DH won't be able to be at the birth of DC2 (and tbh wasn't that helpful last time anyway). I'm trying to decide whether to hire a doula or to just go it alone. Doula is so very expensive, I wonder whether that money wouldn't be better spent on another month of mat leave with the new baby. But I can't recall the hospital midwives doing much practical help last time - helping with the tens machine, rubbing back, helping with going to the loo/shower. Is that because DH was there at the time and could do these things? And if I were on my own, they would be more hands on? Or do I really need to have a doula if I feel I will need help with these kinds of things? Thank you to anyone who would be happy to share their experience x