Doulas- worth the money or not?

[Berksmum]

I have been reading the VBAC thread and noticed a few people mentioning the benefits of a doula.

Didn't really consider this with DD (and ended up with elective CS for breech anyway). But have been wondering about whether it would be a good idea next time around. (Must add that I am not even pg wth no. 2 yet- just trying!)

I'd be really interested to hear views on what exactly they do, whether yours was worth the money, and also how your DPs felt about it (mine finds the whole idea a bit odd to be honest- maybe cos he thinks he would be redundant)

Thanks!

Hi Berksmum, I had 2 sections and really wanted to try for a vbac with the third. I knew that a big key to my success was my self belief. There was no physical reason why I couldn't have a normal birth. I decided to hire a doula both for myself and to take the pressure off dp. I must say, without a doubt, it was the reason why I was able to have a fantastic, easy and drug free birth.
DD was three weeks late and my doula supported me through that oh so long wait, helping me not to go for inductions because I would have had a much greater risk of scar rupture, failure to dilate etc. When I felt like I'd had enough she was alway there keeping me going and being a shoulder to cry on.
She was able to help me fend off consultants who were not keen on vbac and put me in touch with all sorts of other support networks. She helped look after me and my family pre and post birth, childmindind. cooking etc.
Because of my doula I felt confident, supported and safe. She came with me to hospital appointments, everything. I could not have done it without her.
She was a voice for me, I trusted her and she was not involved on an emotional level so could keep level headed where my dp could not have, therefore I felt calm!
I have since had 2 further dds, one of those at home and have of course used my doula.
You do need to be sure that you and your doula are of similar minds. You both have to click and you may need to shop around. Doulas know the importance of this too!!
But really, I think they should available on the nhs. Studies have clearly shown that there is a definite reduction in em sections, forceps etc with women who have I was lucky enough to have 2 ( a long story) and as I was pushing dd out I had one rubbing my back and the other one giving me a hug. I felt so safe and supported that it only took 2 mins to push her out. Any Questions, do ask, good luck !
Sorry I've gone on somewhat, but I think it's such a positive avenue for women to expore!!

wow thanks claraboo, that is a pretty compelling case! I especially like the idea of someone else doing the cooking afterwards ( only joking)

How did you find yours- do the NCT have a list?

Message withdrawn

I saw an add in a local parenting magazine, but you can look them up on the internet, doulas uk or something like that. Where I am ( brighton) it's got its own doula network. If you go on the web site they can find a doula for your area.

I didn't have a doula for the birth, since I knew I'd have 2 midwives with me the whole time (private hospital), and that felt like enough support. But after getting a bit overwhelmed on day 4 I decided I needed more support at home - I got a postnatal doula and she's been worth her weight in gold. It's like having my mum here, but without any guilt about running her around and without any judgement/guilt etc.! I have the doula for 4 hours twice a week and I'm going to keep her on until DS is at least 6 weeks old (he's 2 weeks now). It just means that I can take a nap while she walks DS around, or she'll make me sandwiches & bring me drinks while I'm breastfeeding.

I guess it is quite expensive, but I'm really conscious that because my Mum and both my sisters had PND and I've got a history of depression, I'm quite high risk for getting PND myself. So I'm unashamedly getting any support I can to try to lower my risk - so I can justify the cost to myself. I went through an agency, I'll try to write the weblink British Doulas I think they're London based - don't know if they have any elsewhere

Ooh yes, I had one for the birth of DS3 and it was definitely £300 well spent!

pupuce is a doula - she will be able to point you in the right direction

Bumping this as I was thinking about private birth but can't face parting with the cash

If you used a doula how much did it cost?
Is it worth it to have someone as a postnatal doula?
Can anyone recommend a doula in SW London?

Berksmum, I had one for my VBAC and it was worth every penny (about £600 - in London). She was just so calm and unheadless-chicken-like, it made me feel really confident from the start, as though I could handle it. I'd really recommend one.

anyone else used a doula?

yes, bl**dy fantastic. the only reason I managed to have 3 vbacs after 2 sections. Every woman should have one.