Any Experience with a Doula?

Hi:
I never had a doula, but I did have a midwife for my second child. What a difference! She was there the whole time, calming, and sooo supportive. I can only imagine what a doula would be like. I had an unplanned c-section with my first child and was pregnant three months later with my second. Most doctors will not even consider a vaginal birth after a c-section. The midwife rocked. I didn't even get "cut".
I'd get a doula or midwife if the price was with in reach. Good luck! :-)

I highly recommend a doula or mid wife. I had a doula for my first and it was great. My husband was able to concentrate on massaging my back, getting me anything I needed, loving me, and the doula helped me with my breathing, concentration, and telling me what I needed to do to help me be more comfortable when things transitioned. We didn't know how to recognize the signs of the transitions. Plus all the reading I did could not have prepared us, when your in the moment, your in so much pain that your blind sided. My doula stayed up at my head and counted softly in my ears (this kept me focused on my breathing) while I was pushing, my husband held my legs and got to watch the baby come out, and cut the cord. He couldn't have done all of that for me if he was there by himself. Now if you are planning on going in and getting an epidural then I wouldn't bother with a doula. If your planning on going natural, definitely get a doula. I am surprised by the previous responses as doulas are so popular and generally when someone asks about a doula the over all response is good one. I did purchase a birthing ball (exercise ball is the same thing, you can buy one a Target or Walmart for probably around $20) for back pain during my pregnancy and it gave my hips relief in the last trimester. However, most hositpals have them and you don't need to purchase one. My doula was $450 which included two meetings before, the time at the hospital, and a follow up visit. You can pay for more services depending on the doula as mentioned in a previous post. I did do a hypnobirthing class separate from my doula, but I don't feel it's really necessary for the money. That class was by Dee Pullen in Tampa, and I really felt that she could have done more with the class than she did. The birthing classes at the hospital will probably be just fine, plus your doula. We never took a birthing class and did just fine between the books we read, our doula, and the hypnobirthing class. I went to a mid-wife for my second and they are AWESOME! I will never use a regular OBGYN again if I have a third. Wished I would have used them for my first but was too nervous. Even though I had a great experience at Morton Plant in Clearwater, I would not have my baby at a hospital again. We had a wonderful experience at home (not planned), but we were going to have her at a birthing center. Labor of Love in Dunedin is a AWESOME place if you are interested in natural child birth. If your the slightest bit interested, please go visit them. They will sit down and talk to you as long as you want, they get to know you personally there, your not just a patient. I did learn enough from my doula the first time to birth my baby on my own at home the second time and I had no problems, it was easy for me (not the case for everyone I know). The main thing I can share with you is that you need to learn the breathing exercises, DON'T scream as that makes the pain worse, making weird and embarrassing sounds from deep down in my belly made it less painful. BUT DON"T SCREAM, it makes it soooo much worse. First birth with Doula, 4 hours. Second birth on my own 2 hours. Everyone I know that has used a doula loved them, and they had short births. GOOD LUCK!! Try not to be nervous, millions of women have done this before you and they even did it more than once :)

M.,

I WISH I had listened to my gut and hired a doula. My son's birth was a bit complicated since he was 10lb 11oz!! I wish someone would have been there to calm me, sooth my concerns, and use natural ways to get my blood pressure down instead of the epidrual (sp). If you can afford one, do it. Or try the doula in training sounds like a good alternative.

Congrats, E.

I used a nurse mid-wife for both of my babies! They were wonderful!!!!! In both deliveries it was just my husband, me, and the mid-wife. We talked, laughed a little, she really was wonderful! It just so happened that when I delivered my second baby, it was the same exact mid-wife on call! It was so nice to have a familiar face in the room with us! I highly recommend using one!

I highly recommend a doula. I used one and it was very helpful. She was able to give my husband a break during my labor. Also, if you are seeking a natural birth, I recommend Bradley method classes. My husband and I took those and it was wonderful.

You need to interview doulas NOW and find someone with whom you are comfortable. This person is going to be with you during the most intimate moment of your life -giving birth.

There is a national organization that certifies doula - can't remember the exact name but google it and you will find it.

Feel free to email me directly if you want more info.
Best of Luck - P.

hi, I had a doula with my first child. she was very informative. she taught birthing classes and pregnacy health classes. i had a lot of complications with the pregnancy. and she was there for me. when it was time to deliver, i forgot to call her until after the baby was born, she still came to the hospital and made sure i was ok. she had a birth plan for me, thankfully i got most of what i wanted. and she made post deliverly vists. i found the experience the doula very encouraging and educational. for all that i got out of it, the expense could be saved with taking classes and having a good birth coach. with my second i chose to not do the doula.

Hi there: I had a doula-in-training for my 2nd baby (VBAC) and I really enjoyed having her there. I think it depends on your personality, as to whether you'll find a doula helpful. I believe DONA is the organization that certifies them, so you can search for credible doulas. If you just want to try them out (like me), I used a doula in training that has attended a few births and didn't charge nearly as much. I believe the fee range depends on the region - maybe someone else can pipe in since I had my babies in NJ. I believe you can opt for certain services - prenatal care and post-natal care, too. Some even help you during the 1st month, if you want. Anyhow, I really believe it's what you want out of it - most doulas are pretty "hands-off" and wait for you to tell them what you would need unless you tell them otherwise. Best of luck!

M., I see the benefits that can come from having a doula for your pregnancy, but I personally think its not worth the money. I also don’t like the fact that it’s someone who took a few days of classes to get a certificate and they charge way too much. I know you cant put a price on having your child, but if you have any friends or family that have already had children I think they can bring you a lot of help and support your looking for. I did look into having a doula, myself, please don’t think I’m being 100% negative about it. I really did my research on it, I suggest you really look into it and see if its right for you. You asked about the costs, here is some of the costs: consultation is $50.00, You also have to buy : 1 Birth Ball, 1 HypnoBirthing Fear Release and Relaxation Session ,1 Moxa Stick ,2 HypnoBirthing Rotation audiotapes (which costs around $200.00) after you have the baby you get hands on care for 4 hours and that’s $150.00. After you have the baby and get home they come to your home for 3 days 4 hours each day and that’s $300.00. You can also have them stay with you the first night for $575.00. And some misc services you might be interested in: Postpartum doula services for 20 hours or more during any 5 day (weekday) period is $20 per hour. Postpartum services for 20 hours or less or weekends or holidays are $22 per hour. Night time postpartum care is $25 per hour for 20 hours or less and $23 per hour for 20 hours or more. Now that’s all extra things you can get into, but the actual fee for having that doula is set on your income. When you meet with them you tell them your annual income and they tell you their rate. Also keep in mind that they can charge you travel fees. I hope this helps you out, if you have any questions please feel free to ask. Good Luck!!!!

Hi M.,
First let me say congtrats, on the upcoming event. I am a mother of 5 AND a Doula. I would love to discuss and chat with you about your decision about whether or not to have a Doula to help you and your husband bring in this precious bundle of yours. I see you said you are having a girl. I have 5 girls!! ages from 22 to 13.If you would like to chat with me please feel free to call ###-###-####.. Thanks and good luck with whatever you decide... J.

Hi M.,
We used a doula for our son's birth and it was wonderful. My husband was also very supportive, however a doula is an added benefit. The doula is there is support not only you and the birth of your baby, but also to support the connection b/n you and your husband. We had a great labor & delivery and yes, it was short (4 hours and this was my first!) and it was natural.
Prior to delivery, we met with the doula a few times to get to know each other. She discussed our expectations and desires,etc. We were also able to contact her at any time during if we had questions or concerns. It was nice to chat with our doula before contacting our midwife for every concern during pregnancy. During delivery, the doula rubbed my neck/shoulders, assisted my husband, played calm music, etc. She was great. It was a pleasure having a doula. My husband and I were able to focus on each other. The doula was present and active, however I almost forgot she was there. She made me feel so comfortable in the situation and my entire focus was on my husband and my son. We paid $550. However, I interviewed a few doulas and they ranged from $400-$800. So, it depends on the doula. Plus, some offer different services. We took a childbirth class with our doula as well, Hypnobirthing. If you are planning on a natural birth, I would suggest at least looking into Hypnobirthing. It worked wonders for us. I highly recommend it. If you have any other questions, just ask!
:) B.

I'd like to address what the first poster said- that list of costs may have been for one doula, but not all. Most do not require you to take their childbirth class, but can offer it for your convienience (if they're a CBE as well), Most birth centers have birth balls already (and a few hospitals do as well...) and typically doulas have a birth ball and all equipment you need in their "bag of tricks"...
Check with a few doulas to see what their fees look like. Mine are income based, but I'm still in the certification process, so I'm doing births for a refunded deposit of $50.00 (refunded when I get the required paperwork completed)...

I see you were due this past November- hope it went well! Did you go with a doula?