Ren: I had a doula and it was a fantastic decision. Because DH and I had discussed everything with her beforehand, I didn't have to worry about being bullied into something that I didn't want. I was lucky to have fantastic midwifes also, but DH and I had already decided, if the midwife we had wasn't what we needed (eg a complete cow) then we would tell the Doula and she would politely ask for another midwife.

Once you are in labour you go into a zone, you will so focused on your bub, your DH and your Doula that you will barely notice anyone else. My Ob arrived mid contraction and apparently about 5 mins after he arrived I said 'when did you get here?' (lol) I didn't even notice him arrive.

You will have an amazing experience at the birth center. I didn't have a birth centre birth because I was high risk, but even in a Hospital labour ward, because of the support I had, I felt like I was in another place all together.

HTH
Spring xx