Advice on whether a doula is for us

[volunteerdoula]

Hi dantri, yes that is exactly what a doula does. It sounds like a doula would be a great fit for you and DH. I recommend anyone who is having a hospital birth to have a doula (particularly if you do not know the midwife who will be attending your birth (or who happens to be on duty etc). Having a woman whom you know and who knows you and DH and your wishes can really help you both to relax which will facilitate a much smoother process. If, during labour, you are worrying in the back of your mind which midwife you will get or feeling uncomfortable with who you have gotten, those feelings can interrupt the birth process. Feelings trigger physiological responses in the body, so it's best when a mum feels safe and knows and trusts ALL the people in the room.

I feel very strongly about doula support, not because I am one, but because of my experience birthing my first child. It was a traumatic experience and I believe that if I had had a doula, she would have helped me to:
a) prepare better for the birth
b) cope better during the birth
c) accept and process how the birth unfolded
I'm not sure how differently that birth may have played out but I am absolutely certain that I would have felt differently about the birth because I would have had a woman, whom I trusted, helping me work through my feelings so that I felt ok and that I'd done ok. Of course my DH tried to reassure me too but I think I would have listened more if it had come from a woman (who I knew and trusted). I think women instinctually want the comfort, reassurance and companionship of another woman during birth.

Anyway, to me, how the birth unfolds (i.e. whether or not it goes according to your " birth plan") is not as important as how you FEEL about your birth experience afterward and I simply did not have anyone to help me process all my feelings. It's also worth noting that women who use doulas have:
•50% less caesarean sections
•Reduction in the use of forceps by 40%
•60% less requests for epidurals
•40% reduction in the use of synthetic oxytocin for inductions or augmentations
•30% reduction in use of pain medication
•25% reduction in labour length
•Increased rates of breastfeeding at 6 weeks post-partum (51% vs 29%)
•Higher self-esteem (74% vs 59%), less anxiety (28% vs 40%) and less depression (10% vs 23%) at 6 weeks post-partum"
Doulas at Birth - What Is a Doula And Why Do So Many Women Want One?

This is a great video on doulas:
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There is a great website called mybirth.com.au It has statistics on intervention rates. It's really worth comparing the public and private hospitals rates of intervention as this is indicative of their practicing style. In particular, look at their caesarean, induction, epidural and episiotomy rates.

You can definitely call the doulas in your area and talk with them. Most doulas offer the first visit free with no obligation to hire them so that you can figure out if they are right for you. Finding the right doula is important. She really needs to be someone you both feel comfortable with and who shares a similar philosohpy of birth. The sooner you book them the better IMO because that allows more time to get to know them and build a relationship of trust (plus, in case they get "booked out").

It's a good idea to write in your birth plan that you will be having a doula and who that will be. Then discuss the birth plan with your care provider before the birth so that you can gauge how they feel about your birth preferences. If they are uncomfortable with you having a doula, this would raise serious concerns for me as it is totally within your right to choose your support people. You do not need their "permission". If you come across that issue then scratch the term "doula" and refer to them as your friend. They can't stop you having a friend with you. The local doulas will know more about the cultures within the local hospitals so ask them too.

Anyway, hope this helps somewhat! Feel free to email me if you have more questions...

Christa
xx