Doula with Holy Cross

[Anonymous]

Hi All,
I know this question has been posed on the past, but I am looking for more recent info. I am slated to deliver in March at Holy Cross. I would like to have as natural a birth as possible, and am taking a Hypnobirthing class to aid with that. I am wondering whether any of you have used the hospital provided doulas as Holy Cross, and if so, what your experience has been? They are so much less expensive than hiring a private doula.....I am wondering if there might even be some bonuses to hiring a hospital provided doula as they may be more adept at helping you engage in the ways that you would like with the particular doctors/nurses, etc at the hospital? Any wisdom you all have would be so appreciated!

[Anonymous]

I participated in the doula program at Holy Cross with my first child in 2006. I am currently expecting again and plan to do it this time too. It was a really great experience. Our doula provided incredible support during a long, hard 18-hour labor and helped me feel empowered in the decisions I made during the delivery process. I labored without pain medication for about 17 1/2 hours, but did ultimately have an epidural since I was not progressing and the doctors needed to start Pitocin. I delivered within 1/2 hour after that. I do not feel that my birth experience was over-medicalized and I felt very positive about the whole thing. I would definitely recommend it.