I have a lovely doula to hold my hand.....

[Flum]

..... for free as she is training and needs 4 births to qualify. I am no longer 'Sh*t scared' about having another baby but now actually looking fwd to it!!

itsll stil bloody hiurt htough
arf

ha ha

reckon it will be a bit like floating on a cloud and then someone will hand me a lovely quiet little baby.

no? surely that is what doulas do isn't it.

I had a doula for DS3's birth and thought she was great.

Sadly, it did still hurt though, and there were no fluffy clouds...

How wonderful! How many has she done to date?

I think that doulas are wonderful!

The only very slight problem I had with mine, which I really wasn't expecting, was that my sense of smell seemed to be working overtime when I was in labour, and the slight smell of cigarette smoke off her clothes really bothered me! This was totally unreasonable of me as I knew she smoked, and had assured her that it didn't bother me (I'm an ex-smoker myself) but I didn't realise that the smell would affect me so much.

Maybe I know her

I'm desperately trying to find a doula to support me through the arrival of baby number one in August - all the ones in Surrey I've contacted are either booked or taking holidays, rather inconsiderately! Just waiting to hear back from one more who is waiting to hear confirmation or otherwise from another potential client - fingers crossed!
I'm sure DH will be fab on the day, but I know that I will feel so much happier with someone experienced there throughout the whole thing who is just there for me, and whose feelings I don't have to worry about.
Anyone else had good doula experiences?
Pinchy x

Hi Flum, I also have a trainee doula to help (although not free it is v reasonable) and she is great. Sorry Pinchypants, not your area although if you CAT Pupuce she might be able to think of someone for you to try.

She's given me some useful and inspiring reading and I am already feeling loads more confident that this time I will be in control, because last time I wasn't really in a position to speak up for myself. Visited hospital at the weekend (we are in a different area from last time) and am now considering a home birth. Will ask at next midwife appt. Actually feeling excited about this instead of apprehensive.

Hi Pinchy - Does your first name with an A? If so at least another doula (who is not booked said she would contact you.)
Sadly August is always difficult and doulas get booked very early!