Would you hire a *doula*?

[sarah733]

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!

thanks jaskie, we had links to petitions about independent midwifery and sample letters for MPs about the crisis a while ago, but does not hurt to keep reminding!

JASKIE,
I didnt know that about independant midwives. How interesting.

On the subject of them though, i always quite fancied the idea of having one, but experiences of women ive seen who have had them, well, its all gone a bit wrong! A bit like extensive birth plans do

Sorry, independent

I don't live near Pembrokeshire but I had a doula and it was fantastic! Out of our NCT group I was the only mummy out of eight not to have a painful, slow labour that after all the effort ended in an emergency C-section. My doula gave me and my husband confidence and I knew if anything had to be decided quickly she would help us make a considered choice.
Forget the money, you have enough to worry about after the birth without having to get over a traumatic birth that could have been so different. Don't get me wrong about C-sections either if it has to be done it has to be done with no guilt or feelings of failure attached.

I'm nearly 30 weeks pregnant and although had an induced and not nice labour last time the worst thing was my aftercare which I felt contributed to an awful time breastfeeding. This included mastitis when he was 7 days old (and a couple of times later on)and a cracked nipple for 5 weeks which has left a scar. I said to the (NCT)breast feeding counsellor who helped me I would love a doula next time, but would be more interested in the aftercare.
I don't know if I'll have the strength to keep going with the feeding this time with a boisterous 2 year old in tow if I experience the same problems. Managed almost 6 months last time.
Do any of the doulas think what I want is within their job description, or is it all about the birth??

Niknak21,

To respond to your 'aftercare' question, YES, this is something most Doulas can help you with. This would either be as a 'Postnatal' Doula role (or Birth & Postnatal) or a tailor made aftercare package. Mars & I have recently set-up a 'Welcome Home' Package which covers this sort of care. It would be best to conact Doulas in your area and ask them about this sort of thing. Some will and some won't, go to www.doula.org.uk and to 'find a doula' and type in your postcode.

Good Luck!

Cx

Thanks for that, have looked on website and although there are no fully reg'd doulas there are 4 trainees within a 30 mile radius so will definitely follow them up. Since I had 4 different midwives in the 4 days after my 1st was born it would be good to at least see a familiar face when I think you're at your most vunerable. Got my fingers crossed this time it will arrive without the aid of drugs and I get to go to the low risk unit and see a community midwife rather than the main conveyor belt one...

Click find a doula

niknak21,

i hope you find a doula, continuity of care and support is so important.

xx