Anyone used a Doula

[Jewlesf]

I'm looking at NCT training to become an NCT practitioner, I really want to help ladies with breastfeeding, birth preparation and birth. I'm have also just contacted la leche league about becoming a volunteer breastfeeding counsellor to build up some experience.

I guess my question is though.... does anyone really use a Doula? Is there a great need or would I train only to find nobody needs me!

Well, I did! A+++ would use again

I haven't had my baby yet, 39 weeks today, but our doula has already been invaluable. We have had 3 antenatal visits and it had helped so much to have someone knowledgeable and reassuring consistently involved.

From what I have read the demand had been going up and up over the past few years. And I can only see it going up further as the NHS remains in freefall.

I was nervous about telling friends and family about having a doula but all have been supportive. Those that have had children have said they wish they had known about the role and it has given those planning to have children something to think about.

I'm feeling calm about my babies impending birth and a massive part of this is down to having a doula.