Do I need a doula?

[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!

[BekZ]

Sara - Thanks for your information. My DH and I actually make a pretty good team in the birthing department. He has been amazing support for both girls. I have been thinking really hard about this and I feel that I need more support in the hours and days following birth. I will have 2 little ones to come home to and I really want to have a rest and get to know my new bub without having to be called up for duty asap for my other kids. Not that I don't want to see them but..

Last time DH and I had little support post birth and it took me ages to recover. I literally did not sleep for 3 days after DD birth nor did I get a shower for 24 hours afterwards. Therefore my milk did not come in for 5 days and I had a very hungry crying bub on my hands and I had anemia.

On the other hand I would love a doula present to talk me through labour and my labouring choices.

[Ilithyia]

Its great to read that your DH provides the support that you need.

Those first few week with a newborn are very hectic and often a lot of sleep is lost. I'm sure that with a 3'rd bub things will be a tad more hectic.

Most Doula's offer a Postpartum service. There are also some PP Doula's. These Doula's are there specifically to help with whatever you want. Now that can be from helping you with breastfeeding, bathing etc. Right through to making some meals to freeze, doing a load of washing, entertaining your other children. These roles vary from doula to doula.

As I said in my last post, I guess you just need to decide if you think you will benefit more from a "full package" (which often includes antental support, birth support and postpartum support), just antenatal support (which often includes birth "preparation", birth prefence guide assistance etc) or just postnatal support.

Maybe you should organise to meet with a Doula and have a chat about her roles. You might find that you automatically "gell" with this particular Doula. This might also help you decide which type of service you think you'll need. You might also find that a Doula is not something you do need and that you'll be fine without one.

Your in Logan, which I am pretty sure is a suburb of Brisbane right? There are PLENTY of Doula's in the Brisbane region.

Again, I wish you all the best.