Should I get a doola (sp?)

Piper818

I have been reading alot about them and it sounds like a good idea but I don't know anyone who has ever gotten one. Have u?

4 Comments

nanee70

I had a Doula at both of my two births and had a fabulous experience both times. Because I chose to have hospital births but did not want to use medication, I knew I would need some sort of extra support.

I know with my first birth, I would have given in and gotten the medication the nurses kept offering had I not had this strong supportive woman at my side reminding me of what I really wanted. The labor was very long and whenever I said I could not do this, she told me "you ARE doing it!"

I also think a Doula could be helpful even if you use medication since they usually don't give it to you until you are pretty far along.

I strongly recommend looking into getting a Doula if possible. The extra support is invaluable.

Sun, 2008-11-09 19:52

organizedmommy

I wholeheartedly agree with nanee70! I would recommend a Doula, especially for first-time mothers. We had an excellent Doula for my first baby, and she was awesome! But decided we didn't need one for my second baby; my husband was very involved and informed about all the possible options, etc. If your partner is not that "in-the-know", then I would definitely want a Doula for the second birth as well! First births are also longer, so there is more need for a "third" person to support you when your partner needs a break. Second births tend to be quicker, so there is less need. My first baby was 36 hours; my second, only 4!

Fri, 2008-11-14 14:40

Aphra

I didn't for my first, and if I can swing it for my next baby...definitely. Ultimately someone who is there to help you have the best birth, and give you the focused attention is awesome. And then partner can just be in the moment and experience as they want to experience it, whether that be hands on or pacing the corridor. Also, like anything else, it depends on the doula--not all are going to be the right fit.

Fri, 2008-11-14 20:47

gotanyrice

I used a doula mostly because my mother couldn't be there for my birth. It was very nice and comforting having her there knowing that she would be a positive advocate for me and my husband's choices. I highly recommend it but as has been mentioned before not all of them are going to be the right fit. I would try to interview a couple a few before coming to a decision.

Fri, 2008-12-05 13:15