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Original poster

Would you hire a *doula*?

134 replies

sarah733 · 24/02/2008 22:56

Thinking of becoming a doula and just wondered if there are any expectant mums out there in the pembrokeshire area who would consider hiring a doula! Dont worry i havent even done any course yet just wondered if its worth doing it!! Cheers!

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OrmIrian · 25/02/2008 21:34

I work in IT sarah. And before Christmas it looked as if I would be made redundant. TBH at the time I would have been happy to go. But things have looked up at work and it was clear I wasn't going to lose my job - unless I get paid my 14 yrs redundancy (and probably a few months gardening leave) I simply couldn't afford to do it. But I will one of these days.... I know it's right for me.

Original poster
sarah733 · 25/02/2008 21:36

Umm im not too hot on all the short hand, is there any chance that someone could explain them to me, i can kinda work them out but im a bit doh really!!

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Original poster
sarah733 · 25/02/2008 21:40

OrimIran- Oohh! Well my husband and i only have his wage at the moment any way so it wouldnt really made a difference, not like i have to give up a job. But as its coming to the time where im having to look at a career i thought this might be a good step to take!

Thanks alot for your messages!!!

x x x

OP posts:
Hillbilly · 26/02/2008 10:14

I had the same doula for the births of both my children. She is called Kicki Hansard and this is her site. She trains doulas too and is worth getting in touch with:

www.hertsdoulas.org.uk

It was the best decision I made regarding the births.

Original poster
sarah733 · 26/02/2008 12:32

Ah thanks Hillbilly, have had a look at her website and have noticed that she offers doulas no where by where i live! Not to sure if that would matter though perhaps i should give her an email and ask! x x x

OP posts:
Katelyn · 26/02/2008 12:37

I'm not in the area but am 4 months and already can see the benefit - go for it and good luck!

hertsnessex · 26/02/2008 12:43

Kickis website is:

www.birthbliss.co.uk

the herts doulas site is one that all of the doulas in herts (inc me) are on.

xxxx

p.s. sarah, i do offer alot! xx

moljam · 26/02/2008 12:45

id love a doula!

Fillyjonk · 26/02/2008 12:48

I don't know

I don't really like having strangers in the house. If I didn't think it was a bloody dangerous idea, I'd be quite up for an unassisted birth.

And the only doula I've ever met (am in Cardiff) had no kids, and thought you could get through childbirth with breathing and the drawing of labyrinths

Fillyjonk · 26/02/2008 12:49

(otoh have just remembered that lulu is a doula and she is fabulous. And has NEVER to my knowlege suggested that anyone draw a labyrinth...)

robin3 · 26/02/2008 12:53

I did to help after DS2 was born. Best investment ever and a life-long friend.

Since then I've suggested this to loads of people but I reckon the Doula organisation needs to promoted itself better.

My doc was heavily pregnant and we got chatting. She admitted to feeling daunted by the whole first few weeks phase and I suggested a Doula. She'd never heard of Doulas! Another Mother accidently had her third child 18 months after No2 and I suggested a Doula...she was so excited at the prospect of a little tlc/friendship and experience.

Excitable · 26/02/2008 14:18

This thread has helped me make a decision. I contacted a doula last night and she's going to come and see me in a couple of weeks. I posted a message on her website and she phoned me within half an hour! She sounds brilliant and just what I need. I think we're going to be good friends.

Holymoly321 · 26/02/2008 14:21

As DS2 is 3 mths old and I've also got a two year old toddler I haven't read thru all this thread, but would just like to add that we hired a wonderful doula for DS2's birth and yes it is a lot of money but was worth every single penny and more! I know for a fact that I wouldn't have had the VBAC I so desperatly wanted if it were not for the doula. Can't recommend them enough and have already bored all my mummy friends to death about how amazing she was!

Lulumama · 26/02/2008 14:25

labyrinths?? eh?? what was the purpose of the drawing? am actually quite fascinated to know.....

if someone wants to breathe their way through labour, go for it, if you want every drug in the cupboard , fill your boots ! as long as it is your decision and you have made an informed choice, and you feel supported and empowered to make those decisions, then they should be the right decisions for you!

IFYSWIM!

hertsnessex · 26/02/2008 14:25

such fab stoires about doulas, so pleased that having a doula helped you.

In regards to breathing and labyrynths- hmmmm, v questionable. U certainly need to breath!! but not sure about the other!!!

needahand · 26/02/2008 14:28

I have booked a herts doula...Maybe I have booked hertsnessex without knowing!

hertsnessex · 26/02/2008 14:36

needahand, whats ur edd?

needahand · 26/02/2008 14:40

june

hertsnessex · 26/02/2008 14:43

nope, not me!

needahand · 26/02/2008 14:47

ah shame, but I suspected it might not be! I bet you are on holiday in Spain at that time

hertsnessex · 26/02/2008 14:52

nope! thats nicola!!! the herts doulas are quite widespread, suspect you may not be near me!

Peachy · 26/02/2008 15:00

Filly there is one in your area- a MN Doula too, joFeb, she ahs 2 kids.

Have hired her and met her a few times now, as I am fairly likely to be alone in labour esp. if needing admittal (homebirth planned) I am relieved to have had the option, and Dh says it's massive relief for him too.

needahand · 26/02/2008 15:25

ok hertsnessex I give up I probably don't know you at all. This said when I looked on the herts website I was really impressed. All of the herts doula I spoke to were so lovely! So hard to chose!

MarsLady · 26/02/2008 15:26

herts is rather lovely. She doesn't have her picture on the site sadly. I think she should!

Oh but don't tell her I said that she was lovely!

hertsnessex · 26/02/2008 15:32

Needahand, I have met all of the doulas on there and sure you have chosen wonderfully! As a fellow doula always says 'We are only at the births we are meant to be at' xxx

A compliment Mars!!! I will get my pic added, but there are some of me on my own website!

p.s. Mars, only 'rather' - not totally, 100%, great mate, fantastic, etc etc!!!

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