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Waaaay OT, Q about labor

msg1986's picture

I know this is way OT and not step related at all but this is the only forum I use and I know there are a lot of Biomommas on here so I thought i'd ask... I was curious if anyone has ever used a doula? Dh and I did a tour of the hospital this weekened and the nurse who also happened to be a doula herself kept pushing how everyone should get a doula. We really don't have the $$$ for that (they seem to range frm 700-1000) but she made it seem like I was going to die in labor if I don't get one. lol. anyway, just wondering if anyone has used one and if it's REALLY that necessary.

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msg1986's picture

Yeah, it def seems like a waste of money. I almost feel like i'd be annoyed with this person that I do not know considering It's only going to be Dh and I in the room during birth.

After looking around online and also the responses I received I think I will go w/ just letting my ob take care of me. Smile Thank you for your insight!

tryingmom's picture

I actually had to look it up, my BS is 28.

A labor coach is a great idea, but if you take the Lamaze classes, you and your DH should be fine. I wouldn't want to pay money for someone to tell me to breathe, pant, etc when you can take a class and practice. The L&D nurses are great and will help you through.

msg1986's picture

You're so right on pretty much hiring someone to tell me to breathe/pant when I already how to do those things. I really think the nurse/doula doing the hospital tour almost had the scare tactic approach of like "hire a doula or else!!"

3LittleDragonflies's picture

Doula = not necessary.

Baby Friendly Hospital? Oh yeah.

A baby friendly hospital will encourage you in laboring naturally if that is your choice. They will also encourage you with breastfeeding if you choose.

I have had a LO at both a small town regular hospital (with a midwife) and a large baby friendly hospital (with an OB).
I GREATLY preferred the large hospital, even though it was a farther drive. I encourage moms who want to go the natural labor route to do so... I was out 30 hours after I gave birth, simply because I had to wait for lab results, my doctor signed my discharge paperwork at 12 hours after delivery Blum 3 My PPD was a lot more manageable and physically I felt wonderful.

B22S22's picture

I had both of my kids at a large hospital in their mom/baby center (it was actually the hospital I worked at). Some of the nursing managers were trying to introduce Doulas for moms-to-be. When I read the description, it sounded like a glorified labor coach... that costs a LOT of money. At the time I was pregnant with my first child so I was curious and continued to look into it, but in the end decided that was $1000 I just didn't have.

My L&D nurse was wonderful -- probably met every requirement of a doula and more. She was with me for my entire labor and delivery, which ended up being more than just her scheduled shift.

I guess do more research, look at the pros and cons.

z3girl's picture

I looked into doulas when I was pregnant the first time, but decided against it because of the cost.

I have a WONDERFUL OB, and he delivered both of my children. I wouldn't want anyone else delivering my babies. After the first birth, I didn't feel I needed anyone besides my DH and OB at the end.

fakemommy's picture

Here's my experience. I labored for almost a week, by the time it got really bad, my DH was exhausted, irritable, and not much help at all. This led to pain meds for me that I did not want (I didn't sleep for a week and without the support I needed, I lost control when they said there were complications with the baby). This led to an unwanted C-section, troubles breastfeeding, and other issues.
I wish I had had a doula through all of this. I used a midwife, and while she was supportive, it wasn't her job to help me emotionally through the labor. A doula can help you through labor and kind of tag-team with your husband or coach your husband to help you through labor. Either would have been great in my situation.
A friend of mine has used a doula through two of her pregnancies, and it helped her so much, although she probably didn't need the doula as much the second time. I will def use one for my next pregnancy.
Overall, I think you should look at your situation. The more natural of a birth you want, the more a doula can and will help. If you feel that your DH may not be as strong as you need him to be in a high-pressure, no-sleep situation, a doula would help. If your DH is a selfish person, you need a doula.
A doula is not a a stranger. You typically form a close relationship with the doula throughout your pregnancy to help you feel more comfortable. My friend's doula comes to her kids' birthdays, baby showers, and is someone she keeps in touch with fairly regularly.