Anyone who has had a doula?

[jmrpinkie]

I am 14 weeks pregnant with my second child. My son is 5 in September. My first birth was very straightforward but during covid and I have so much trauma from it all hence it has taken me a while to get to a place of wanting a second child.

Im determined to do all I can for to make this experience as positive as can be and one thing I would like to explore is using a doula. I’ve been nervous about finding the right fit. I am doing therapy again with a therapist I found over a year ago and she is just perfect for me and I found out today she had acted as a doula for her perinatal customers.

I would just love to hear from other women who have had doulas at their birth and what their experience is. I absolutely know everyone is different but just looking for some stories.

29 weeks pregnant and in a similar situation. Not during COVID but a seemingly straightforward birth which was very difficult for me because of how I was treated, things done to me without consent etc.
I have hired a doula. I'm also having my mum with me in addition to my husband. I had wanted both last time but got talked out of it. We've had the first two antenatal sessions with all four of us talking through things and I'm feeling a lot better already.
Obviously haven't had the whole experience yet but it certainly seems to be going well.
If you're interested I'll let you know how things pan out in a couple of months!

Thank you - this all sounds really positive and I do feel like it would be the right decision. I also wondered about having my mum but that would probably be instead of a doula but I also want her to be the constant and reassurance for my son which is also something I worry about.

are you giving birth in hospital or at home?

Home unless something goes really wrong! Assuming I go into labour overnight the plan is for everyone to be with me until my daughter wakes up. Mum will then look after DD or take her to MIL's house, whichever seems best at the time.
If labour starts in the day then my husband will probably take her to MIL once things start ramping up.
I don't think I want everyone around all the time, but they each have an important role, and with three support people they can all take a break when they need to, there's always someone to get the midwives a cup of tea, grab an extra towel, etc.
For me, I really want my mum and Liz(doula) to take the admin pressure off DH so he can just be there for me. I also want Liz there as an advocate to keep me safe from the midwives if required.