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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Doulas

14 replies

mazzymcg · 04/09/2004 14:23

Does anyone have any experience of using a Doula? I am considering one but am don't know if she will make my husband feel a bit superfluous. If I do decide that this is a good idea, at what stage would I need to engage one, and how do I go about finding one? I'd appreciate any thoughts.

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pupuce · 04/09/2004 14:41

Hi Mazy
I am a doula.... it's mumsnet members that suggested I become one !
Anyway for info I suggest you look here it has much info and a list of doulas in you area... these doulas are all certified.
Many mumsnetters have had a doula in the past few months so I am sure you will find testimonies ! Diny is due anyday and has a doula, Dinosaur had one not long ago, Pie had one, Bozza or Bozzi had one and these are the names that spring to mind.
If you are in London you need to book early as they get booked up quickly!
What I suggest you do (if I may) - find one in you area, ring her up, talk, if you like the sound of her ask her to come and see you when DH is there and go from there... you may choose to meet several doulas before selecting one. Doulas don't always / often charge for the initial interview but DO ask of course !
Doulas will provide references and your DH can speak to the dads.... I know all my dads are more than happy to speak to other dads...
If you look here you will see a a dad's testimony ... it's my website but feel free to contact me if you want more info.

Best of luck

KateandtheGirls · 04/09/2004 14:46

I had a doula with my second baby. I was single though. I don't think I would have done if my husband was still alive. I also had my stepmum and best friend with me which I wouldn't have done if my husband was there.

But the doula was great. Thankfully it was an easy straightforward delivery so she didn't have a lot to do. I'm sure that if I had had a doula for my first baby which was a horrendous labour and delivery it would have been a godsend.

Original poster

mazzymcg · 04/09/2004 16:15

Pupuce - thanks for the website link - sadly there are no doula's listed in my area (Cardiff). Does this mean that are aren't any full stop? Since moving back here from London 5 years ago I feel like I'm living in the sticks sometimes (although I'm not at all!). Any ideas where to go from here?

OP posts:

dinny · 04/09/2004 21:11

Pupuce, my doula has been so calming this last while...I am SO glad I found her (and you encouraged me to meet her!) Still absolutely terrified but she makes me feel greatly reassured.

Mazzymcg, I'll let you know my experiences as soon as I can, if you like.

midden · 04/09/2004 21:25

mazzymcg, I did my doula training with a girl from wales. I can try to get in touch with her and find out where she lives in relation to you or if she knows of any other doulas if you want? Email me through contact another talker.

piglit · 06/09/2004 09:13

Just a word of caution. I have had a nightmare with the British Doula organisation. The one doula in my area was booked up but they promised to try to find me someone (back in June). They kept promising to call me back with details and never did - I used to leave messages on their answering machine and send them emails but they never got back to me. Apart from one Friday afternoon (when I was out) and they left the most apologetic message promising to call me back on the Monday nmorning. Of course, they never did. I was so keen to have a doula but have had to come to terms with the fact that I won't have one (I am 36 weeks pg). I feel very let down by them. I had read so much literature about how good they are and how they help with the birth. Unfortunately, despite their promises my dh and I won't have the option of finding out.

I wish you luck with your doula search.

pupuce · 06/09/2004 15:24

Piglit... thnaks for that info ! British Doula Association is actually a private agency (also known as Top Notch Nannies) it IS VERY different from the real association of doulas called Doula UK... which is a non profit organisation.
Mazzy there is a doula in LLandrindod Wells.... don't know if that is near Cardiff... sorry..... There were doulas there in the past they seem to have vanished....

dinosaur · 06/09/2004 17:50

I had a doula at the birth of my DS3, five weeks ago. She was brilliant. I found her via Pupuce. Please contact me through Contact Another Talker if you want more info.

viclb76 · 20/11/2006 22:58

hi mazzy,did you manage to find adoula after.[new to site]

lulumama · 21/11/2006 00:34

i know there is a doula on here, she is in wales...not sure which bit...if you want me to, i can link you to her contact detials.....

lulumama · 21/11/2006 00:38

just realised this thread is ancient!!!!!!!!! LOL! imagine she has had her baby by now LOLOLOLOLOLOLO!

AitchTwoOh · 21/11/2006 00:43

ROFL lulu... well you never know she might be pg again...

lulumama · 21/11/2006 10:43

twasn;t my fault aitch....someone else revived the thread!!!

Saturn74 · 21/11/2006 10:45

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