What do MNers think of Doulas? Has anyone had one?

[Picante]

I'm thinking very far ahead I know (am 9 weeks). Ideally I'd like a pre- and post-birth one as I struggled with breastfeeding last time.

Has anyone used one?

liahgen, I'm in Somerset. That's reassuring that they won't mind coming 21 miles! I've found an advert for a trainee one that's closer too.

How much do birth Doulas in London cost?

I doubt we could afford it but now I have been told I can have a VB despite my awful 3rd degree tear last time I am getting worried I won't get the care and support I need. DH not great at this and Best Friend who was supposed to be there too will be in middle of Chemotherapy so won't be able to.

FruitnNutty presumably a trainee one is a bit cheaper? I'm in SW London too, would you mnd passing on her details?

prices vary tbh.

If you are in need, there is the

this

We're in the position where we don't actually have enough money to live but nor do we qualify for any assistance, but thanks for the link anyway!

that's a shame.

A trainee would only be £150. When you think about it that's not a huge amount in the grand scheme of things. Possibly, a trainee would take instalments, I know I would. (i'm not a trainee but would still).

I think in your particular case you would benefit enourmously from some support for both of you.

I hope you manage to sort something out. Good luck. x

Mine was great. I had her for baby number 3 and she's coming back for baby number 4! I had such an easy ok birth, I thought I'd give it another go!

Mine was a VBAC (second child was the c-section), plus a horrible first forceps/ventouse/ambulance/nth degree tear/surgery first birth. The third one hurt a bit but practically popped out in comparison.

I would recommend chatting to a few doulas to find one right for you. My friend had an aromatherapy, alternative medicine doula which wasn't really her thing. Mine was very straight forward, knowledgeable and kind.

starlight i wasn't your doula was i? lol

I didnt have a doula at birth of my DS (which was pretty traumatic induction) but did use 2 post natal doulas afterwards (as mobility was restricted and wanted to ensure I healed, bonded with my baby and got to grips with breastfeeding) and they were absolutely brilliant! Couldnt recommend them highly enough.

This time round (due in around 5 weeks) am going to have a doula at the birth (who was one of my postnatal doulas from DS's birth) as want to ensure we have as calm and positive a birth as possible and I know and trust this doula to help facilitate us getting the birth experience we want.

I had a doula and I am certain she is the reason my second birth went so well. She instilled DH and me with confidence that it would go well, and then on the day she protected us from the ridiculous worries and policies of the midwives (it was a home birth and they were terrified, even though it could not have been quicker or more straightforward).

Certainly £150 would be doable at a stretch. The ony ine I'd come across so far was quoting fees of £800-ish! Quite a difference.

I'm 36 weeks this week, am I too late to find and book someone?

not at all.

have a look at the links i posted earler in the thread.

Roughly what area are you?

Im a doula, still a trainee

I'm in London SW20 Liahgen and will be having the baby at St Georges in Tooting.

I've put a post on our forum for you. You might be lucky. I hope it all goes well for you. If you'd like to talk about your last birth and wishes/hopes for this time round, email me

[email protected]

have a look

here

Best job in the world imo.

Houseofmirth, I'ce catted you. x

they are

dd14
ds11
ddalmost4
ds5 and dd20 mths

yes i do struggle, and after every birth i say, I don't know if i can do it any more as it's incredibly stressful, however I love it, and it is sooo worth it.

I have 3 friends who i can call at the last minute, a sil although she works periodically, and is nowhere near my kids schools.

or my dd, who's just turning 14 if it was just a couple of hours. I guess now she's getting older it won't be so bad, but i can't leave the 11 yr old with her cos they argue so much.

how old are yours?