Did you have a doula?

[Guppy051708]

here you are

https://www.babyandbump.com/labour-birth/681441-ask-doula-cbe.html#post11850014

 

[goddess25]

With our first baby we hired a doula and she was lovely. She pulled out about 5 weeks before delivery and initially we were upset, but actually when the time came I was glad that we didn't have one and that it was just hubby and me and to be honest I felt that we didn't really need one. Sorry I know they can be fab.. but it turned it we were more than fine without.

 

[cranberry987]

Hi

Im still in my pregnancy but can say Im so pleased I hired a doula. I booked her early as Im due at Xmas and thought that people might say they werent available. Weve had an initial chat about my preferences and she is super supportive of them, shes suggested additions/things I might want to think about and all that. We keep in contact my text and I let her know how things are going

The main thing which is great is that shes said she will support me at any consultant appointments if I need a bit of extra support to argue my corner or anything. I havent needed that yet and not sure if I will but I feel so much more supported knowing that I have an advocate if I need.

 

[Rmar]

- Where you glad you did?

Yes. I don't feel I needed her for emotional support but my bathroom looked like a murder zone, afterwards due to PPH and she was the only one brave enough to get in there and clean it up. It was cleaner than before. Also, she took videos. But, for support my husband and friend were a lot better because I trusted them more. She did give good back rubs, though.

- What you wish you knew or asked after?

I wish I could have gotten to know her better but I didn't exactly pay for her so I felt bad for setting up appointments so we didn't get much time.

- Would you hire one again?

Maybe. I could have done fine without her but it was nice to share the experience with people who really enjoyed birth.

- How did your significant other feel about having a doula present?

He was nervous about not being able to rub my back well during labour so he was glad. Pretty much the only fear he had of labour was me getting crappy at him. He is incredibly glad that he didn't have to clean up because he was very faint at the amount of blood.

- Other thoughts?

I would probably go with a student, again. I didn't need emotional support even though I thought I would have before. The main thing I am glad about is letting a student doula and student midwife witness a home birth which they hadn't before.