https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 19 May 2026 07:02:00 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doula-versus-natural-childbirth-classes#post-443434 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 15:55:56 +0000 Weagle 443434@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We chose the doula over classes, and couldn't be happier with that decision. DH was kind of apathetic about both until we met with our doula. He's now her biggest fan :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doula-versus-natural-childbirth-classes#post-443233 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:37:31 +0000 Revel 443233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for the experience. The consensus that the doula provides the most benefit is kind of where I thought this would end up.</p> <p>I think I'll have to talk the doula over more with SO. We have a midwife appointment this Friday so I think I'll ask them for some more detailed information about what they do during delivery versus what a doula would do. I'm not sure that SO fully understands that the midwives and nurses will check on us, but otherwise it will mostly just be the two of us navigating most of labor alone, with him having to do all the support.</p> <p>Did any of you have partners who were not sold on a doula at first? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doula-versus-natural-childbirth-classes#post-443201 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:20:35 +0000 sarac 443201@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I really loved my hypnobabies course. I found it very useful through my 36 hours of (eventually) very unnatural labor. A doula wouldn't have helped me, only because I had amazing midwives and doctors. I had a very atypical experience with the doctors at my hospital, though - they specifically told me that they wanted to try every other intervention before giving me a csection. And it worked, and I delivered vaginally. </p> <p>So VERY atypical. I think that any woman hoping for a specific birth experience (medicated or un) would do well to have one. I have a friend who had a planned csection with twins, and she had one, who supported her and her family through the experience, and advocated on her behalf in general. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doula-versus-natural-childbirth-classes#post-443194 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:16:31 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 443194@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We took Bradley classes, and our Bradley instructor was also a doula so we decided to hire her to be our doula. It was $400 for classes and $800 for doula services (on par with your prices). IF I had to choose one or the other I would go with a doula over the classes because I think you can read the materials and watch videos, and research the nutrition info, breathing/relaxation techniques, etc all on your own.</p> <p>Having a doula there on the day of my delivery was something I'm glad I didn't skimp on. At the end of it, my DH and I both felt she was worth MORE than what we paid. I was glad I had an advocate who knew what she was doing by my side throughout my whole labor/delivery process... and she helped me successfully breastfeed right away. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doula-versus-natural-childbirth-classes#post-443183 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:10:06 +0000 mrsjazz 443183@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Revel: I did the Hypnobabies self-study, a 2-day natural birth class intensive (it was from 9-4 Saturday &amp; Sunday) and hired a doula. </p> <p>Our doula was, without a doubt, the best! I didn't end up having a natural childbirth (still struggling with this) but it made me even more happy that I had someone there in my corner (besides my husband) to help us navigate being transferred to the hospital.</p> <p>The Hypnobabies self-study was great to relax me during the pregnancy and in the beginning of labor--but once we had to transfer to the hospital, it was all about the support of my husband and my doula. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doula-versus-natural-childbirth-classes#post-443178 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:06:34 +0000 LittleGBee 443178@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My first reaction is....make both work! But if you really, honestly can't, then a doula will be probably be your best bet for achieving a medication-free hospital labor. We loved Bradley for the community and to help ease both of our fears when it came to labor and post-partum, but our doula was the one who was with us through all 54 hours of unmedicated labor. She gave us confidence when the hospital was pushing more invasive procedures, advocated on my behalf for less monitoring and more freedom to labor and push how I wanted, and she helped my husband feel like he could do something to comfort me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doula-versus-natural-childbirth-classes#post-443170 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:59:48 +0000 runsyellowlites 443170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'll have to come back to elaborate but if its one or the other then doula for sure! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doula-versus-natural-childbirth-classes#post-443119 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:32:28 +0000 Chastenet 443119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took childbirth classes and had a fabulous midwife who I loved for my birth. But next time I think I will hire a doula, I like the idea of having someone less emotionally attached there for support. I think DH was a little overwhelmed and we both kind of forgot a lot of the tips we had learned when the time came. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doula-versus-natural-childbirth-classes#post-443114 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:30:36 +0000 Revel 443114@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm about 15 and a half weeks and SO and I are starting to talk about preparing for birth, because we'll have to schedule classes or meet with a doula relatively soon. We are hoping for a medication free hospital birth. I see a midwife practice.</p> <p>I'm torn between going with a doula and going with classes (hypnobabies, Bradley, or something else?). Right now, I am somewhat leaning towards a doula but am not 100% sure. SO at this point would prefer classes - he likes the idea of it just being the two of us - but will probably go with whatever I want in the end.</p> <p>Cost-wise, we can't afford both. Classes would be cheaper (maybe $400 max). I think a doula in our area would be anywhere from $500 to $1000 or more - likely we'd end up around $800.</p> <p>Does anyone have any insight on these points? Anyone pick one or the other and have a good or not so good experience? </p>