https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 18 Apr 2026 17:21:54 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431827 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 19:28:54 +0000 JenGirl 2431827@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a doula and was glad I did. My husbandwas great with counterpressure and reminding me to drink and breath but the doula really helped with positive encouragement, which I needed. Plus she took pictures that I will always cherish. She definitely helped me go med free, which is what I wanted. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431800 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 19:16:38 +0000 winter_wonder 2431800@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm still trying to decide! The cost is holding me back at this point :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431790 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 19:12:17 +0000 Portboston 2431790@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did for the first and it was money well spent. I was worried about DH and how he would react to me being in pain. My labor was quite long so the doula and DH switched off rubbing my back and doing counter pressure (back labor...fun stuff). If we decide to have more children, I would probably not hire a doula. Now that DH and I have been through a long and semi complicated labor &amp; birth, I feel like we'd be able to handle a second on our own. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431778 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 19:04:42 +0000 Smurfette 2431778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No desire. I don't see the appeal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431756 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 18:51:37 +0000 DenverMom 2431756@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think a doula is nice to have for your first birthing experience, and then it becomes a personal preference for the later births.</p> <p>We hired a doula the first time because I wanted an all natural birth. While she was helpful, things quickly deteriorated (failure to progress, pitocin, epidural, and then c-section), so in the end I didn't feel she was all that helpful/necessary. I decided not to have a doula the second time around and ended up having a successful VBAC. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431741 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 18:39:59 +0000 ModernDayJibarita 2431741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Originally planned to but once I decided to take hypnobirthing classes I couldn't find a doula that specialize in it and didn't want to incur the expense. </p> <p>The hypnobirthing classes we are taking are 3 hours for 8 weeks, so very extensive and informative. The instructor (who worked as a doula for 20 years) is available for questions and has tons of resources she can refer you to (ex. Lactation consultants, chiropractors, reflexologist a etc.) </p> <p>My OB is super nonintervention oriented and my husband is passionate about our birth plan and is very comfortable speaking his mind to authority figures so I feel comfortable with just my husband as support. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431708 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 18:13:26 +0000 birdofafeather 2431708@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i loved my doula and if we hadn't moved, i would have hired her again! and she probably wouldn't have made it to the birth of DD2 though because it was 4 hours from water breaking/contractions to birth!</p> <p>our next babe, i hope to find midwives, but also plan on birthing at the nearest hospital because my labors are fast and furious and unfortunately, we have blood type incompatibilities and my kids need bili lights. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431638 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 17:34:31 +0000 Alba4 2431638@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had hoped for and had an unmediated vaginal birth with DS1, so we hired a doula. She was worth every penny!! I felt so relaxed and self assured with her there. </p> <p>Since I have a placenta previa this pregnancy, I will most likely need a c-section, so we are skipping a doula this time😢. If a vaginal birth was even a possibility, I would have hired the same doula again. Totally worth it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431446 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 16:09:25 +0000 mfa_lady 2431446@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, and it was some of the best money I ever spent. We learned more from our prenatal meetings with her than we did from any of our other resources. Even though my labor was pretty fast and she met us at the hospital instead of coming to our house, she was so awesome to DH when he was texting her in the middle of the night after my water broke. She was talking us through us the whole thing via text and phone call. Her postpartum support was also invaluable! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431439 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 16:06:38 +0000 Mrs D 2431439@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not with number 1 and wont with number 2.</p> <p>I had my mom and grandma in the room with me while I was "laboring" - they were enough support. When it was time to deliver just DH was there and honestly it went so quickly (3-4 pushes) it would have been a waste of money.</p> <p>Also - I was very open to medication from the beginning...perhaps if I felt differently about that I'd feel differently about a doula? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431436 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 16:06:04 +0000 edelweiss 2431436@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i used one for my second pregnancy and wouldn't do it again. i wish i had done it for the first instead, as that was the labor where i could have used someone to give me a pep talk about epidural/pitocin, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431432 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 16:04:44 +0000 daniellemybelle 2431432@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We used one and I don't think we would use one again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431422 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:59:25 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2431422@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ms.line: that's how much the experienced doula with the cool British accent cost. DH was ready to sign the contract as soon as she opened her mouth. Our doula is $850 and that's only because we found her through a co-op group. On her website she charges $700, but that's contracting directly with her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431405 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:51:55 +0000 Foodnerd81 2431405@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I considered it with my first but I was on the fence and DH leaned towards no, so we didn't, and I don't regret it. But I gave birth with a midwife practice who routinely do all the things I wanted- as low intervention as possible, high rate of unmedicated births, so I wasn't worried that my wishes would be ignored. As it was I had a wonderful midwife and nurse the whole time so I don't think a doula was necessary. Although I think she probably would have come to our house before we went to the hospital which might have been nice. No regrets. </p> <p>With my second I doubt she would have made it in time since labor was so fast anyway. My midwife and nurse were fine, but not nearly as amazing as the first time, but considering baby was born within 45 minutes of parking the car, didn't really make much difference. </p> <p>@Torchwood: I didn't have a doula but for both births there was someone in my face forcing me to focus, like you said. To be honest I don't even know who it was half the time but someone was there. But I'm sure that varies by hospital and situation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431393 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:48:42 +0000 sleepybear 2431393@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a friend that was going through doula training so she offered to help for free (I gave her a nice gift card, though as a thank you). I thought her help and support was awesome, but I'm not sure I would have wanted to pay hundreds of dollars. </p> <p>We probably won't hire a doula for future children unless we have another friend who would step in or if my husband isn't going to be there for the birth. It was really useful the first time since DH (and myself) didn't have any idea of what to expect, but he'd probably be able to help me during labor much more this time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431389 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:47:10 +0000 DillonLion 2431389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We used one. There was a lot of family drama going on, so it was a touchy subject to have someone like, say, my mom, in the room and we wanted extra support without any drama. We also let her act as the gatekeeper keeping unwanted guests out of my room (which was a big concern of mine, due to aforementioned drama). </p> <p>Definitely worth the expense in our particular situation. She was also extremely valuable after with the postpartum support she provided. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431387 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:46:44 +0000 lawbee11 2431387@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nope </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431384 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:45:17 +0000 avivoca 2431384@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No, I just couldn't justify the cost. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431383 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:44:09 +0000 lilyann 2431383@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used one for my VBAC and she was amazing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431381 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:43:18 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2431381@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We hired a doula. So far it's been great. Besides our initial consultation we spent 2-3 hours discussing the birth. Having her as an intermediary was eye opening to what DH has been thinking about when it comes to birth. We're preparing for a natural birth in a hospital setting and she's familiar with our course prep and can help us navigate the medical lingo. </p> <p>Honestly, as far as costs go we have been pretty lucky. Our insurance provider advised our hospital copay will be $145. If we want a private room at the hospital for two nights that will cost us $50 total. So, taking all of our birthing classes and hiring a doula isn't breaking the bank at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431320 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:15:58 +0000 BSB 2431320@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yup, I used one. I used one because I needed support during labor. I know that if I had DH as support only, he would see me in pain and automatically think I need pain medication. Having doula would support me in waiting when I really needed it.</p> <p>In the end, I ended up having an epidural because of the higher risk of c-section and I wanted to make sure I was awake to hear the babies crying if I needed a c-section. </p> <p>I still think she was a great support. Plus, she was able to stay by my side when DH went and followed the twins to the nicu.</p> <p>If I have another child (hopefully a singleton), I would get another doula because it's a different situation and I might be able to have a vaginal birth and hold out on a epidural. I also had no pain during contractions (possibly due to having a tired uterus from PPROMing) so I have no idea what to expect for my next pregnancy and labor. It would be good to have the support again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431313 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:14:03 +0000 mrsrain 2431313@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did with my first and also am with my second. Such an invaluable resource for both my husband and I. I have had some pregnancy complications with both, and having her to call and talk things through with and get support has been great. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431306 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:11:36 +0000 PawPrints 2431306@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I voted that we did not use one, even though we hired one (and paid her in full). My baby came in 2 hours, so the doula missed it. She was great after the birth and postpartum came by my house to drop off a big bag of homemade padsicles which were amazing, and provided us with some priceless photos of us and baby in the first couple hours after birth, but clearly I didn't need her for the birth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431303 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:10:50 +0000 Adira 2431303@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nope! Didn't use one and didn't want one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431300 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:09:34 +0000 Torchwood 2431300@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can't really vote! We booked one, but I went into labor at 33 weeks and it was so fast that by they time she got to the hospital LO was here. She did stay with me while DH went to the NICU, which was nice. I got to talk things through and sort of process, since it was such a whirlwind. We plan to use the same one if there's a next time. Given how glad I was to have her there afterwards, I think I'd be very happy to have her there during.</p> <p>Also, I happened to have an extra midwife in the room (one was a new hire- experienced, but new to the practice), so one was able to catch LO while the other held my hand and was right in my face coaching me. If I hadn't had two, that wouldn't have been an option, so having a doula for that role would be very important to me in the future. I don't know how I would have gotten through it without her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431296 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:08:08 +0000 snowjewelz 2431296@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did not and will not! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431289 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:07:18 +0000 regberadaisy 2431289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nope, same reasons as you. I didn't want anyone else in the room and didn't want to pay for one either! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431286 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:06:25 +0000 LovelyPlum 2431286@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't last time, because the cost turned me off. But having the labor experience I did, I could have used another advocate in the room. I for sure will the next time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431285 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:06:02 +0000 ms.line 2431285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We hired a doula - I'm due next month, so we'll see how it goes! We got more of a "novice" to save $$$ though - I couldn't justify the $1,200+ that a lot of the more experienced doulas were charging. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-youdo-you-plan-on-using-a-doula#post-2431282 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:05:41 +0000 californiadreams 2431282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i wanted to with this pregnancy and looked into it, but decided it was not worth the cost. i do have a midwife which i did not the last time, so i hope that makes enough of a positive difference on my birth experience. </p>