Home
Momtastic
Site Map
Help
Register
Log In
 

Go Back   BabyandBump > Pregnancy Forums > Home & Natural Birthing


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools
Old Apr 10th, 2012, 15:26 PM   #1
tinytabby
Pregnant (Expecting)
Chat Happy BnB Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Scotland
Posts: 2,112

Doula?


I am planning a home birth, and was just thinking it would be myself, OH and the midwife (or midwives).

A friend said I should hire a doula too but I'm not sure. I know there are a few douas here do it'd be great to hear what you think, but also anyone who's hired one - what were the benefits and would you hire her again?


 
Status: Offline
 
Old Apr 10th, 2012, 17:35 PM   #2
madasa
Mum (Mom)
BnB Addict
 
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Shropshire, UK
Posts: 3,152
I wish I'd hired one. Both times. If I have any more children, I definitely will. For so many reasons!

With my second baby, my birth was very positive and I loved it. We did have some problems afterwards though - me and DH both panicked a bit and having someone there to help keep us calm and reassured would have been brilliant. We transferred at that point and lost continuity of care.... if we'd had a doula to transfer with us I think that would have helped a lot. Ante natally and post natally, we often felt trapped and a bit "bullied" by the "system" - having a doula to help us navigate policies and what not would have been a godsend.


 
Status: Offline
 
Old Apr 11th, 2012, 08:13 AM   #3
fifi-folle
Mum (Mom)
BnB Addict
 
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Fife, Scotland
Posts: 2,972
I'd love to but can't afford it
Where in Scotland are you, I have a few friends who've used a doula, could pass on recommendations...


 
Status: Offline
 
Old Apr 11th, 2012, 09:58 AM   #4
Tacey
Mum (Mom)
BnB Addict
 
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 5,953
I'm so glad we've hired a doula this time. DH struggled a lot last time as he didn't know how to help me. He was also exhausted but couldn't nip off for a break. I felt I didn't get the emotional support that would have helped. I feel so much more confident knowing I have our doula on the end of the phone. She's a very calming, reassuring woman, and is great at gently helping DH see how he can support me. I'd definitely recommend meeting a few to see what you think.


 
Status: Online
 
Old Apr 11th, 2012, 10:22 AM   #5
madasa
Mum (Mom)
BnB Addict
 
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Shropshire, UK
Posts: 3,152
Quote:
Originally Posted by fifi-folle View Post
I'd love to but can't afford it
Where in Scotland are you, I have a few friends who've used a doula, could pass on recommendations...
If you are on any benefits at all, have a look at the Doula UK Access Fund. "A doula for all."

I'm still a new doula and not completed the recognition process, so my fees are very low compared to the more experienced doulas who have been doing it for years. I have also worked basically for peanuts, just to gain experience and I know I am not alone.


 
Status: Offline
 
Old Apr 11th, 2012, 10:36 AM   #6
fifi-folle
Mum (Mom)
BnB Addict
 
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Fife, Scotland
Posts: 2,972
Not on benefits fortunately but I'm not working or getting MA now.


 
Status: Offline
 
Old Apr 11th, 2012, 11:17 AM   #7
lozzy21
Mum (Mom)
BnB Spammer Elite
 
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Teesside,
Posts: 23,583
I think it defiantly helps having some female support during your labour and if you don't have a mother or close friend you want there then a doula is defiantly the way to go.


 
Status: Offline
 
Old Apr 11th, 2012, 11:28 AM   #8
aliss
AutoSignup (SAAB)
BnB Spammer Elite
 
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Québec
Posts: 24,332
I agree doula is a way to go.

Bless men. Mine was wonderful.

BUT

Men do not like seeing their wives in pain. OR, their way to help is "don't be a wuss" How can these poor guys possibly relate? Damned if they do, damned if they don't.

The majority of doulas have birthed naturally and will understand you, and encourage you accordingly. Women don't become doulas if they don't believe in the power of gentle encouragement of natural labour.

I have my doula meeting next week, I look forward to meeting her. I wish I had her with my 1st! My OH was wonderful and supportive of natural delivery but could not encourage me the same as a doula could.


 
Status: Offline
 
Old Apr 11th, 2012, 14:00 PM   #9
tinytabby
Pregnant (Expecting)
Chat Happy BnB Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Scotland
Posts: 2,112
Thanks everyone. Your comments are really helpful. OH is a pretty steady kind of guy, he was my rock last year when I had a hideous medical procedure done to my broken elbow and I screamed like an animal! I don't know how well he will cope for labour but he's sure he can do it without a doula - he's not that keen.

Quote:
Originally Posted by fifi-folle View Post
I'd love to but can't afford it
Where in Scotland are you, I have a few friends who've used a doula, could pass on recommendations...
I'm in Glasgow. Recommendations would be fab, thanks. The jury's still out but it might not hurt to talk to some.


 
Status: Offline
 
Old Apr 11th, 2012, 14:09 PM   #10
fifi-folle
Mum (Mom)
BnB Addict
 
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Fife, Scotland
Posts: 2,972
ah sorry I'm east coast


 
Status: Offline
 
Reply

  BabyandBump > Pregnancy Forums > Home & Natural Birthing


Bookmarks

Tags
doula

Thread Tools






SEO by vBSEO