Anyone use a doula?

[StarCoveter]

In all my reading and learning about pregnancy and birth (when I get into something, I really delve into it!), I've been reading up on birthing doulas. And, by the way, I'm not pregnant yet, but I'm learning and figuring out all I can now, before school starts and before it actually happens.

(For those that don't know, a doula is basically a birthing assistant, there to help the woman make the right choices based on her birth plan, support her, and make her the most comfortable - physically and emotionally - that she can be.)

I found a website listing doulas in my area, and a lot of them have their own personal websites. Last night I looked in depth through their websites and the more and more I read about doulas, the more I'm liking the idea.

Statistics:
The presence of a doula at birth overall reduces:- cesarean rate by 50%
- length of labor by 25%
- oxytocin use by 40%
- pain medication by 30%
- need for forceps by 40%
- requests for epidurals by 60%

This is in line with the natural childbirth that I have always envisioned. The only thing is, the going rate is around $600. The price worries me, and although Kevin supports the idea of a natural childbirth, he thinks a doula is a luxury. For me, I could have my mom and best friend there, but they don't know about all the medications and how to be an advocate for me. A doula is constant support from the day I hire her. Mostly what I saw was between 10am-10pm, any phone calls/emails are okay; 2 prenatal visits to discuss the birth plan; 2 weeks before due date 24hour support; and once labor is established, she'll be there 100% of the time until after the baby is born.


My question is: Has anyone here used a doula? What was her fee? Was it worth the extra support?

Thanks!

[WebLady]

(For those that don't know, a doula is basically a birthing assistant, there to help the woman make the right choices based on her birth plan, support her, and make her the most comfortable - physically and emotionally - that she can be.)
I am confused why anyone would hire a stranger to do this sort of thing; isn't that what the father is suppose to be? Even if the father is not in the picture it seems there would be another close friend or family member that could do this sort of thing, during the deliver at least.

This is in line with the natural childbirth that I have always envisioned. The only thing is, the going rate is around $600. The price worries me, and although Kevin supports the idea of a natural childbirth, he thinks a doula is a luxury. For me, I could have my mom and best friend there, but they don't know about all the medications and how to be an advocate for me. A doula is constant support from the day I hire her. Mostly what I saw was between 10am-10pm, any phone calls/emails are okay; 2 prenatal visits to discuss the birth plan; 2 weeks before due date 24hour support; and once labor is established, she'll be there 100% of the time until after the baby is born.I would think you could discuss your plans, concerns and such with your Dr and have someone else (the father, your mom or a friend) be your advacate to make sure you get what you want and be there for you and the baby. I don't know; all seems strange to me.

[saltyveruca]

Statistics:
The presence of a doula at birth overall reduces:- cesarean rate by 50%
- length of labor by 25%
- oxytocin use by 40%
- pain medication by 30%
- need for forceps by 40%
- requests for epidurals by 60%


Don't put too much faith in these statistics. Chances are, the rates of epidurals, oxytocin, cesarean, etc. are down because the women who hire doulas are often women who want to avoid those things anyway. Does that make sense?

Anyway, I think hiring a doula sounds great. It seems like pretty often these days women end up induced, drugged, and sliced open to get things over with in the quickest (and I'll admit, sometimes safest) way possible. But that's just not ideal. My poor sister in law had a wonderful plan for a natural birth but ended up having a cesarean anyway. Having an advocate for the way you want to give birth would be very helpful, I think.

[StarCoveter]

Yes, I was wondering why you would hire a stranger to do that as well, but I've been reading a lot and I think my views have changed. Of course my husband will be there with me and be in line with my birth plan, but knowing Kevin he will not be able to speak up for me if I needed him to (he's just not good with communication). Any other person I would think of having in there with me may be able to help me stay comfortable, etc, but they wouldnt' have the experience or knowledge that would be of help. The doula would be there for added support, second to the father. She knows techniques and such that would be helpful, I'm thinking.

At first the "two prenatal visits" was concerning me, but then when I found out that they let you call/email them as much as you need to with questions or concerns, I felt better about the idea. They wouldn't be so much of a stranger then.

This is just an idea I'm having... I don't know yet if I'm going to have one. I just want other people's experiences/opinions besides just reading it all from a book! :)

[StarCoveter]

Don't put too much faith in these statistics. Chances are, the rates of epidurals, oxytocin, cesarean, etc. are down because the women who hire doulas are often women who want to avoid those things anyway. Does that make sense?

Aha... that makes total sense!

[WebLady]

Maybe I am wrong or ill informed (quite possibly both), but wouldn't Dr's only go to extremes to induce, c-sections and such in emergency cases when the baby and/or the mother is in distress?

My sister was induced with my niece, but she was past her due date and she was loosing embryonic (sp?) fluid. She wanted a natural birth, but couldn't handle it and finally opted for an epidural.

As for this "doula" person knowing "techniques"; shouldn't you trust your Dr to what is best for you and your baby in accordance to your wishes? Is this "doula" a Dr or NP or what?

[SerendipityCrafts]

I am just wondering what the difference is between a doula and a midwife.

My friend had a midwife but she gave birth to her son in what is known as a "birthing center" (a stress free, nicely decorated birthing place with baths, non-hospital looking beds etc.)

Midwifery is a health care (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_care) profession where providers give prenatal care (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prenatal_care) to expecting (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pregnancy) mothers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother), attend the birth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childbirth) of the infant (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant), and provide postpartum (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postpartum) care to the mother and her infant. Practitioners of midwifery are known as midwives, a term used in reference to both women and men (the etymology (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etymology) of midwife is mid = with and wif = woman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woman)).
Midwives are autonomous practitioners who are specialists in normal pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum. They generally strive to help women have a healthy pregnancy and natural birth experience. Midwives are also primary care givers providing general women's health care. Midwives are trained to recognize and deal with deviations from the norm. Obstetricians (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obstetricians), in contrast, are specialists in illness related to childbearing and in surgery. The two professions can be complementary, but often are at odds because obstetricians are taught to "actively manage" labor, while midwives are taught not to intervene unless necessary.[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midwifery#cite_note-0)

Midwives refer to obstetricians when a woman requires care beyond their area of expertise. In many jurisdictions, these professions work together to provide care to childbearing women. In others, only the midwife is available to provide care. Midwives are trained to handle certain situations that are considered abnormal, including breech birth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breech_birth) and posterior position, using non-invasive techniques. In many areas of the world, traditional midwives, renamed "traditional birth attendants" by the World Health Organization (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Health_Organization) (WHO) and other groups, are the only available providers for childbearing women.

I am confused why anyone would hire a stranger to do this sort of thing; isn't that what the father is suppose to be? Even if the father is not in the picture it seems there would be another close friend or family member that could do this sort of thing, during the deliver at least.

LOL because a LOT of guys are just plain useless in the delivery room. Oh sure they may have taken a few courses with you and they can coach you to breathe etc. but honestly, they have no clue! My ex almost rubbed a hole into my forehead thinking that he was being comforting :rofl: A midwife is like having an expert, friend, coach, mom, nurse all rolled into one.

[SerendipityCrafts]

I am just wondering what the difference is between a doula and a midwife.

LOL I think I just found out for myself .... midwives seem to have more medical knowledge (generally speaking most of them are also nurses) and experience. A midwive will deliver babies. The practice of midwifery is hundreds and hundreds of years old.

On the other hand, I don't believe doulas can "be birthin' no babies". :) They are more of a coach, massage therapist and emotional supporter.

[StarCoveter]

Ok... hmm... then why would someone choose a doula over a midwife if a midwife has actual medical knowledge/experience? Seems to me that might be a better choice? If giving birth in a hospital, would you need a midwife???

[acidcookie]

Maybe I am wrong or ill informed (quite possibly both), but wouldn't Dr's only go to extremes to induce, c-sections and such in emergency cases when the baby and/or the mother is in distress?

I think I remember reading somewhere that we (the U.S.) have one of the higher rates of C-sections and that we are using them more than medically necessary. Some women like to plan their birth so they opt for that. I don't agree with this at all, but it happens. Apparently in some areas like NYC c-section rates are up to nearly 1/3 of all births!!

Anyhow, a doula seems like a great idea if those are the things you'll need, but I do wonder why not a midwife then?

[NowAShelton]

from what yall have said i would think that you would choose a doula if you felt better giving birth in an actual hospital. and if you chose midwife, you would have doula and doctor in one....at least thats kind of what i picked up on... like maybe either or kind of situation?

[SerendipityCrafts]

Ok... hmm... then why would someone choose a doula over a midwife if a midwife has actual medical knowledge/experience? Seems to me that might be a better choice? If giving birth in a hospital, would you need a midwife???

Although midwifery has been around for ages, it's not permitted in certain parts. It was only sanctioned here (in Quebec) in the 80's or I might have considered it. Having a midwife does not rule out regular doctor visits but so long as you aren't considered "high risk" you can choose to go with a midwife for the birth itself. You can use a midwife if you wanted to go to a birthing center or give birth at home.

I think you might use a doula if you are planning a hospital birth. There are also post partum doulas - ie they are like a mom that make sure you are eating and napping after you get home. They are there to support you and dad and coach you on doing things for the first time.

I think you can also get a breast feeding doula - someone who is knowledgeable in the ways of feeding - a lactation specialist.

[WBandMe]

I don't have any personal experience and no one I know has used one, but it's definitely something I'd consider. Do you know the show Birth Day on Discovery Health? I've seen several episodes where a doula is used--kind of shows you what they do.

[bichonlvr]

One of my best friends had one the first time she had a baby! Her rational...give her husband a break...F that.....he can SUCK it up as far as I am concerned...I think popping a huge a$$ kid out of your tiny little hole is a heck of a lot more work then feeding my ice chips and telling me to breathe!!!!

Luckily all of my friends have kids, so I can ask them ?'s HA HA!!!!!!

Hey it your money, right?!?!

[LadyDante]

When it is time... some years from now. I'll have a friend in there with me, that will by that time have 3 kids. That will be like having a doula, but in some ways better, because it's a friend.

[rainbowtreat]

When I was pregnant with my last one my supervisor's wife was also pregnant and due about the same time as me. They opted for a dula. The reasons he gave was that they didn't know all the details about how a delivery goes and if something goes wrong will they udnerstand what the doctor is trying to tell them. He said that when his wife went into labor they would call the dula, she would meet them at the hospital and be there with them to help them through every thing. He wanted to focus on his wife and didn't want to worry about trying to figure out what the doctors were saying. His wife ended up having to have a c-section and then she had a fever after the fact. She was int he hospital for 5 days after giving birth. I have not talked to him about how it all went with having the dula. Fromw hat I got from what they were planning it made him and her feel better having some one there to be with them the whole time and help calms nerves from both of them and help them understand what all was going on.

I know when I was in delivering any of mine the doctor is only there to check you out once in a while and then to catch the baby. The nurses are in and out. The only ones there are the people you choice to have in there with you. Instead of having them hunting some one down to ask a question the dula would be right there. Also to some not having the doc. or nurse around the whole time would make them uncomfotable. The dula would help both parents to keep calm and always reasue them everything is going good and that there are no problems that everything is going as it should be.

If I have made any sense here. I tend to ramble sorry.

I never used a dula. But I can see why some one might. The father doesn't know all the medical terms doctors use and yes some doctors these days tend to do c-sectoins more often then needed and some tend to give episotomies as a normal part of delivery even when they are not needed. ( this happened to me, I had just delivered a baby the same size, a little bigger actualy, just under 2 years before my second, had a different doctor deliver me and he gave me one and it was not needed at all, I never even tore with my first and didn't need an episiotomy ). I think the dula for alot of parents who are just unsure of the whole things is a good idea. I never did it but if some one offered me one ( for free lol ) I may have taken it.

[SerendipityCrafts]

One of my best friends had one the first time she had a baby! Her rational...give her husband a break...

:rofl: When I was in labour with my first child ... 12 hours into it, a nurse offered my husband a cot so that "he could get some rest". Ummmmmmmmm hallo - what about giving me something so that I can get a bit of a break?!!!

My first thought was BS!!! FDS!!!! If I have to suffer and work through this, he is going to stand the whole time! LOL