To doula, or not to doula - what are people's experiences?

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Hi all,

I'm 33+3 weeks, and am considering using a doula. I hadn't previously thought about it, but have recently discovered that due to an ante-natal ward closure in our area and large number of bookings at the hospital I'm due to go to, lots of women are being diverted from their original hospital of choice and finding themselves in an unfamiliar and very busy environment. I've also had terrible ante-natal care, have really struggled with community midwives - lack of sufficient midwives in the area has meant I've missed appointments and am now onto my fourth midwife for the pregnancy.

Just thinking that it would be good to have someone at the birth who knows the ins and outs of the system and can give advice to dp and I during labour, and provide extra support - especially if it's a busy night and midwives not around very much (have heard many stories of this happening at hospitals in my area recently).

has anyone used a doula, and if so, what was good/bad about their experience? Would they recommend it?

thanks!

there are a few threads on this very topic in the childbirth section....they might be helpful!

the other thing i would say is that you are heading towards full term, and lots of doulas, partic, in london/south east seem to book up quick, so if you are consdiering it, best to make sure there are some still available as it takes a few days to interview and get to know your potential doula!

good luck !

Hi- I used a doula for my 2nd birth as we had really crappy care for my first son who ended up being born by section after a long induced labour. It was important to us this time to have good support and someone to really care for us and be on 'our side' if it came to unwanted intevention. She met with us a few times before the birth and was aware of all of my fears and concerns. We had a really positive birth experience this time- natural birth at home with no stiches and more importantly no regrets- and I think a lot of that was down to her support and my confidence because of her. My partner Fred also really appreciated her being there as it also took the pressure of him to know what to do and advocate for me (which wasn't required). I can't recommend them enough!

Good luck!!!

Rachel xx

Hi there...you could always look to find doulas in your area (doula uk website/ nurturing birth website) and meet some. Get a feel for them, how you get on and discuss whats on your mind etc..you'll get an idea if it's what you'd want.
The initial chat isn't a binding agreement but may help you in your decision about whether you'd like a doula or not!

Hi can really recommend doulas, there is one who posts on the twins threads marslady better than chocolate
go to www.doula.org.uk
have a good birth
look now as they are popular

I had a doula (DH didn't want to be at the birth) and she was blardy fantastic. DS was 5 weeks prem, and my plan of going to the lovely caring mw led unit for a waterbirth were replaced by the main hospital (terribly understaffed and overcrowded) for a continuously monitored birth followed by SCBU. She was calm, supportive, enabled DH to stay around as much as he wanted, and was the one person who stayed by me all the time (apparently there were 8 different midwives in the room over my 6 hour labour as they kept getting pulled out to do different things), and who cared about me. She was also the one who got me a cup of tea and put me in the bath afterwards. And insisted on a wheelchair to take me to SCBU as no one seemed interested in that.

I was really happy with my doula,I wanted some extra support as I'd had a hideous time with dd1 and also I needed to know that someone would be with me, we were co-sleeping with dd1 and she had never been left with anyone so I wanted dh to be with her at night.I ended up having another c-section in the daytime but my doula had been with me through the night and she was wonderful .I saw two initially and although the first was very nice when I met the next on my list I just felt that she was right so I didn't need to interview anyone else.I think she helped me stay calmer and she certainly made me feel very supported and cared for.I think my birth experience was altogether better for having her with me through labour (she didn't come into the surgery but she did wait to see the baby when I came out).

We had one - www.abracadoula.co.uk/contactus.htm - Lisa. She was excellent - met a couple of times before the birth and then she stayed throughout. Ended up being induced, them epidural and then emergency c section, so it wasn't entirely worth the money for me as it was all very clinical - the reason I wanted one was so I could stay home as long as possible but ended up in hospital 2 days before being induced due to some bleeding - not the doulas fault at all! I felt much more confident having her there, and if my midwife hadn't been as excellent or the maternity ward had been busier she would have been invaluable.