Got some questions about Doula's...

[NatalieJaneIsPregnantAgain]

I have a long old way to go yet, but am thinking about hiring a doula this time for a few reasons.

My last labour was 2 hours long, I don't drive, the hospital is more than a taxi ride away, I have very little support in the way of child care for my two boys, DH will be working anything up to 4 hours away, I really don't want a homebirth, no mater how romantic the idea seems, and the last two births have been induced so probably wouldn't get a home birth anyway.

OK questions about Doula's:

Firstly, without sounding ungrateful, but if I hired a Doula, but then ended up being induced so DH would be around, the kids would be sorted etc. so basically I wouldn't need the support from a Doula, can I cancel her services at the last minute? (Oh god, that sound's much worse than how I intend it!)

Secondly, If for example, my labour started as quickly as it did last time, (waters broke, contractions started immediately) so I call the Doula, she get's here 10 minutes later (have checked and there is a Doula within 3 miles of me) but then DH makes it home within an hour (and in time) can I then ask the Doula to forget me and sort the kids out?

And thirdly, (partially unrelated to the Doula) if I go into labour at home with both my boys here, Doula and DH both can't make it in time, WTF do I do?

Arghhhhhhhhh I only have another 34 weeks to fret about this......

Tut, big

I am a numpty.

don't diss the U, preggers girl

hey squonkalicious!

NJ, tis doulas, not doula's

hey lulu

or, if we're being NJ missing out your Us, I'd better say "hey, ll"

i'd best go, have done absolutely fark all all day !!

See, told you, I am a numpty (couldn't care less either! )

And it's t'is not tis

And actually, I think it should be 'tis???

Who cares??

Did everything go OK with your Gran/Mum Lulu?

(Question is for later, when you have done something today!)

i have been out pedanted !

all was fine thanks, NJ, mum was not too bad and she has been at my sister's for a few days and mum & dad coming to mine on sunday. thanks for asking x

Oh I am glad she is geting lot's of support, what about you though? Are you getting the support you should be as well? It is all too easy to forget ourselves in this sort of situation.

oh yes, i am absolutely fine ! thank you

Good, I am glad you are doing OK Lulu

Mars, are you taking the michael out of me?! At least I don't go fainting on planes

I don't fancy matching sticthes thanks

or stitches.... grrrrrrr!

I was just putting the kettle on NJIPA lol! But don't worry about fainting on planes. I've a huge frying pan that'll sort you out nicely

You're not coming near me with that frying pan, LDC or not!

Seriously, how is your head?

Well I'm very tired. Can't even do the simplest things. MN hurts my eyes (but I'm too addicted). The DC are far too much work (and they're ignoring me and actually being rather good).

I've just made tea and I want to curl into a ball and sleep forever! Sigh....... I hate feeling like this. It's not me at all!

That's no good is it?

Have you seen the doctor since you got back? (lost track of thread after only reading your first post)

Do you know what made you faint?

Exhaustion made me faint. And probably lack of food.

No haven't seen the doctor. Going next Thursday to get the stitches out.

Just going to dish up for the kids and sleep on the couch until it's time to put them to bed.

Have I missed something? Why are you so tired?

Maybe you should go to see him before Thursday?

You go go go and look after yourself, get as much rest as you can, and eat something, before you do it again.

Whassup Mars and Lulu?

I was tired from all the all-night dancing that I did and the fact that I couldn't get comfortable on the plane. My bf thinks that I was also rather dehydrated. The current tiredness is from my whack on the head but I'll get over it. [yawn]

Marsy Cannot remember the last time we danced the night away! Though if dancing all night ends in a fainting spell and stitches, I might just give it a miss!

Are you looking after yourself now, with rest, food and drink (of the non-alcohol kind)?

Ladies - you've made the front page!

Can I ask some questions about doulas too, since they are hanging out on this thread?

My first pregnancy and labour were fine, but am now expecting my second, and have gestational diabetes. After reading lots of stories, am now increasingly worried about what might happen at the birth (induced early, hooked up to monitors/drips constantly, baby's blood glucose being tested too early, hospital trying to give formula etc), and am wondering if it would be worth hiring a doula just to help dh in standing up to the hospital people if necessary. Is this sort of thing something that doulas are generally experienced in? Would I need to teach them about GD, or would they be likely to know lots already?

Also, would I have to have a doula from my immediate geographical area, or are doulas generally prepared to travel a bit?

hiya.

Personally, i travel about an hour but am flexible as this is such a personal job, i don't think you can always give specifics. That said, it would have to be realistic in getting there etc. I haver travelled 5 hours away for a pesonal situation.

With regard to the gd, Possibly a Doula would be able to support you and dh become more informed and confident about the choices you are faced with, and talking to staff etc.

Try

www.doulauk.org

and

www.douladirectory.co.uk/

good luck. x

CSWS... we doulas know more than you think. We also attend regular study days, workshops, read etc etc.

GD is rather common these days so it is something that most doulas are clued up on.

As to whether or not you get a doula in your exact geographical area, that would be something for you and her to decide. You should meet several doulas and be sure that you go with the one that works for you. You may find that the first doula that you meet is your perfect fit, in which case then please let the others know so that they can continue to take on enquiries.

The benefit of having a doula that is close geographically is that she would get to you quicker.

Also... your doula will not make any decisions for you, she would help you make an informed choice (ie talk through the different options with you). She can help be an advocate for you but really they work alongside the mws with YOU as their first priority.

Do I think it's worth having a doula? Absolutely! Sometimes just having a doula there allows you to relax and let your baby come. She will support both you and your partner and will encourage you both.

I hope you are looking after your diet and remember that fruit juice has a lot of sugar (however natural). hth