Has anyone had a doula before?

[Fissawissa]

This will be our second child and I'm hoping for a more positive, less intrusive birth this time round!
I'm hoping for a midwife led birth in a birthing unit.
I've been looking into having a doula and am wondering what are your experiences?
My DH will be with me & will be great I'm sure, but I have read that doula births usually end with less epidurals, episiotomies etc .

It's almost £1,000 which is a lot of money!
Any advice would be much appreciated :0)

Hiya, I have just trained as a Doula and so can let you know a little bit about us! You are right that a Doula can help you have the birth that you want, as they will act as your supporter, backing you up if you need when interventions can be offered. We all know that some interventions are needed, but often they're unnecessary so if you didn't want one they'd give you a bit of confidence to refuse. Other than that, doula's will act as a continuous support for you, which can help to reduce labour time, as it makes you feel cared for, comfortable, and reassured. I personally think a doula can be really important for the labouring woman and her birth partner. They can also help you to feel in control of your birth, no matter what happens. You can read a bit more on doula uk, this page is good: doula.org.uk/content/why-there-need-doulas

In terms of the cost, if you go for a mentored doula you can pay around £200. Not sure where you are, but often a more experienced Doula will cost £600 - £1000 as you say. It's well worth checking doula uk for local doula's to you, as you may find a few more are a bit more open to talking about prices...

Good luck, I'm sure you'll have a more gentle birth this time, I know my second was much more under my control...you have more confidence and more knowledge! Xx

There's not many who will charge as much as that, I think someone tracked down one who does.

I have had a doula and trained as one. I would always have one. I would ask around, don't go for the most experienced or the one who charges the most, go for a trainee if you want to, the most important aspect is someone you click with and will be comfortable with on the day. There's also a hardship fund for those who struggle with the cost.