doula and epidural- worth it?

[igw80]

Has anyone used a doula with the intention of having an epidural? I am curious to hear if you think its worth the price?

[Anonymous]

LOL how does the epidural affect the doula?

[Anonymous]

I have not, but I really think the point of the doula is to prevent the epidural.

I mean, I had an epidural so I am not against them by any means, I was able to labor in a squat position and had a very easy time - pushed for less than 30 minutes and only had to lay back for the last two pushes so the dr. could see. If you are planning on the epidural, I would not get the doula.

If you really, really want to try for a drug free birth, but are open to the epidural, I think a doula may be worth it.

HOWEVER, you don't want to be in a situation where you have the doula, and then you feel like a failure because you got the epidural. It's tough! I do think it is hard to have a natural birth without a doula if you are in a hospital. Not impossible by any means, as I do some moms who have done it, but it is harder.

[Anonymous]

I am thinking of this. I'm not definitely getting the epidural, but I'm not opposed.

[Anonymous]

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]

Not OP, but I'm also interested in this question because I'm thinking about hiring a doula to help me through a VBAC - I'm not opposed to an epidural and will probably get one, but I want to make my own decision about it, and I think a doula will raise the likelihood that I'm able to have the VBAC and not end up with a c-section. Does that sound sensible? Any recs for a doula with VBAC experience who isn't anti-epidural? (23:44, you sound great! can you post your contact info?)

[Anonymous]

I had both an epidural and a doula, and was very happy with it all.

For me, a doula was about more than "preventing an epidural". She was a tremendous resource and support throughout the birth, especially when my epidural was delayed a few (very painful) hours.

Was she necessary? Of course not. But for us, having her there was well worth the expense. Others may feel otherwise, though.

[Anonymous]

I depends on why you think you need/want a doula. If you want someone there for general support (you are single or like me you have a DH who is total wuss), then a doula may be worth the money. If on the other hand you want someone specifically to help you cope with labor pains and to help you advocate against intervenion, then not worth it b.c once you get the epi, IMHO, everything else in on the table.

[Anonymous]

11:17, try Suzanne McGowan: [e-mail]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

I love the way you think. Doula's rock!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

This is exactly what I expected you to write. Of course you are going to advocate a position that will expand your pool of potential clients.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

This is exactly what I expected you to write. Of course you are going to advocate a position that will expand your pool of potential clients.

Another doula chiming in here. I certainly don't go out of my way to convince people that they need to have a doula. In fact, women will often come to me and after a lengthy discussion with them, I encourage them to continue with their original plan to NOT have a doula, particularly if she is adequately preparing for the birth, if she already has a very supportive partner, and especially if she has a care provider who is skilled at the particular type of birth she is hoping for. On the other hand, if a woman feels like she could benefit from the extra physical and emotional support, and she feels that it is affordable for her, then we move forward. It actually has very little to do with how much she does or does not want certain interventions; though for some women the strong desire for a "natural" childbirth is indeed an important factor. In my experience, a doula is (for those women who want one, of course) a great addition to the birth team no matter what type of birth the woman has.

[Anonymous]

23:44 here. I think you are probably correct that a lot of doulas give lip service to supporting women's choices but in reality look down upon induction, epidurals, cesareans, etc. I think it's important for doulas to be honest with themselves and their clients about their feelings on these issues. But I also don't think you are giving some of us enough credit. There really are doulas out there who respect and support women's choices, and who work hard to educate themselves on the different birth options and why women might choose or needed them, and who are better able to separate their own beliefs/choices from those of their clients. I've spent a lot of time listening to women's birth stories, attending births, reading, and really challenging myself to see the many reasons why women want what they want -- and actually one of the reasons I like this message board is because it has helped me understand why women choose epidurals, and those reasons have often made a lot of sense to me. So I think it's worthwhile for women to probe further when they interview doulas -- some doulas will admit that they prefer to support natural birth and believe strongly that it is better for everyone (and those doulas get plenty of clients even without pretending to support all birth). But there are plenty of us who really just value women having births that are healthy and happy and that they feel good about, and we aren't lying or just trying to get clients when we say so.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

This is exactly what I expected you to write. Of course you are going to advocate a position that will expand your pool of potential clients.

[Anonymous]

I had a doula and got an epidural. My doula was not judgemental at all. She was very supportive physically and emotionally for both me and my husband. I would not have been able to do it without both of them. When I was considering the epidural b/c my back pain labor was really bad, the only thing she told me was that often times the epidural doesn't relieve labor pain if it's in the back. She was right, but I'm still glad that I had the epidural and my doula.

[Anonymous]

Hello! 23:44 here. Thanks for your nice comment. I am not attending births until the Fall because I just had a baby myself. But if you're due before then, I'd be happy to give you some resources for finding a VBAC/epidural supportive doula, depending on where you are located. You can email me at [e-mail].

Anonymous wrote:Not OP, but I'm also interested in this question because I'm thinking about hiring a doula to help me through a VBAC - I'm not opposed to an epidural and will probably get one, but I want to make my own decision about it, and I think a doula will raise the likelihood that I'm able to have the VBAC and not end up with a c-section. Does that sound sensible? Any recs for a doula with VBAC experience who isn't anti-epidural? (23:44, you sound great! can you post your contact info?)