Doula advice please

[WinkyTwinglet]

Hi Everyone,

I live in The Netherlands where I had DS1 13 months ago. I am now 18w with my second baby and am considering using a doula. The reason for this is that I have to be looked after and then give birth at a particular hospital due to a medical indication, however, the first birth was pretty awful and I don't really want to go back there without a lot more support than I had the first time. As I won't get this support from the hospital itself, I have thought about hiring a Doula. They're quite expensive, and this will be a stretch for us, but I can also feel my stress level rising as I think about my first experience and the potential of a similar experience again the second time round. So I'm writing to ask if any of you have any doula stories (good or bad) or advice on choosing a doula?

Thanks for your help.

WT

ABSOLUTELY get a doula. It was the single best thing I did when having my first born. She was great, and it freed my husband up to relax/make mistakes/not have all the pressure of being the one to make it all alright. The nurses in the hospital were pretty rubbish and absent most of the time, so she filled the gap and made it all so much better. I know they are expensive but IMO it is money well spent. Even the thought of knowing I had booked her made all the pre birth anxiety disappear for me.

I found mine by looking online, I emailed about 5, and chose the one I liked best based on the replies. I got to meet her twice before the birth so we could discuss what kind of birth I wanted (which I got!)

Best of luck to you, I hope you find a lovely doula very soon. xx

Thank you very much for sharing your experience, MummyAbroad. You've answered all my questions and I think I'll just go ahead and do it :)

I'm in NL and will be using a doula this time (any day now!). I will also be in hospital with an indicatie, and don't want a repeat of last time.

If you are in Amsterdam PM me and I can make some recommendations for you :)

get a doula! I got one for ds2's birth and it was invaluable. It's very important to have someone with you who is experienced in the whole thing and is not nervous (as you and dh will inevitably be). She will be able to advocate for you, as wrll as dealing with birth plan, helping you with things, etc. It is expensive, but in the end it's a small price for your peace of mind.