept wanting me to "get mad!" to do it, and that was the last thing I wanted to do at an amazing moment like that in my life! My doula knew me better and was able to calmly coach me to figure out how to push correctly--without "getting mad." ;) So it ended up being a very positive experince. Plus, L&D nurses come & go with their shifts, so it was nice to have my doula there through the whole thing, to have that constant support.

And my DH felt better having her there, too. He felt like he wouldn't have known when to question the medical treatment and when to go with it, or how exactly to help coach me (because how can a man ever truly know?). It allowed him to relax a lot more, and focus on both me and also on his own experience of it.

[SQ2]

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[mel7dog]

I'm in talks with a new doula for my next labor now and so far I am very impressed. We had our intitial meeting and did lots of chatting about what I want to happen at the birth. She was very helpful with all kinds of facts and stats and also well read of many interventions and how they can be prevented. I am going for a NCB VBAC this time so it will be great to have an extra advocate who can keep me motivated and remind the hospital staff to leave me alone. (Apparently they consider VBAC "trial labor" in my hospital :rolleyes:)

I had a doula for my last labor and even though it didn't go as planned (trying for NCB, but ended in c-section) I can't imagine how it would have been without her. I was in labor for 40 hours and even with my DH, mom, and the doula there they were all dead tired. Imagine if it had just been my DH?! She was excellent at keeping me focused and reminding me to change positions (especialy when we realized DS was posterior/tranverse). My DH was great for comfort, but in the heat of labor there is no way he would have been able to remember all the positions and details no matter how much he read. So he didn't have to. He could focus on comforting me and the doula worried about all the rest. I also had very bad back labor so I had to have someone pushing full force on my back at all times, while someone else was in front of me coaching. Best $ we ever spent I tell you!

[pocahontas]

This thread is invaluable as I am planning to have a doula (and praying I won't need a C-section as a couple people have alluded to already. :rolleyes:) I do have a few questions for those of you who are experienced, however. Mainly, for those who hired a doula through your hospital...did you get to interview a few of them first and then select one or did the hospital just assign you one. My hospital offers doula service is why I ask but I am not sure how it is done. Also, a more general question for anyone really...how many months were you when you started the process of looking for a doula? I just started the second tri and I'd like to get the show on the road but I don't know if it's to early to begin selection. Lastly, anyone in my area/state who has a doula rec...please pass it on! I'd rather go with someone who comes recommended if possible. Thanks in advance.

[purplevega]

I have not had my baby yet but hired a doula. She has been a wonderful ear to bounce questions off of. I am post date and freaking out but somehow she always makes me feel better. I hired her when I was 4 months PG. I knew I wanted a doula as I am planing a homebirth. I wanted DH to be able to walk away and take a break as well as help with DS. We paid $500 for our doula's service and she has already amde the $500 worth every penny.

Kim

[Eric's Wife]

purplevega: I'm in south FL too and just recently found out I'm pregnant. How did you get your doula's name? I am not planning a home birth but I am interestd in a doula. If she does hospital births, could you PM me her info? Thanks :)

[mel7dog]

I do have a few questions for those of you who are experienced, however. Mainly, for those who hired a doula through your hospital...did you get to interview a few of them first and then select one or did the hospital just assign you one. My hospital offers doula service is why I ask but I am not sure how it is done. Also, a more general question for anyone really...how many months were you when you started the process of looking for a doula? I just started the second tri and I'd like to get the show on the road but I don't know if it's to early to begin selection. Lastly, anyone in my area/state who has a doula rec...please pass it on! I'd rather go with someone who comes recommended if possible. Thanks in advance.

I found my doula on my own, by visiting dona.org and mothering.com message board. I would imagine you get to interview whoever you want if you are paying the fee.

I am only 8w now and I already had my first meeting. I don't think you need to meet that early though. I just figured it would be nice to have someone to ask questions with and help me prepare early on. You are paying the same fee, so it would be ncie to use them for most of the pregnancy. For my last doula we were moving at 37w, and I hired her around 34w after talking on the phone. This was fine, but I am excited this time to have more time for us to get to know each other. Most doulas only take 1-2 birth a month, so it's likely the best ones can fill up fast. I say start calling :)

As for recs, many doulas have websites with recs on them. Most will also give you names of Moms they have worked with if you want to call them.

[mcgwigan]

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[Scooter]

*bump*

[BTB]

(Apparently they consider VBAC "trial labor" in my hospital:rolleyes:)

That is actually the correct lingo.

A VBAC is an OUTCOME of a labor, just like a repeat c-section is an outcome.

A woman laboring after a previous cesarean, hoping the labor ends in VBAC, is actually undergoing TOLAC at the time she's in labor - "Trial of Labor After Cesarean". One can only accurately be called a VBAC when the baby's already out.