Did you or do you plan to use a doula? What were your reasons?
If you had a doula, were you still open to an epidural or did you use a doula because you didn't want medication, if possible?
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I used a doula because I was planning on a non-medicated birth in a birthing center. I figured I could use the support and read that your support people really make a difference when going with no drugs. I ended up having a c-section but was in labor with no drugs for about 15 hours. My doula transferred with us from the birthing center to the hospital and helped tremendously, both with my physical pain and emotional well-being as the process became scarier.
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I didn't because my birth plan was to use an epidural. If I have #2, I would be interested in having a doula and no drugs, though. We shall see. I would have to do the research.
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I'm not having a doula because my birth plan is having an epidural...and that's the extent of the plan!
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I didn't use a doula. I was undecided about using medication and didn't want to spend the extra $ on a doula since I had my mom and dh with me.
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I did and it was the best decision I've ever made. My plan included going unmedicated as long as possible just for concern over the increase in c-sec rates the earlier in labor you get an epidural. My plan included an epidural whenever I got too tired. Our doula was the most amazing support for both me and Mr. S. I highly encourage that everyone consider a doula, no matter what your birth wishes may be.
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Nope, I also wanted an epidural so it didn't make sense for me.
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I didn't, I don't think they are too common here. I was fine with having drugs if I needed them though.
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I will absolutely be having a doula!
I may be a bit biased because I'm currently training to become a certified doula, but I am truly passionate about the work they do.
I think the emotional and physical support is something all women should have the opportunity to experience, no matter what their birth choices are (even epidural and c-section mama's can benefit from doulas).
And for parents who are planning on the natural route, the fact that doula's have been scientifically proven to help lower the incidence of c-sections and other interventions is a great reason to have one.
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Yep, she was uh-may-zing!! We wanted to avoid interventions as much as possible and with her help I went natural. DH agrees that she was the best money we ever spent, so calming for both of us. She was a wealth of knowledge the entire time.
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Our doula was absolutely worth every penny. She was great before and during but really helped after. I was passing out after the birth and she stayed at my side while my dh was able to stay with the baby. She was amazing!
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If I have to have a hospital birth, yes, there will be a doula. I've had severe adverse reactions to medications and vaccines (and other family members have had similarly severe vaccine reactions), so it's very important to me that a) I don't get any unnecessary drugs/interventions that could necessitate drugs and b) my baby does not get the Hep B vaccine (my husband and I have tested negative for Hep B.)
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Yes, for our second child we had a doula. My family lives out of state and only flew in after the baby was born... I wanted an extra support person with me during labor in case DH had to tend to our first DD (which he ended up doing for a bit til we got a sitter to come over at the last minute!)... I also wanted someone to help me focus and deep breathe well through contractions so I could increase my chances to have a med-free birth. DH was great during our first L&D experience, but I knew that we would both benefit and feel more at ease with a trained doula/support person present. It really worked out well for us having her there
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I didn't because I had a registered midwife for both births. If I hadn't had that option I would have considered it.
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I thought about it because none of my friends and family live near me, but after talking to DH, I'm reassured he'll try his best to be my support. Plus, I'm open to a medicated birth/whatever I need when the time comes. It's our first baby and I don't want to go in limiting my options, especially since the whole birthing process seems to be unpredictable.
Also, birth here is done by extensively trained midwives. The only time I'll see a doctor is if there's complications.
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No doula for me, because the birth was attended by midwives, so I felt comfortable that they would be able to coach me as needed. If that wasn't available, then yes, I would have used a doula because of language barrier issues and wishes to avoid interventions.
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No doula for me. Actually until I started to be on mommy boards I had no clue a doula existed. Not something common where I live
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Nope. Was planning c sec and epidural...
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At this point, no. We're planning a homebirth with a midwife, and there will be at least one other midwife/assistant there as well as my husband.
The midwives and my husband will make a great team, ensuring my support, privacy, and control over my birth choices.
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I sure did, for both births. Partially because I didn't want my mom there, partially because I wanted a third party in the room that wasn't so emotionally invested in...well...me! It was great too--she reminded DH how to help me cope with pain, let him get a bit of down-time during the long labour (and therefore let him eat a little too!), and played go-to with the hospital staff. Worth every penny! The second time, my entire labour was about 3.5 hours, so that it seemed less important, but at the same time, I had her there to reassure me that I was going to be able to do it, something that I wouldn't believed coming out of a man's mouth!
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If my insurance or FSA allows it, I would live to have a doula.
I'm going to try for a natural (pain free) birth when I get pregnant and would love for someone to be on my side.
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I am undecided but definitely interested in it. I am also going with a midwife, it's been helpful hearing about others experiences!
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We haven't really talked much about this but need to. My hubby is really nervous/uncomfortable about delivery and he worries if he'll be able to be supportive enough or if he'll be in shock. lol. I think we are going to take a birthing class first so we both fully understand what labor is all about, and then further explore from there if its too overwhelming.
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Not covered by my insurance and I'm comfortable with the level of support I think DH will be able to provide for me. If insuance covered it I might look into to further, but we don't want to pay out of pocket for one
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I'm not pregnant or even TTC yet, but I already know that I absolutely want a doula. To me, it is worth the financial investment. Statistically, having a doula is one of the best ways to lower your risk of interventions. In fact, if I had to choose between paying for birth classes or a doula, I'd pick a doula.
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I had a doula. In the end I have pretty mixed feelings on whether it was worth the money, but I also had a really weird labor. (It was 3 days long, and my contractions never made it to 5 minutes apart until I finally accepted pitocin... which led to an epidural b/c I was so exhausted.) I think for most people, if you want to have a natural labor, a doula is a great option.
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I didn't for the first because my birth plan was: epidural. After my 3 epidural failures, a 24 hour labor and 3 hours of pushing, I decided that no matter what for the next I will have a doula or support person for the next birth. Wagon Sr. was a great coach but I feel he was a bit cheated of a beautiful birth experience because our labor and delivery was just so traumatic and long. I want someone there who can answer questions, chase down nurses, and coach me through contractions. And if I have epidural failure again obviously it will be essential to have a doula present.
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We are planning to use one. I had the option of using midwives at our hospital but chose to stay with our OB because we really like him and who knows who we will really have attending when we actually go into labor. I wanted to know for sure that there would be one set person there to support us during labor and delivery and I also want to try to labor at home as long as possible to avoid IV's and pain medication if I can. Our doula is also able to come to our house after the baby is here to help with breastfeeding, household tasks, and support which I think is amazing.
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