What did you doula do for you?

[PinkPalace]

Is there anything you wish she had or hadnt done?

Would you say it was a positive or negative experience during labour/birth?

[BellyBelly]

Oh and one thing - please don't use names if you have negative comments or I might get legal letters.... oops sorry I forgot that's obstetricians. Carry on!

[Olive]

kelly!!

[MrsFabuloso]

Mine helped me stay strong through a tough pre labour and got me thgrough to a completely natural (except for artificial rupture of membranes) birth, just as I had planned. I really believe if I had have been doing it by myself, I would have caved and gone to be induced again even though I really didn't want it. Being my last bub things couldn't have gone any better. I would definitely reccommend having one to support you, a positive experience for me and DH too.

[christy]

What did my doula do for me? I had two, but I'm going to use the singular for this because they were both equally as important for me achieving an empowered birth.

She debriefed with me my first birth. She gave me lists of books to read & boost my knowledge of my choices. She helped me write a birth plan. She helped me find resources where I live like Calm Birthing. She was on hand during nasty OB appointments where I could go outside & call her than go inside completely supported and with more confidence.

During labour... I think it was vital having a doula. What I wish I had done differently was call my doula that was going to be there during labour to the hospital with me. I had my doula in Melbourne on the phone in the early early stages while I paced around the house excited about it all happening. I then took some time alone going through things & in the shower. I woke up DH & he convinced me to not call the other doula in when we first got there, he said to wait... I wish I had phoned her on our way in & said see you in an hour or two. Instead I laboured on with an extremely tired DH for 4 hours before she got there.

Thats the only thing I wish we had done differently. I debriefed this birth with both wonderful women and felt so empowered by my choices.

ETA: Very very positive experience.

[PinkPalace]

lol kelly! those ob's i tell you!!!!!

Thanks Christy - i am having bub at redlands... did you go there too with a doula?
were they supportive?

[BellyBelly]

Loads of money to be lost in business if you are an Ob

[Tobily]

I've done a couple of births at Redlands pinkpalace - they are very supportive.
No dramas

[christy]

mmm yep, my doula who was with me was a midwife who did training at Redlands.

[Leeal]

I had a fantastic doula for the recent birth of our daughter in July.

Prior to the labour she met with us twice, gave us information and support, she kept in regular contact in the weeks leading up to EDD and boosted my confidence when it wained.

I had a 24 hour labour, along with a 2 day strong pre-labour. The doula enabled my partner to take breaks and he even had a 2 hour sleep while I had a bath! She gave practical (massage, hot packs, drinks, food, conversation, positioning, trying to keep me comfortable)and emotional support throughout.

A couple of weeks after the birth she visited and we debriefed, which was invaluable as my memory was hazy and my feelings about the birth were complex(as I ended up being a forceps delivery).

We would highly recommend to anyone considering having a doula to do so.

[PinkPalace]

tobily - thanks for that! it is nice to here positive reports about redlands when all you hear on forums is the bad things!

Christy! i wonder if they will let me take her along to appointments... shouldnt be a reason why not hey?

Leeal - sounds like your doula made a world of difference

I am looking forard to our meeting on saturday