Did you use a Doula?

[nevaehsmom327]

Just wondering how many women have used a Doula during their pregnancy/labor and if they thought it was beneficial to them.

THANKS

[bunsy]

Didn't exist back in the old days. I would love to be a post-partum doula and help with the newborns. Don't want to go through all the hoops.

[nevaehsmom327]

I'm really not sure. My sister was asking me if I had one, and I didn't with DD. Was possibly thinking about it with this one, but don't know if it's really worth it? And what exactly they do?

[angel22]

You two silly girls- doulas have existed since women started giving birth! A Doula is a "Woman's Helper" so in that sense every woman who has someone help them through the birth process has had a Doula. Trained Doulas, as we have them now, have also been around for a while but not in the limelight.
Amy- I had a Doula with DD1 (Rebecca Feyder 651-442-0653) and DH and I both learned SO much from her. Ok, so DH learned a ton about all of it, I learned more about what he could do to help me. Anyhoo, I love Rebecca and I recommend her to EVERYONE thinking of having a Doula. She helps her mothers find their natural "rhythm" while laboring and teaches and practices relaxation techniques. My labor with DD1 was so easy, it borders on "not painful at all." I focus on deep breathing and trying to relax my body while in labor, she noticed that even though I did that I still had tension in my face. She helped me relax that too and it got to the point that she would barely touch my hand and I was completely relaxed. With DD2 I had all back labor and when DH arrived from SD to help he remembered the techniques Rebecca taught him and my back pain was GONE and DD2 was born less than hour later. With DD3, obviously I had her all alone, but again I remembered things Rebecca had taught us and that is why I felt completely comfortable giving birth in the bath. =) I used her techniques leading up to the hopping into the bath part and it helped a LOT. So anyway, yes, I find Doulas COMPLETELY beneficial to the birthing proccess. =D I would LOVE to be a Doula...

[angel22]

At the very least, Amy, check out Dona.org to find more info and more Doulas then interview some to find a good fit and to decide for sure if you really want one. Doulas will support you throughout your entire labor and will help you have the BEST labor that you can have and as close to your "plan" as you can- whether that is completely med-free, an epidural the moment you walk in the door, a c-section in the end or whatever. They usually also take photos during the labor and get some great newborn shots!

[nevaehsmom327]

Thanks for the info angel! I don't know that I would use one for this labor...I did really well with my first one on my own. My sister was curious though as to what they help with, how they help, etc. And I just didn't have the right answer for her. This will really help. I'll give her the contact info as well!

[angel22]

DH and I figured that since I did so well with DD1 that we didn't need one for DD2 but I would have loved to have her there while waiting for DH to arrive. My mother and sister were NO help to me, much more of a hindrance, in fact. Back labor SUCKS and that is the only thing I had with DD2. =P