July 2016 Due Dates

[Anonymous]

I'm July 18th and hubs and I went also went to Buy Buy Baby this weekend to look at car seats, stroller and baby carriers. It's getting REAL. For the first time I really feel like I have a good size belly - and I can't believe it's going to get even bigger!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:18:41 - The doula is there to help you with information and support. Your midwife and nurse won't be in the room much during labor, so it can be super helpful to have a doula there to give you ideas and let you know what's happening and what's normal (or not). She can also be a huge help to your family members by letting them take breaks without leaving you alone, and she can help dad remember to eat and rest. You don't *need* one, but they're certainly useful.

+1. I had two without a doula, the second because I had a very fast labor and the doula couldn't make it in time. I did consult with the doula through my second pregnancy though and I think that, had she been present, she would have been very helpful. She knew a lot about the hospital, for example that they had ambulatory fetal monitors, but that there were only two so that if you wanted one you had to ask. The doula can advocate for you so that e.g. you don't end up lying flat on your back if you don't want to, whereas your husband might not be aware that other positions are an option. I had GD and my doula knew that you can request two-hourly finger sticks instead of hourly (as it turned out my labor wasn't even an hour, so it was kind of moot).

You can do it without a doula, it's just that having a good one might make the experience a little nicer.

On the other hand sometimes hospitals have limits on how many people can be in the room, and maybe you'd rather have those people be family. Also some people are private and want as few people around as possible when they are in a lot of pain.

It's really your call.

[Anonymous]

Would a doula be helpful during a c-section or no? FTM here who will probably have a c-section. No clue as to what will happen and no family will be here. More worried about my husband being alone than what's going to happen to me.

[Anonymous]

PP here, thank you! I'm definitely going to be hiring a post partum doula, I just wasn't sure since I"m having a c section if one would be a good thing to have during delivery.

[Anonymous]

I'm due 7/14...right now the biggest stress in my life is trying to figure out childcare (I've been on a couple of waitlists since the beginning of the year, but am still adding to the list.) One of my friends suggested a doula especially since my SO is on the west coast and while my mom is planning to be there there's always a chance that the baby will come before mom does... I'm interested in recommendations if anyone has them- I live in SW DC and will be delivering at Walter Reed.

[Anonymous]

Hey Tracy - could start a separate thread to promote your doula services rather than taking over this one? This one is for July due dates. Thanks!