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!