Midwives & doula at homebirth?

This is a question for those who've had an attended homebirth. How many birth attendents did you have? Were they all necessary or were any superfluous? Did you have midwives and a doula? If so, were their roles different?

I'm meeting a private midwife for pre-conception talk this weekend, & will ask her, but would also appreciate feedback from those who've been through it. I know she does dual-midwife homebirths. I'm happy about that - 1 for me and 1 for the baby, or to take over if it takes hours and they get tired. I'm just wondering if there is any point having a doula as well (apart from the cost issue). I don't want the house to get crowded or be overwhelmed by lots of people looking at me (house is pretty open plan). But if it helps me or DH to also have a doula, I'm open to it.

For any who had trainee doulas or midwives, can you also give me your experience, either here or PM.

Thanks

i had a midwife and a student midwife.

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.

Bx

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.

A different POV here...

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!