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Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Has anyone used a doula? Was it worth it?

36 replies

mazzystar · 14/09/2006 16:17

Am weighing up VBAC and elective c/s at the moment. Midwife at last delivery was - well - not very engaged with the process despite my being the only woman in labour in the whole place at the time. Would love to hear about others' experiences of birth supported by a doula. What did they do?

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katierocket · 14/09/2006 16:18

I started a thread about this a while ago. Do have a search in the archives as there are a few as I remember. I want a doula for my next birth but not sure we can afford it.

lulumama · 14/09/2006 17:10

katierocket - i am about to start training as a doula - according to Doula UK ( they have a code of practice that doulas should adhere to and endorse certain training courses etc..) a trainee can only charge a maximum of £150 whilst a trainee. So might be worth looking at a trainee in your area - Doula UK website has a way to get in contact with doulas and trainees in your area . There is also a hardship fund for people who would like but can't afford a doula - not sure how you qualify though. Have a look at the website though , lots of good info. Remember - a doula is a woman who offers emotional support and one to one continuity of care so if you can't find / afford one, ask a trusted female friend or relative who has had kids who you think could give you that. The only proviso would be that they would find it harder to switch off from the fact that someone they love is in pain. All the best xx

katierocket · 14/09/2006 17:16

Thanks lulumama - yes I thought about trainees but just not sure about it. I don't really feel I should qualify for the hardship fund. We're not in dire straits but I'm self employed so we have to save enough for while I;m on mat leave and every penny is accounted for - the doula felt like an extravagance IFYKWIM

Original poster
mazzystar · 14/09/2006 17:18

It's a good website. Sadly, very few doulas listed in Merseyside, where I live. Still keen to hear about other mnetter's experiences though!

OP posts:
LittleMerlin · 14/09/2006 17:19

Mazzy - I had a doula for DS2. Reason being was I was going for a VBAC after emergency CS for DS1 and I also had no labour with DS1 so was petrified second time around not knowing what to expect.

She was fantastic - and even though I ended up with another emergency CS - she helped me stay very calm through 8 hrs of labour. Just knowing she was in the room with me and my DH was very reassuring.

lulumama · 14/09/2006 17:55

If you live near me , i would do it for you!! if you are worried about having a trainee - you are not using someone who is in a clinical role, so they can't do anything wrong in terms of harming you or the baby as they don;t do anything clinical / medical. From my own point of view, i want to be a doula to try and give other women a positive and empowering birth experience, i imagine most trainees would feel the same! i don't think it is an extravagance to try and ensure you have a great birth! as mums, we are always last on the list for anything special for ourselves aren't we?? xx

lulumama · 14/09/2006 17:58

mazzystar - where in merseyside are you as i live in merseyside - doula course starts next friday - might be someone there who is near you. BTW - i had a VBAC last July and would highly recommend it !!

kittywits · 14/09/2006 18:11

I've used one three times for my three vbacs after 2 sections. Couldn't do it without one. Bloody fantasic. Every woman should have access to one if they want one.

MarsLady · 14/09/2006 18:24

I'm a doula and I wish wish wish I had had one!

My mums have all told me how it impacted their births, esp the ones who had traumatic first births.

If you can get one... get one! Trust me... money well spent!

Gem13 · 14/09/2006 18:45

katierocket - I am going to use a trainee doula. I wanted a doula anyway and emailed a few and interviewed one who is lovely... and a trainee.

She has done the training and has been a doula at 2 births and by the time I have my baby will be qualified but counts as a trainee.

Anyway, what I am trying to say is that the fact that she was a trainee didn't matter to me once I'd met her. It was her personality and the fact that I could see that I would be happy with her in childbirth.

Original poster
mazzystar · 14/09/2006 19:19

lulu- i'm in crosby, north liverpool, and I am still trying to decide between Liverpool Women's Hospital and Ormskirk.

OP posts:
lulumama · 14/09/2006 19:39

I'm in Southport and had really positive VBAC at Ormskirk , midwife excellent and really instinctive, didn't mess me around and bother me lots, left me too it until waters went and was 7 cms.

had to have continous CTG monitoring, but could stand by bed for part of labour to encourage baby to move from OP to LOA. long slog to get to 3 cms but only 3 1/4 hours after that until she was in my arms! best feeling in the world!

CarlyP · 14/09/2006 19:54

im starting my training in 3 weeks and catn wait! i think the service in invaluable to women.

cx

dinny · 14/09/2006 20:05

yes, had birth doula with 2nd baby and she was amazing, so calming and just fantastic, would thorouhly recommend having one.

katierocket · 15/09/2006 09:46

Thanks Gem, I might look into a trainee, I just wanted someone experienced really.

To anyone who has used a Doula - did you encounter any negativity from the hospital midwives?

lulumama · 15/09/2006 12:11

katierocket- i understand you would prefer someone more experienced, but bear in mind, doulas have to start somewhere! every birth is so different that it will be one of those things where you are always training and learning! i would presume the majority of doulas would have had a baby of their own so have some personal experience of labour, if not been with anyone else. part of the reason i am going to start training as a doula is i had a successful VBAC and feel that i can use that positive experience to help other women achieve that themselves.Being able to give someone that confidence comes from within, not necessarily how much training etc you have. i think also, trainee or not, it is just as important you and your doula 'click' and feel comfortable, you need to trust her implicitly , and you could meet a doula who has had 100 clients, doesn't mean she is the one for you! good luck, whatever you decide xx

dinosaur · 15/09/2006 12:15

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Original poster
mazzystar · 15/09/2006 12:26

lulu would it be ok if i CAT-ed you, aobut the doula-ing and also for the lowdown on Ormskirk?

OP posts:
kittywits · 15/09/2006 13:10

I have never encountered any negativity with my doulas. The midwives seem relieved that some of the pressure is off them .Round here I think it's almost normal to have one, which is great.

lulumama · 15/09/2006 13:20

mazzy- not got set up for CAT, but happy to give you my e-mail address and phone number if that would help x

lulumama · 15/09/2006 13:23

mazzy - think i have set it up now!! but happy to talk / email aswell , whatever easiest x

lulumama · 15/09/2006 18:25

Mazzystar - was a bit confused! thought CAT was like instant messaging! oops! happy to be CATTED!!! x

lulumama · 15/09/2006 18:25

Mazzystar - was a bit confused! thought CAT was like instant messaging! oops! happy to be CATTED!!! x

jabberwocky · 15/09/2006 18:30

Loved my doula! It was the best thing I did regarding my birth with ds.

pupuce · 15/09/2006 18:56

Carly P... I know who you are - you are training with me and so is Lulumama.

Mazy - I have a list of doulas if you CAT I may be able to help you find one.
I train doulas all over the UK! Feel free to CAT me...

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