Using a Doula?

[blahblah234432p2]

Hello!

I am looking to understand peoples experience using a Doula. I don't know anyone who has had one and if they found it valuable at all. I also don't know how people found it when dealing with the NHS, like was it too much having a Doula, your partner and nurses etc in hospital.

I am speaking to some Doulas this week but still something I am very much considering (my first).

I'd be interested to hear people's views on this ..... I am a maternity nanny with experience of multiples .... I like the challenge ....hoping to offer my services as a doula in the coming months

I can only talk from a midwife's perspective. Often Doulas are amazing for their clients. We would love to be able to just be with the women we look after however sometimes the practicalities of looking after you both, especially if you have a slightly more complicated labour and birth, mean sometimes we're unable to provide as much support as you/we would like.

What I would say, is make sure you are really clear about what services your doula can legally provide. Many of them are not medically trained, and they should not present themselves as being so. Sadly I have worked with some who have done the above and the consequences have been catastrophic.

I would agree with that totally ....from my understanding a doula is just mums voice when she needs her choices in place ......

Yes it seems to be a bit trendy that women who have used doulas, decide that they want to train to be a doula. which is all great for support and advocacy, but shouldn't be taken as being medically/childbirth trained. I would always take the midwife/doctor advice over the doula. It is also confusing having too many voices potentially in the room with you - if you already have a partner/parent/friend who is willing to advocate with you through labour, not sure how much an additional doula helps that. If you don't have the above, a doula is great to take up that position as far as I see it.

I would rather spend the money on having post birth doula/ additional maternity nurse help post birth, someone who can come help with breast-feeding advice/changing baby/ making you nutritious healing meals.