https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 13 May 2026 15:52:44 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula/page/2#post-2047169 Fri, 30 Jan 2015 10:32:38 +0000 Mama Bird 2047169@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did, I have a friend who is a doula but she lives in another state so I just asked her for advice ahead of time. She just told me to focus on my breathing (they taught it in my hospital class and it was super helpful), and to stay home in the early stages if I can. The hospital I was at (Maimonides) is really supportive, so they had a yoga ball for me to sit on and encouraged me to move around if I wanted. And of course DH was there... that's the biggest reason it was so low stress. He was cool as a cucumber and was cracking me up the whole time, I just couldn't get stressed out :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula/page/2#post-2047156 Fri, 30 Jan 2015 10:27:52 +0000 CraftyMom13 2047156@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: I did but DH was very pro natural birth and I have a very personal relationship with my OB due to years medical issues. She knew what type of birth I wanted and made sure it happened. I also got lucky and my labor nurse had 3 med free births and helped DH know what to do. If I didn't have such a supportive OB and DH I would've hired a doula. I am currently going through Doula training. If you do not have a supportive team already lined up I would highly suggest hiring a doula but I do not think they are 100% needed if you already have a supportive team in place. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula/page/2#post-2047051 Fri, 30 Jan 2015 09:38:10 +0000 LindsayInNY 2047051@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Greentea: That's what concerns me... I might wait and see how DH does with the classes first? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula/page/2#post-2045855 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 15:50:24 +0000 ElbieKay 2045855@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: Tanya's class is eight weeks and located on the UWS. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula/page/2#post-2045758 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 14:57:39 +0000 PawPrints 2045758@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are almost done with our 12-week Bradley class and we're preparing for med-free with no doula. We'll deliver at a midwifery center, no OBs, so they are very accustomed to not offering pain meds, various pushing positions, etc. I would kind of love having a doula I think, but I just can't see spending that much money for something that only lasts a day or so (when the delivery is already going to be expensive). Doulas are very pricey here. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula/page/2#post-2045745 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 14:46:26 +0000 bhbee 2045745@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've had two med free births, first with doula second we had one lined up but it went too fast. I was soooo thankful for our doula in the first because labor was so long. DH was great but he needed a backup too. I think I could have done it without the doula but she made it much better for both of us and was well worth it. Of course you need to really click with the doula too for that to happen. The hospital was open to us going med free and didn't push anything, but they also weren't in there supporting me, just showed up for Doppler checks and the end of pushing. </p> <p>Second time around, if you've done it once, id say skip because it is likely to be faster and easier. Honestly the biggest peace of mind it gave me for #2 was she would have stayed to watch #1 if our planned care couldn't get there in time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2045701 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 14:21:29 +0000 Greentea 2045701@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: I HIGHLY recommend getting as many professionals as you can to help you if you want to go med free. I also think it depends on your SO's personality. DH and I took Bradley classes, which I also recommend, but truth be told DH doesn't have the outgoing personality to be my "doula," which is sort of what those classes train a SO to be. If I wanted to go med free I would hire a team of professionals to help me. I had to direct DH during labor... and no one wants to do that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2045689 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 14:17:44 +0000 Adira 2045689@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a med-free birth without a doula, but it was attended by a midwife. Not really sure the difference between having a midwife vs an OB though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2045639 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 13:53:21 +0000 danda 2045639@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a med-free birth without a doula in a hospital with an OB/GYN. I am terrified of epidurals so I think I only would have had meds if medically needed. I took Bradley method classes so I had an idea of what unnecessary interventions might look like. But ultimately I lucked out with an easy, quick labor where there wouldn't have even been time for an epidural if I had wanted it. Probably biology helped out 80%, Bradley method 10% (keeping me relaxed), and the remaining 10% being luck that nothing happened to make the docs/nurses concerned. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2045478 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 12:49:54 +0000 LindsayInNY 2045478@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBucky: Oh yay! We're looking to sign up for the March to April classes. I'm going to wall you because I'd love your input on her/the classes so far! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2045368 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 12:10:42 +0000 MrsBucky 2045368@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: We are taking Mary Esther Malloy's Bradley classes at the recommendation of my midwife group, FWIW. Let me know if you have any questions about it! I do think waiting and seeing can't hurt. Once you and your partner get more exposure to what to expect, then you'll be more informed about what you think you'll need to have the best shot at the type of birth you're hoping for. I'm mostly trying to be really gentle with myself about my birth plan/ expectations of myself and the experience, so that's my approach. I'm still a bit on the fence about a doula or not, so I totally hear you on that question! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2045034 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 09:36:02 +0000 LindsayInNY 2045034@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: My OB is with NYU Langone. I had gotten info from Mary Malloy on her classes but haven't signed up yet. I'll check out Tanya though! How many weeks are her classes?</p> <p>@MrsBucky: I was kinda thinking that - just taking a wait and see approach once I start classes? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2044885 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 08:03:25 +0000 MrsBucky 2044885@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: I'm about half way through our bradley classes and I think taking them will really help you decide. Which instructor are you taking the class with? I wonder if it is the same as me and DH :) we are leaning towards not hiring a doula, but like others I am with a Midwife group that is well respected in the hospital so we won't be bothered by the OB or nurses on call unless we want them. I'm also open to pain meds, if I feel I need them, though obviously I'm doing what I can to be able to go med free as well. What I love about the bradley classes so far is how it has really brought DH's involvement to the next level- it really engages him and teaches him things that maybe I knew but he didn't. It's really brought us together even more! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2044865 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 07:19:04 +0000 ElbieKay 2044865@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: Are you in NYC? Which hospital are you using? If you are looking for a Bradley class then I recommend Tanya at Manhattan Birth (<a href="http://www.manhattanbirth.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.manhattanbirth.com</a>).</p> <p>I think the nurses matter more than the OB when it comes to this issue. They are just around more throughout your labor. I think our doula could have been a better match for us, but I am glad that she was there because hers was the only voice I was really able to focus on during my labor. I wanted my husband there, but I didn't really want him to talk, haha! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2044857 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 06:49:47 +0000 IcebergMom 2044857@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yep we did! At a smallish regional Hospital in Canada. :) no one offers drugs automatically so If you don't bring it up - they won't. I wasn't even overly opposed to them it just never happened for me. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2044801 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 00:17:12 +0000 AprilFool 2044801@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did it completely med free with just DH. I also gave birth at a birth centre with just my midwife so drugs weren't really on the table. My labour was hard, baby was crooked and I had back labour but I made it through. Water was the key. At home I was either in the shower or the bath. I alternated between them and then once we got to the hospital I was in the shower until I could get into the birthing tub. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2043965 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:54:20 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2043965@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did get induced and was given some oxygen &amp; a bit of fentanyl late in the pushing stage, but I labored mostly without drugs &amp; didn't feel "pushed" into anything. I didn't have a doula - just my husband, CNM, and a great nurse.<br /> I second The Birth Partner. It was exactly what we needed to read for my husband to be prepared to help me. I'd say only you know if your husband can replace a doula as an advocate/coach. Is he calm in tense situations? Is he comfortable speaking up, asking questions, and taking a "leadership" role around medical professionals? It took some research &amp; serious communication skills (before &amp; during) to have my husband help me during labor. I'm glad we did though - we both enjoyed the experience. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2043888 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:21:53 +0000 avivoca 2043888@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: The average length of labor for a first time mom is 18 hours, just to give you some perspective. Obviously, you'll never know how long labor will be until it's over. I live about 20 minutes away from the hospital I gave birth in (with no traffic). Laboring in the car is not fun, but I personally lost all sense of time during labor. All I knew at the time is that I had three contractions in the car (mine were never regular) and it hurt because I was crunched up with a seat belt on. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2043851 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:04:03 +0000 LindsayInNY 2043851@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Rainbow Sprinkles: We're about a 30-45 min trip from the hospital so I don't know how long I'll be able to wait at home. I think if we truly put our minds to it, I could do it on my own (without a doula). I would just need to be really prepped - know position/pain-relief options, etc. Have them written down if necessary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2043831 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 13:58:44 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 2043831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: Oh, that's cool. I hope your birth plan goes well and you get good nursing staff!</p> <p>My situation was also a bit different because I labored at home as long as I possibly could, so I was almost 7 centimeters by the time I got to the hospital. But once my husband told them "no epidural" they kind of got right to work, bustling about me, making sure I didn't get an IV, helping me into the tub, putting on nice music for me, etc. Really, all the OB did was waltz in and catch the baby! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2043803 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 13:47:33 +0000 LindsayInNY 2043803@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@theotherstark: I'm going to take the class and I think that's one of the required additional books. There are two. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2043801 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 13:46:56 +0000 theotherstark 2043801@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I really liked The Bradley Method book. I didn't take the class, but the book was really helpful for both me and my husband. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2043793 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 13:43:29 +0000 LindsayInNY 2043793@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Nope. OB and hospital setting.</p> <p>@avivoca: I'll check out that book - thanks!</p> <p>@Rainbow Sprinkles: Sounds like my anticipated scenario... That'll have to be something I look into or ask about at the hospital, I think. I know the hospital has a pre-made birth plan you can fill out which includes a lot of low/no-intervention options. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2043513 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 11:35:20 +0000 lamariniere 2043513@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I never planned on having a duala and my 2nd LO was a med free birth with a midwife, since that is the norm here. My OB was supposed to deliver my baby but he arrived at the hospital too late. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2043493 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 11:25:53 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 2043493@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I delivered med free in a hospital with an OB, no doula. For me, it was all about the nurses. Once they knew I wanted to go med free, they got me in the tub and didn't bring up pain management at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2043486 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 11:22:35 +0000 Mrs.Someone 2043486@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a doula but still decided to get the epidural. Of course its possible to go without both, but you never know what your labor is going to be like... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2043408 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 10:46:06 +0000 avivoca 2043408@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jetsa: It also helps if you have nurses that are on your side! That was the best about my hospital. The nurses knew my birth preferences and never even offered me drugs. The one time I asked, my nurse (God bless Ashley) told me that I was almost done and didn't need it. I delivered within the hour. I hope you have great nurses for this birth! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2043396 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 10:39:52 +0000 jedeve 2043396@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did, but it was my second. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2043378 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 10:29:44 +0000 jetsa 2043378@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@theotherstark: this is how I felt.</p> <p>I had a doula because everyone swore it was needed to go med-free. She was annoyed before we ever started because I was induced (PIH, per her I didn't push hard enough to not be uhhh no high blood pressure is bad for me and baby) and so we just never clicked and she just annoyed me. It was actually the first thing my dh said when we were talking about birth this time, "doula free in 2015!" Lol :)</p> <p>So to me it is not needed it requires a lot of dedication and as long as you can be stubborn enough to outlast your labor you'll be fine. I had a midwife in an OB group, she told me it was my choice but she had an epidural and would recommend it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2043370 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 10:28:00 +0000 avivoca 2043370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: I did! I gave birth with a CNM at a hospital that is known in town for being very low-intervention. It's definitely possible to do it. We took a birth class that was Lamaze-based (not the old Lamaze, the new one) but taught by a doula who is not affiliated with any of the hospitals. You guys should read The Birth Partner. It really helped my husband and he was a great birth coach. I also recommend laboring at home as long as you can.</p> <p>ETA: My labor was 15 hours and I labored at home for 11 hours. </p>