Anyone here had a doula during their pregnancy?

[loganberry12]

di you find having a doula a good experience and what exactly is their role,? many thanks

Bump - cos there are some MN doulas - including MarsLady and LuluMama that can tell you about their role.

They may be in bed now thouhg.

I am having my first pre-natal visit from mine this week! She's already recommended pre-natal yoga (I'd already got a DVD for that), acupuncture and is bringing a birthing ball. Don't ask me what that is as I have no idea!

I'd never heard of them before MN and they sound a great idea, especially as I am totally clueless when it comes to babies!.

I'm also a doula, and have recently received funding to help mums-to-be in Kent, who couldn't otherwise afford the support of a doula. I still have a bit of funding left, so of there's anyone in Kent wanting a doula for absolutely free, just post up!

Which Yoga DVD did you buy Nekabu ?
I would be really keen to try that.

Prenatal yoga by Shiva Rea. It does stuff for all 3 stages.

Yes, I had a doula for DS2's birth (in hindsight really could have done with one for DS1's birth) - she was my postnatal doula with DS1 so knows me and my DH really well and knew what we went through at DS1's birth. She is really there for your support - so we met a few times to talk about worries/concerns re the birth and to go through my birth plan (which she advised me on - but at the end of the day the decisions are entirely yours). When I went into labour she came to our house and stayed with me (dim lights, just a reassuring doula presence in the corner) and rang the birth centre to let them know when we were coming in; she was there at DS2's birth in the pool and told the midwifes my wishes re the placenta delivery, vit k injection etc when I was otherwise occupied and basically just gave me reassurance and support when I needed it. Doulas are very aware of hospital protocol and what can and cant be challenged/stretched, so she helped negotiate reduced monitoring of DS2 (was ready to pop when I got to the birth centre) and a natural third stage delivery. I'd definitely recommend having a doula.

P.s. prenatal pilates is very good too - loads of dvds for it on Amazon. Helps strengthen your legs and back to carry all that weight...