Do I need a doula?

[Tylersmumdoula]

Hi Bek

As a student Doula offering a free service in order to complete my training I'd be happy to have a chat with you! think you've almost answered your own question i.e. would be nice to have someone get you a drink, support you post birth when hubby has to whiz off and take care of the other children - plus you'll probably find that you'll get more out of the Doula experience than you bargained on!!

There must be a reason you first thought of having a Doula, and even if it is as simple as having someone to get you a glass of water, then it's worthwhile! It's all extra support for you whilst you're doing the most important job of all.

As part of my studying I've been reflecting on whether I would use a Doula at my next birth - particuarly as, like you, my first was so straightforward. I've come to the conclusion that yes, I would, particularly if I were birthing in the hospital with no continuity of care from one particular midwife. Also, if I chose to birth at home (which I probably would) I would like a Doula alongside the midwife to help share the support load.

Hope this helps. You are most welcome to email me on clairenceh@hotmail.com.

[BekZ]

Liz - I understand you motivation to have a support person that will encourage you to try different labouring positions etc. I found at my antenatal courses that the hospital told us all about different birthing positions and aids but when it came down to the actual birth nothing was available to use or it just wasn't offered.Maybe a doula would be on her/his toes enough to demand or request aids well in advance etc.

[BekZ]

Well I just asked DH about having a doula and he got so offened that I thought that he wasn't good enough support in previous births...typical

[Liz]

LOL. Maybe we need to ask if 'we' can have a doula to support 'us' during the labour.. so they think the doula is for them too. haha.

[BekZ]

I have tried that one Liz...I just need to work on him

[buliej]

My sister had a doula for her first birth, and was considering not having one for her second (she loved the doula, but was looking to save money) and her DH refused to go doula-less! He's a fantastic, supportive guy, but still loved having "an expert" around who knew way more than he did. He also felt it left him free to just hold her hand if that's what she wanted and do other things for her without stressing.

[Ilithyia]

Hi there!

I hope you don't mind that I add my 2 cents worth!

I think that you and your husband need to sit down and work out what exactly it is that you both think you would want for the labour and birth. By this I mean, do you think that the services of a Doula would benefit the both of you? Or do you think that you and your husband could work well enough together to "satisfy" the needs/wants that you have for the labour and birth.

I'm not sure that if you know of the satistics on having a Doula or not but I'll give you a few of them:

Studies have shown the use of a doula during labour and birth can have many beneficial effects. A meta ?analysis of twelve trials (including data from a wide variety of medical, cultural and economic settings) showed that the presence of a doula resulted in:

Benefits During Birth:

• 51% reduction in the caesarean rate
• Reduction in length of labour (by an average of 98 minutes)
• 16% reduction in epidural requests
• 71% reduction in oxytocin use
• 35% reduction in analgesia (pain medication) use
• 57% reduction in forceps/vacuum deliveries

Long term benefits include:

• Improved success with breastfeeding
• Increased time with baby and easier bonding
• Increased maternal satisfaction with birth experience
• Reduced postpartum depression

Now I guess you and your husband have to decided whether those benefits, will benefit you.

Personally, for any future births (which will also be my 3'rd and subsequent), I intend on having a Doula. And this is not just because I am a Doula myself. I went doula-less for my first 2 and coped quite well. However, during some reflection, I realised how much I actually missed out on by not having a Doula. Without taking away any credit owed to my parter and mum, I think the knoweledge and support of a Doula would have benefited me emmensely.

I wish you all the best on your search. I hope my post has made your decision that bit easier.

Also, there is plenty of info out there on Dads and Doula's if you are really worried about your husband being offended. I guess the main thing is to reassure if that a Doula, in no way, takes his place or presence at the birth.

Good luck!