We're thinking of hiring a doula. What do you think?

Question

I really want a natural birth but I'm such a wuss when it comes to pain. I asked a question earlier about pain meds, etc and this was a suggestion. I had thought about it before but after talking to my partner (maybe should have done that already!) we both felt that this was a good idea.

Have you had a doula or know someone who did? Are you a doula yourself?

What are your thoughts on the topic?

Answer 1

hello ,

yes i love doulas  i have 5 children and had doulas with 4 of them  :)   much better :)  

Answer 2

I would have gotten a doula had I been able to have natural/vaginal births. I was/am all for natural birthing but had to have c-sections with all of mine : (

Answer 3

I haven't had a doula, but I know someone who is one. From the way she talks about it, it sounds like a really good service. Just make sure you pick someone qualified and who you are comfortable with.

Another option (that I'm looking into for myself in this, my second pregnancy) is self hypnosis techniques. Also known as hypnobirthing or as Calmbirth (in Australia). I know it sounds odd (my husband thinks I'm mad) but there is actually some independent scientific evidence for the effectiveness of their methods. I also wanted some real life confirmation about if it was worthwhile. I happen to also know a midwife so I asked her about it and she said she had seen some really good results from it, especially with first time mothers.

By the way, I'm also a wuss with pain but very nearly managed a natural birth (an emergency situation got in the way) without any pain relief. You might just surprise yourself.

Add: You would have to check with your OB and hospital what their views are, but ultimately you should be the one who decides who can come into the labour room with you as support people.

Answer 4

have you done any natural childbirth preparation classes? many women go to the hospital with the intention of doing natural but if you aren't prepared you only have a 40% chance of actually not getting medications for pain.  it's sortof like deciding that you want to run a marathon but don't do any training for it and then just get up the day of and go out there and start running. you are most likely not going to be able to do it and even if you are somehow able to complete it, it would be a horrible experience because you weren't mentally or physically prepared.

i took the bradley method classes and am plannin a drug free childbirth but that involved 12 weeks worth of classes and lots of practice relaxation. i have considered getting a doula but i don't think we are going to do it just because i really like to be left alone so i think it may p**s me off to have somebody there that i don't "know". my husband and i have been practicing different massage and relaxations that i like.

doulas are a great thing tho for someone who truly wants to use one but you do need to also prepare with some sort of natural childbirth class.