Doulas - what are the pros and cons?

[MtPleasant]

Same goes for natural childbirth. Thanks everyone - its my first and I am just getting started reading about all of this!

[Anonymous]

To learn about natural childbirth, I highly recommend "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" by Ina May Gaskin. (5 stars on Amazon!)

Very inspiring and interesting, as well.

[Anonymous]

I only have positive things to say about my experience working with a doula! She was incredibly supportive and helpful at every stage. Before the birth she helped me feel confident and well-prepared. More importantly, I felt like she helped me stay empowered and "present" during the birth rather than scared or zoned out. My birth experience was amazing and I know that our doula was a factor in making everything go so well.

Among other things, she was a great source of information and encouragement for BOTH me and my DH. She also served as a helpful go-between for us and the doctors/nurses -- kept us informed and was assertive but never contentious with the doctors/nurses, which was key for me. I appreciated the positive atmosphere -- exactly what I hoped for.

And though I ultimately chose to go with an epidural (absolutely the right choice for me), I was STILL quite grateful to have our doula there to help with the pre-epidural phase (ugh) and the pushing, too.

If you're interested in reading more about the doula we chose, you can check out her website: www.heatherwilsondoula.com

Good luck to you!

[Anonymous]

To the pp may I ask what the price range was for your doula? I have seen her name several times here and am just wondering

[Anonymous]

CON- They haven't been to medical school and can't assist if something goes wrong. They're also an added expense ($1,000+).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To the pp may I ask what the price range was for your doula? I have seen her name several times here and am just wondering

I gave birth awhile back and would hate to post outdated information. I'd just go ahead and email Heather to ask about her current rate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:CON- They haven't been to medical school and can't assist if something goes wrong. They're also an added expense ($1,000+).

The cost is a con but the other isn't, anymore than having a non-doctor husband is a con. The doula doesn't replace the doctor.

[Anonymous]

There are more affordable doulas available too if you are willing to work with someone who recently is starting their practice. We found one for under $700 who has been around for about a year.

[Anonymous]

Doulas don't pretend to have medical degrees nor do they interfere with your medical care. My doula was a wonderful addition to my labor day while we were at home. She fixed me and DH lunch, walked around with me, helped me draw a bath, and was an all around great companion and extra pair of hands for DH and I. He really appreciated her because he had to occasionally run out to send the dog to the neighbor's for the night, get the bags ready to go the hospital, and other things and didn't have to feel bad that he was leaving me.

The doctor only comes in at the end of the process (when you're 8+cm dialated). There can be a LOT of time before then where you will want an extra pair of hands and a calm, experienced person to help out with whatever you're doing.

Only downside is the cost. We spend $1000 for our doula two years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:CON- They haven't been to medical school and can't assist if something goes wrong. They're also an added expense ($1,000+).

You don't know what you're talking about, PP. Yes, the expense if is a con. But the fact that they can't assist if someting goes wrong is completely irrelevant because that's not what they are for. Your partner also likely can't assist if something goes wrong but that's not a con to having birth support!

[Anonymous]

I hired a doula and it was a complete waste of money. Frankly, she ruined my birth experience. If I had to do it over, my money would have been much better spent on a night/post-partum nurse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hired a doula and it was a complete waste of money. Frankly, she ruined my birth experience. If I had to do it over, my money would have been much better spent on a night/post-partum nurse.

A comment like this, with your conclusion but no explanation or details, isn't helpful.

[Anonymous]

For more info, you can look on http://www.dona.org

You can do a search for doulas in your area on this website. I am sure that any of the DC-area doulas would be happy to talk to you about their services, fees and any questions you may have.

[Anonymous]

PP, my story is long which is why I didn't post. But here are some of the highlights: my labor started to go in a different direction so we told the doula not to come to the hospital. She showed up anyway. She questioned my doctors when I didn't ask her to. She tried to speak for me when I didn't ask her to. She was not dressed appropriately. She did not speak or act professionally.

I hired a doula because I wanted to be open to whatever birth experience I might have - natural, medicated or c-section. I was very clear when I hired the doula that I would ultimately defer to the medical staff regarding my labor. The doula claimed to support all births, not just natural. This wasn't the case.

I'm sure there are some great doulas out there. Most people rave about their experience after using one. I just had a bad experience. And I am not alone in my experience. There was an interesting article in the New York Times called "And Doula Makes Four". Look it up if you are interested.

My advice is that if you want to use a doula, be sure that you know what you want from your birth experience and that your doula will be supportive of your decisions. I would say that unless you feel adamant about having a natural birth, you probably don't need one and your money could be better used elsewhere (per my previous post). Just my opinion.

[Anonymous]

I am considering using my best friend as our "doula". She has four kids of her own (youngest is 6 mo.) so I consider her "experienced" in the L&D department as well as being very familiar with the PP period afterwards.

Plus, since she is such a close friend she knows us very well and "gets it" (our personalities, our ideal birth plan, our sensitivities, our personal space, etc.) so we don't have to explain or justify anything to a stranger (ie a doula).

We certainly would get her nice gift (or maybe just give her cash - haven't decided yet) as a token of appreciation, but since she is willing (in fact, she was very honored) we feel comfortable knowing we'll have someone trusty helping us.

Don't know if that is an option for you OP, but just something to think about if you have any really good friends that are moms and wouldn't mind standing by your side and assisting you.