Anyone used, or considered using, a Doula?

[Nad1122]

This is my first baby and I am seriously starting to consider using a doula. It needs to be a decision I make carefully as it is costly.

I've not met anyone that has used a doula and when I asked my baby mad sister she said "a what?"

Did you use a doula, or consider using one? What swayed your decision either way? Would you recommend it to a first time mum?

Thank you.

No! It's private and why do you need a know nothing there getting in the way?

I am not in the UK. It's not a normal thing here but when I was pregnant with both mine I had a friend who was training to be one and was considering becoming the first one in our area.

At one point I liked the idea of an advocate but then realised they probably wouldn't always listen to her anyway and I could get all the support I needed elsewhere. But she answered a lot of questions for me. It was useful as there were no classes at all here and I didn't get to know anyone else at my appointments.

I think it depends on circumstances. The support aspect is the only real advantage I can think of.

I wasn't very strong mentally, didn't have a clue what I was doing but everything was fine. I just put all my faith in the hcp's. I sometimes think classes and a doula and books or tv programmes would have made me over think things.

I did, but primarily because I knew her well and she was a retired midwife with 30 years experience (so was more of a private midwife I suppose). Her expertise in aromatherapy and hypnobirthing element was an added bonus for me.

I would highly recommend!

My Mum is a doula and the last family she helped gave their baby with her name as the middle names. She really meant a lot to them and they said they couldn't have done it so calmly without her.

There were complications and my Mum was there as a doula to help step in and assist them with the difficult decisions.

Sometimes the doctors are in a rush to get the next person and a doula is there to help you take your time and step in if your tired and being pushed into something sooner than needed. Such as forceps or induction...

Also I don't want anyone other than my partner with me at my birth. But I'm gonna have my Mum on standby to help as she's a qualified doula.

I wouldn't ordinarily want her to be in the room but it's nice to know she can help where needed.

Plus! She has given me more information than any midwife has so far.. (Such as benefits of delayed cord clamping)

No. They are unregulated and have no common training or standards of care. So you are quite vulnerable to the individual you select. If you go for it I recommend not paying up front.

No. As PP said they're unregulated. Also I have a dedicated midwife already.

I didn't have one, and having had the experience of labour, I won't be having one this time. I can't think of anything worse than having what is basically a stranger in the room while I'm trying to give birth. I could just about tolerate the midwife and my husband.