Doula Recommendation-pro: epidural?

[igw80]

Anyone recommend a doula for HC in Silver Spring who is non-judgemental in terms of using drugs?

[Anonymous]

I think you will have a tough time finding a doula who is "pro" epidurals. Epidurals have a number of risks, and doulas are trained to help women understand those risks so as to make informed decisions for themselves and so they have realistic expectations. That said, most doulas are realists and understand that, for any number of reasons, a woman may choose to make use of the epidural during birth. And, a good doula knows how to support any woman, even when her choices differ from what the doula personally believes. Why not start calling around and just having some email exchanges or phone conversations with different doulas, until you find some who might be a good fit?

[Anonymous]

I ultimately decided to not hire a doula, but I spoke to Suzanne McGowan, who seemed great and was really all about supporting women's choices - including pain relief choices. Not sure if she delivers in Silver Spring?

[Anonymous]

not sure if you've seen this list of area doulas, but reading their profiles might help give you a sense of their philosophies.

http://www.birthoptionsalliance.org/doula_list.pdf

[Anonymous]

OP, are you single? I think if you have a husband or partner, and you plan o have an epi, you really won't need a doula. A doula is great for helping you work through the pain of labor and delivery and advocating for you in avoiding interventions, but with an epi, you won't feel much pain and you are asking for an intervention.

[Anonymous]

I posted this in response to your other thread too, but wanted to post it here in response to 10:52's comments. I do not agree that the only role for a doula is helping with labor pain and helping to avoid interventions. For some of my clients that is what they want, but other clients want and use an epidural, and there are many roles I still play in those births. My role as a doula is to offer emotional support, information, and comfort measures, support for the partner, and those things are things that many laboring mothers want, regardless of whether they are using an epidural. Also sometimes epidurals don't work perfectly, and most women experience at least some labor pain before receiving an epidural, so I don't think it should be assumed that epidural = no pain = no need for support.

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This is a great post about how doulas can be really helpful for women who plan to use an epidural.
http://birthingbeautifulideas.com/?p=1654

I don't agree with the PP that the point of a doula is to prevent an epidural. I am a doula and I would never see my role as preventing an epidural. My role is to help the mother have a good birth and to have as many of her wishes respected, whatever those wishes may be. I've supported mothers who wanted epidurals, and who didn't want epidurals, and mothers who got epidurals, and didn't get them. I think there are some doulas out there who are judgmental about the use of pain medication, but a doula who is doing what she's supposed to be doing will support a mother's wishes no matter what.

Having been at births where epidurals were used, I can say that I stay very very busy when epidurals are used. Even when you receive pain medication, your need for emotional support and information continues. Also sometimes epidurals have side effects or wear off, and I can help mothers stay comfortable if this occurs. I can help suggest position changes so that the labor continues progressing. I can help the mother to rest and relax. A lot of times after an epidural everyone sort of focuses on the contraction monitor and I often do a lot to keep the focus on the mother and her experience and needs. I can also help the mother push effectively with the epidural. I can also help her in understanding what's happening in her body and to prepare for what's ahead. So there's lots to do.

I know doulas are typically associated with "natural" birth but personally I see our role as being there for the mother, to help her have a safe, healthy, happy birth, however she defines that, and no matter what her choices are.

[Anonymous]

I attended orientation session with doulas from www.byyoursidebirth.com. They mostly deliver at HC. I want to have natural birth and I found that the doulas at By Your Side Birth are very open with whatever desired by the mothers (natural vs. interventions). Their principle is to be there to bring comfort, emotional and physical supports for the mothers regardless what type of birth you would like to have. Give them a call and ask any questions you may have.
I am still undecided whether I want to switch to MCA and deliver at Shady Grove, or stick with HC and hire a By Your Side Birth doula.