https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:14:21 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unmedicated-birth-doula-or-no#post-2837716 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 07:42:59 +0000 LindsayInNY 2837716@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used a doula when I had DD and had an unmedicated birth. DH and I are on the fence about getting one this time. It would be a different doula (a coworker who happens to be one), same hospital, different OB practice, will just be the 2 of us in the room otherwise. DH doesn't think we need one and that she was only moderately helpful last time. Obviously things could be different with this L&amp;D but I'm undecided whether we really need one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/boston-area-bees-anyone-use-a-postpartum-doula#post-2782387 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 17:02:02 +0000 periwinklebee 2782387@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd like to hire someone to come a couple times a week for the first couple of weeks after birth to help with adjustment to breastfeeding and any questions we have about postpartum recovery and infant care. Just wondering if any bees in the Boston area have a postpartum doula recommendation, as it seems a bit difficult to glean much information about different services from google... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-doula-or-not-which-is-sort-of-to-try-to-vbac-or-not#post-2749933 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 20:29:43 +0000 Mae 2749933@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm thinking myself into circles and I'm wondering if anyone has some insight that can nudge me in a concrete direction. </p> <p>I was induced at 41+1 with LO1 for high BP. At that point I was less than 1cm dilated and had had no contractions. I dilated well, but she got stuck, there had been meconium, I had a fever, and she had heart decels--- so I ended up with a somewhat urgent c-section after 18 hours of labor. I'd been with a midwife practice so I'm confident that both the induction and the decision to cut were necessary and I wasn't just with a slice n' dice type doc. </p> <p>I'm 26 weeks with #2. I'm on my second OB. Neither has been very encouraging about my chance to vbac. Mostly because I hadn't gone into labor on my own by 41+1, was less than 1cm at that time, and had stopped dilating at 8cm when my daughter got stuck. My current doc has said he'll allow me to try to VBAC if I want, and I can go to 42 weeks if I want. </p> <p>The DOWNSIDE of VBAC is both docs have told me that doing a RCS on a failed vbac is much harder for them and a much harder recovery for me than just doing a planned RCS. So it feels like it's not a "might as well try" situation, because the outcome would very likely be worse than if I just planned a RCS. </p> <p>The UPSIDE of a VBAC is if it's successful it's a much easier recovery. Which would be amazing because I have a 3 year old and a lot of stairs in my home. </p> <p>I feel like if I want to try to VBAC I should hire a doula. But none of them work on a "if you go into labor" basis. You hire them and spend the money and even if I never went into labor and ended up having to have a RCS, I still have to pay. I just can't decide. </p> <p>Part of me feels like I should schedule a RCS for 41-42 weeks and plan to try to VBAC if I go into labor before that. Going into labor seems like a really good sign things would be different the second time around...? </p> <p>But I'm still scared of failing. And I'm scared of wasting a ton of money on a doula and then never even going into labor and it's all just wasted. </p> <p>But I'm also scared of planning a RCS and doing that recovery again. </p> <p>Sorry this is a novel... but anyone with thoughts.. I'd love to hear them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/midwife-groupasking-to-not-see-one#post-2715534 Thu, 23 Mar 2017 22:21:13 +0000 mrsmacSLP 2715534@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Has anyone ever had a midwife group and requested to not work with one in particular?</p> <p>I'm 38weeks and going with a midwife group through a hospital. There are 6 midwives and I encountered one I am not fond of and when I checked her reviews there are multiple reports of shoulder dysplasia. The other thing that got me is my Husbands questions were consistently pushed to the side as though they weren't important. </p> <p>I was able to speak to another woman going through midwives and she had the same experience! I absolutely do not want her to be the one on call when I go into labor and I'm frightened she might be!</p> <p>So- have you ever requested to not work with one? Any advice? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/postpartum-doula-anyone#post-2708191 Thu, 09 Mar 2017 22:06:07 +0000 JessyMess 2708191@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm curious if anyone here has used a doula for postpartum care.<br /> What did the doula do specifically?<br /> What did you ask her to do?<br /> How much,ballpark, did you end up spending?</p> <p>I'm looking to get one for my 2nd baby due in May. I plan on delivering at a birth center unmedicated and going home the same day as delivery. I remember it was an exhausting time with my first, and my Mom wasn't as much help as I needed, so I thought a postpartum doula would help. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doula-1#post-2668954 Wed, 21 Dec 2016 18:01:32 +0000 Aspen 2668954@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I will be delivering my first baby at the end of March. I've been feeling a lot of anxiety around the birth in general and have been getting more and more worried about how my husband is going to be able to be my sole support system in the delivery room. We live a few states away from our close friends and families and it's really just him and me doing this on our own. </p> <p>It dawned on me today that I should really think about getting a doula for some added emotional support. </p> <p>If you had a doula can you share your experience? Did you find them to be helpful? Would you use a doula again? How much did you pay?</p> <p>Any and all comments welcome!</p> <p>Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doula-proscons#post-2662703 Thu, 08 Dec 2016 09:27:27 +0000 nana87 2662703@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did you use a doula, or think about it and decide not to? </p> <p>For lo1, we didn't use a doula--dh and my mom were my "support" people and it worked well. I'm a little shy (particularly about my body or showing vulnerability) and bad at asking people for help. Also, I really trust my doctor's practice, and the midwife who was on call for most of my labor and birth was amazing at supporting my wishes. This time around, my mom will be watching lo1, so we were planning on it just being dh in the delivery room...Except yesterday, one of our favorite former daycare teachers told me that she's training to be a doula and offered to be ours for free* :shocked: We already know and trust her--she's amazing with lo1 and has a lovely, calm demeanor--but there's a difference between trusting her with our child and like, her seeing me in pain and all sweaty and naked, lol. She mentioned both labor and postpartum--I think postpartum might def be a go since she'd be so helpful with helping us balance lo1's and lo2's needs while I recover--but I'm not sure about labor!</p> <p>*we would probably insist on paying her something anyway </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suggestions-for-gift-midwife-gift#post-2612239 Sun, 28 Aug 2016 13:18:47 +0000 miranlee 2612239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I need suggestions for a gift for my midwives that delivered my baby. It's a practice of 5 midwives, plus doulas, who rotate for each visit. Do I need to gift them all, since they all tended to me at some point, or just for the 2 midwives and 1 doula who actually attended the birth? I'm going in for my 6 wk postpartum visit and I don't know who will be there, so I feel weird going in with a gift for specific people, since the midwife I'm seeing now may not have been the one who delivered my son. Would love any ideas/advice!</p> <p>Thanks! :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doula-recos-westside-la#post-2563442 Tue, 07 Jun 2016 18:41:01 +0000 6ixinLA 2563442@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anyone have recos for a doula in the Santa Monica/Westside area? Many thanks!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-pregnancy-only-not-birth-doula#post-2451800 Fri, 05 Feb 2016 22:38:22 +0000 Corduroy 2451800@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Is there such a thing as a doula that can be hired for support just for pregnancy and not attend the birth? </p> <p>My friend is having a high risk pregnancy and anticipates she'll have a C-section. She asked me about having a doula. My initial response was that she had no need. But I found my doula very helpful and calming in 3rd trimester (when I was sent for growth scans, low weight gain, etc). My friend doesn't have a lot of family and might benefit from some extra support pre- and post- baby. I know there are post partum doulas. Has anyone seen doula services like that pre-labor? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2430359 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:00:00 +0000 mediagirl 2430359@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did not use one. I thought about it for a while but a doula was just one more cost on top of everything else for us. Plus, I'm a pretty private person and really didn't want anyone other than my husband and the nurses/doctor in the room with us for the birth. </p> <p>Did you use a doula? Do you plan on it for your next child? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youwill-you-use-a-doula-1#post-2377188 Thu, 03 Dec 2015 15:55:01 +0000 mediagirl 2377188@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had never heard of Doulas before I found Hellobee! I found the concept very interesting but the way our health insurance is, we pay so much for just pregnancy, labor and delivery, there is no way we could afford to add one more unnecessary thing to the process. I think my husband did a fine job being my Doula. ;-)</p> <p>Did you use a Doula? How was your experience? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-meeting-with-doula#post-2367141 Mon, 23 Nov 2015 14:22:42 +0000 Autumnmama79 2367141@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Later today I am meeting with the doula for the first time. It is an informal chat over tea but I'm just wondering what things I should be thinking about in terms of questions to ask and expectations of her I should have?</p> <p>I'm interested to hear about others' experiences with a doula. I did not have a doula for LO1. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-was-your-doula#post-973684 Mon, 29 Jul 2013 18:02:37 +0000 daniellemybelle 973684@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We met with two that were $400-450, but we are meeting with another that is $750. She has a lot more training and experience so I get the price difference but yikes!</p> <p>If you are comfortable, please comment and tell us how much your doula was, and why (training, etc.) so I can have a good point of comparison! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-stay-in-touch-with-your-doula-after-giving-birth#post-2369160 Wed, 25 Nov 2015 16:15:00 +0000 DillonLion 2369160@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't expect to, but I've stayed in touch with my doula after the birth. She periodically has meetups for all her babies that she's helped deliver, and we try to attend those. They are always fun. She was such an asset to us in the delivery (even though I was induced and had an epidural), so I feel like I want to continue to support her business by attending events/spreading the word about our good experience with her. </p> <p>Did you stay in touch with any members of your birth team? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doulawhatwhy#post-2269843 Fri, 21 Aug 2015 13:26:04 +0000 Mrs D 2269843@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So...a friend of mine is newly pregnant with her first. She said all of her friends have had doulas and some have had midwives...a few have told her she is crazy to consider childbirth without a doula.</p> <p>It was never my cup of tea personally. My stepdad is an OBGYN and I have just always been comfortable with doctors/nurses and leaving things in their hands. I was fortunate and had a very easy L&amp;D.</p> <p>She is seeking my input and recently asked me what I thought of them and I realized I truthfully dont even fully comprehend what service/assistance the provide and what the normal reason is for hiring one. I have suggested she find this community for all of her curiosities but she has so far now. </p> <p>Just looking for some input here about what yours did for you and why you decided to hire one in the first place? Trying to provide her some insight... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-questions-should-i-ask#post-2234818 Mon, 13 Jul 2015 11:07:13 +0000 mrsrain 2234818@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am newly pregnant with LO2! :heart:<br /> I love the midwife practice I saw during (And after) my first pregnancy, but they are over an hour away. This wasn't a big deal with LO1, but now that she's a toddler it is just too far (and too much time in the car!). I made an appointment with a midwife practice that it much closer, so now I have to go through the whole interview process all over again.</p> <p>I have a pretty good list, but I feel like I am forgetting things! What questions should I be sure to ask? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-32-weeks-too-late-to-find-a-doula#post-2232334 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 23:49:27 +0000 mrscobee 2232334@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We attended our first birth class tonight and DH is interested in me hiring a doula b/c I am really terrified of childbirth. I'm pleasantly surprised. At 32 weeks is it too late for me to find one? How would I find one? How much do they cost? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-switch-practitioners-mid-pregnency#post-2213695 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 14:23:01 +0000 Keybee 2213695@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I go to a midwife practice and I like it. I've been seeing them for a few years and had good experiences. My appointments are just 5 minutes from my house at a brand new facility with the latest technology.<br /> However, the hospital where I would deliver is 30-45 minutes away, depending on traffic, and I stress about the drive while in labor.<br /> A new hospital has gone in 15 minutes away and takes our insurance. They have one midwife on staff and I was thinking about making an appointment, just to check it out. </p> <p>What do you think? Stay or explor something new? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hire-a-doula-for-the-second-baby#post-2133447 Sun, 05 Apr 2015 19:38:56 +0000 cat620 2133447@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hired a doula for my first baby. She was helpful, especially since I was nervous and didn't know what to expect. She helped comfort me and gave me lots of encouragement. I tried to have a natural vaginal birth but unfortunately ended up with a C-section. She never made me feel bad about not succeeding with my childbirth goal, and was there to support me through it all. </p> <p>For my second child, I want to try for a VBAC. I'm not sure if I should hire a doula again, simply because it's not cheap and I'm not sure how much I'll need her. I feel like I remember my labor well, and my husband is more familiar with the process, so he'll be more helpful this time around. However, having a doula could be nice, since it would be an extra person advocating for me and encouraging me. </p> <p>For those of you who hired a doula for the first baby, did you hire one the second time? If so, did you think it was helpful? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-for-midwife-meet-and-greet#post-2113389 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 15:39:38 +0000 peaches1038 2113389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a meeting with the midwife who is part of my OB practice tomorrow. I am currently almost 6 weeks along and need to decide if I want to stay with my OB (who I really like) or switch to the care of the midwife ( which I always imagined doing) So, I was wondering what others have asked at this type of consultations.<br /> Things I know:<br /> - her education/background<br /> -the hospital she delivers at<br /> -who she would transfer care to in case of complications<br /> -that there is access to birthing tubs/bars</p> <p>Thanks!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/interview-questions-for-doula#post-2109202 Sun, 15 Mar 2015 11:40:42 +0000 LindsayInNY 2109202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm interviewing my first doula in person tomorrow. What should I be asking her? She's a newer doula, if that changes anything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-looking-for-a-doula#post-2064607 Wed, 11 Feb 2015 14:09:47 +0000 BSB 2064607@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm thinking I should start calling prospective doulas after the first trimester. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-still-in-touch-with-your-doula#post-2046619 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 23:09:07 +0000 DillonLion 2046619@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our doula has periodic gatherings for her clients and their babies. We attended one just last weekend. It was fun! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-for-doula-interview#post-1295408 Sat, 21 Dec 2013 08:05:05 +0000 spaniellove 1295408@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's a bit early but we're meeting with a potential doula this weekend. (They're just so hard to come by in our area!) I was wondering if anyone had questions they were glad they asked or would suggest asking. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-did-your-doula-cost#post-1952509 Thu, 20 Nov 2014 13:26:17 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 1952509@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you think it was worth the money? Would you hire one again? I like the idea of a doula, but my local hospital only allows two other people in the room and I want my DH and mom with me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-i-get-a-doula-if-i-know-i-want-an-epidural#post-1892220 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 16:06:35 +0000 SerenaSF 1892220@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>To doula or not to doula! I am 95% sure that I want a doula, and I'm also 95% sure that I want a medicated birth. However, I've heard some people say that unless you are really aiming for a natural childbirth, a doula isn't really worth it. </p> <p>I think the support of a doula would be incredibly helpful to me and my husband as we navigate this overwhelming world of childbirth. Childbirth is terrifying to me, and I've heard so many horror stories about long terrible labors that I think having someone that knows me, can help me, and can be an advocate me during the birth (in addition to my husband, of course) would be extremely helpful. My husband tends to get very emotional and I think it would be easier with someone else that we trust. I want to try my best to prevent the "cascade of intervention" as much as possible, and I worry that without a doula I might feel pressured into making decisions I might not be completely comfortable with.</p> <p>However, I also am 95% sure that I want an epidural, and doulas are expensive! Should I have a relatively easy birth, I worry that I won't feel the doula was "worth it." I also worry that they might make me feel bad about my decision to have a medicated delivery. I also worry that if I need to have a scheduled c-section for some reason, I also won't feel that the cost was worth it. </p> <p>Almost everyone I know that has had a doula specifically got one because their goal was to have a natural med free childbirth (though that didn't always happen). That is not my goal, So my question is for those ladies that had a doula and also knew they wanted an epidural.... was it worth it? </p> <p>If it wasn't for the cost, I'd get a doula for sure. Would love to hear some real person stories. </p> <p>Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1873872 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 08:39:30 +0000 Circusbee 1873872@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I are preparing for a med-free natural childbirth, and want to do everything in our power to avoid interventions, that way, if we do need any interventions, we can be confident that it is absolutely necessary for healthy baby &amp; mommy! Our birth center requires we take their birth class (4 weeks), a breastfeeding class (1 day), and a newborn care class (1 day), which we have already signed up for. Our original plan was to do that AND get a doula, which was highly recommended to us. However, after doing some research, it appears that the price range for doulas in our area is a lot more expensive than we thought, so that is looking like it will not be a comfortable option. Now, I've started reading a book on the Bradley method, and I'm wondering if going through those classes could be a good alternative to hiring a doula (at less than half the cost!). Does anyone have experience with the Bradley method or doulas and can offer some advice? If we are going to do Bradley, we should sign up very soon, since the class we'd do begins in mid-October. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/midwives-who-deliver-at-a-hospital-cnm-msn-help#post-1740831 Fri, 04 Jul 2014 23:09:29 +0000 immabeetoo 1740831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Google is not helping. What exactly is different between an OB and a midwife (they say CNM MSN, which I'm assuming are some sort of certification)?</p> <p>I found a midwife group that was recommended, they deliver at the hospital, and allow epidurals. Assuming I am low risk; are there any compelling reasons to not use them? To use them? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-questions-to-ask-at-a-midwife-consultation#post-1715668 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 08:17:51 +0000 Boheme 1715668@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are meeting a midwife group tomorrow, and I have a list of questions but I'm not sure what I'm missing. I've read through their credentials and education, so I don't have a lot of questions about that. Anything to add?</p> <p>*Insurance coverage/billing<br /> *Odds of a repeat posterior birth, odds of a repeat asynclitic birth<br /> *How a repeat posterior or repeat asynclitic would be managed<br /> *Rate of transfer/intervention<br /> *Who handles back up? Which OBs? Which hospitals? Does the midwife stay in case of transfer?<br /> *Anatomy scan scheduled by midwives or us?<br /> *Risk out list. What do you transfer for? How do you make the decision? </p>