Had an amazing experience with a doula with my first (complications and would have probably gone with a c otherwise), for my second the doula was different and was good in the sense she gave my husband a break to run home and take our dogs out and see my oldest child during the birth and reminded me to get into different positions to speed things along and did some reiki, and for the third we are not using a doula. With my third, my husband and I are much better advocates and know more of the ins and outs of childbirth. I would always recommend using a doula for your first or if you have had a prior traumatic birth.

Anonymous wrote:I don't see the appeal/necessity of a doula. But it's just personal preference, ultimately, and whether or not it's financially reasonable.

I knew I wanted a medicated, hospital birth with just my husband there (aside from medical staff). Preferred vaginal, but not wedded to it if c-section had become necessary. So, it wouldn't have added to my experience to spend money on a doula. But, other moms have different priorities where for them, a doula could be welcome. But don't get one just because it's "a thing".

Did you use a doula? Why are you replying if you didn’t use a doula?

Yep, very helpful during the birth, but I was doing it at home.

Yes worth every penny, great pre-baby tips on positioning, great labor support, great immediate postpartum care in a badly staffed hospital, very good postpartum visits. Is it hadnt been pre-COVID-vaccine we would have had a postpartum doula.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I appreciate the posts that mention partner support. Food, breaks, presence. Doulas are whole family support.

OP here and this is mostly why I want to get the doula: this is my husband’s first kid (my first two are from my previous marriage). I think my DH is more nervous than he’ll admit. She also provides meals for the first week postpartum and will help with baby’s laundry. I’m looking at it more from a logistical standpoint.

I’d just have her come post-partum. If you can give birth your DH can support you without needing a babysitter. Hiring help *for the man* seems like a bad way to start out fatherhood. Hire help for yourself.

For me (not op), having someone support my husband too DOES support me.

Waste of money.

Anonymous wrote:^^also, the cost is covered by insurance, so…

the cost of her cooking and doing laundry is covered by insurance? seriously doubt that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I appreciate the posts that mention partner support. Food, breaks, presence. Doulas are whole family support.

OP here and this is mostly why I want to get the doula: this is my husband’s first kid (my first two are from my previous marriage). I think my DH is more nervous than he’ll admit. She also provides meals for the first week postpartum and will help with baby’s laundry. I’m looking at it more from a logistical standpoint.

I’d just have her come post-partum. If you can give birth your DH can support you without needing a babysitter. Hiring help *for the man* seems like a bad way to start out fatherhood. Hire help for yourself.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^also, the cost is covered by insurance, so…

Done. Do it. It will be great for both of you. Make sure you ask what paperwork they need for filing.

It will free him up to help older children too.

Anonymous wrote:^^also, the cost is covered by insurance, so…

Done. Do it. It will be great for both of you. Make sure you ask what paperwork they need for filing.

No. Waste of time and money. Would have been much better to get a night nanny or post-partum doula.

^^also, the cost is covered by insurance, so…

Anonymous wrote:I appreciate the posts that mention partner support. Food, breaks, presence. Doulas are whole family support.

OP here and this is mostly why I want to get the doula: this is my husband’s first kid (my first two are from my previous marriage). I think my DH is more nervous than he’ll admit. She also provides meals for the first week postpartum and will help with baby’s laundry. I’m looking at it more from a logistical standpoint.

I appreciate the posts that mention partner support. Food, breaks, presence. Doulas are whole family support.

I don't see the appeal/necessity of a doula. But it's just personal preference, ultimately, and whether or not it's financially reasonable.

I knew I wanted a medicated, hospital birth with just my husband there (aside from medical staff). Preferred vaginal, but not wedded to it if c-section had become necessary. So, it wouldn't have added to my experience to spend money on a doula. But, other moms have different priorities where for them, a doula could be welcome. But don't get one just because it's "a thing".