Thoughts on Doulas?

[NikxLx]

This is my first pregnancy and my husband and I decided to hire a doula. So far she has been lovely and amazing.

What is people's experiences when in childbirth with a doula around?

I've been reading lots about being calm/relaxed and not stressed as it can make the pregnancy last longer than necessary.

I’m sorry I don’t know but have been wondering about doulas myself. In particular, what do they actually do to help during labour and how much do they cost?

I hired a doula for support during labour as I was terrified of childbirth. I have a history of anxiety and depression and wanted someone with experience of different types of birth who could coach me through it and keep me grounded, whatever happened. Also liked the idea of them being somewhat detached from me rather than a family member - I felt that she would be calmer if I got distressed.

It cost about £800. The doula I found had experienced vaginal and caesarean births with her own children, as well as a premature baby, and supported women with everything from home births with no pain relief to planned sections.

Best money I've ever spent. She was very reassuring to me and husband after my waters went at 36 weeks and I was admitted for induction. She was brilliant during contractions (hospital overcrowding meant I had a good few hours without pain relief), talking me through, regulating my breathing and stopping me panicking.

I'm pretty sure without her we'd have ended up with a c section because the fear and pain would have made me lock down. Instead it was a really positive experience ending in a vaginal birth.

I'm never doing it again! (But if I did, I'd definitely have her again)

The doula I've hired was £600ish if I recall correctly.

Been listening to the Evidence based birth podcasts which is where I got the idea from.

Thank you for sharing your experience:)