a few people like having a doula for HBs but honestly i dont see the point(sorry doulas) as the type of care and support you recieve from a HB midwife is far superior to what happens in hospital as she is only caring for you!
I had 2 midwives. One was superfluous until DD was born (then they take "one" patient each to make sure mama and bub are both having/able to have one-to-one care for the next wee while).
I wouldn't have a doula at home. The role of a doula is one which has been effectively stolen from the midwife by a pushy money-hungry medical system. Practcally every midwife i know would like to provide one to one care and support throughout pregnancy, birth and the PP period for their women, but they aren't able to within the NHS because their time and how they spend it is dictated by CEO's who are more interested in spreading resources thinly than improving outcomes for women.
Don't get me wrong, i see that doula's do a vital job, it's just unfortunate that those who used to do this job, midwives, are no longer able to because of the way the medical system is changing their role. I'm glad doula's exist, but i'm very sad that we need them.
I was just about to write what paradise lost said. I reckon you need 2 support people- your partner and a female supporter. The midwife is the best person to do this, but as with my NHS homebirth a few weeks ago I didn't feel the midwife knew me well enough so would have loved a doula.
We are planning our HB, and have engaged our IM, her support MW, AND a doula.
The reasons I have chosen a doula include:
- more 'emotional' support. My IM is fab, but my doula spends ages talking through the emotional fears, hopes, more spiritual side of becoming a mother etc. I am loving this. She has encouraged me to create a drawing-only journal, which has helped me acknowledge and address some of my subconscious fears really well!
- wishy-washy 'care' elements. I love the fact that she will run me a special herbal bath... that she brings flowers... all that.
- At the birth, I want her to take looooads of photos! There is no one else on hand to do that. I also don't want DH to leave me at any time, so she can do any boring things like heating water, preparing a meal etc. keeping him free.
Hmmmm I did think a lot about it. My MW was surprised that I wanted a doula. But I am really happy with the choice. My doula is a lot more into the spiritual / emotional side, whereas my IM is more of a classic, no-nonsense type (which is what I wanted!)
I only had a MW. She could call on two others if she needed to but as a plan it was just going to be her and my DH there. Ended up just being my DH which was perfect but not really what i would have had planned. My MW was the sort that 'gave' me everything eg. the emotional support and medical! I would only ever plan on having her again, i am someone that likes little fuss and bother and more people would have just gotten in my way LOL!
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