Has anyone used a Doula

[needahand]

Hi everyone, I have just found out that I am expecting again. With my DS labout was very long and painful (36hours and threw up throughout!). I had to beg for all the drugs in the book. This time I am hoping to have a slighlty more agreeable experience (and less gruesome) and was thinking of using a Doula.

Did anyone do that? Did it help? Would you recommend one or was it just of no assistance?

I know this finshed a while a go but a big thumbs up for doulas from over here as well! My doula was fantastic, brilliant at keeping DH calm (I knew I could do it, he was less confident in my abilities!) and thought of things we never would have. Straws for me to sip water through so someone else could hold cup for example - sounds silly but was life-saver at the time.
Although my birth ended up a bit more medical than I imagined, she was so supportive of my decisions - and made me feel so positive about the whole experience. So much so that we're already considering the next one (DD 6 weeks old!).
Found her through my NCT and as she was training, did not charge us at all. Would definitely like her to be with me for the next one. Though may ask her to support me at home and then stay at home with DD1 whilst I went into hosp for actual birth. Can you tell I've given it some thought already!
Best of luck with the birth, whatever you decide to do.
xx

i know helen and she is lovely - def chk out doula.org.uk under the find a doula page and put in your postcode. hope you find someone.

cx