i guess you have to look at what you really want hun - doula's aren't there to do the midwives job - they're there to be support not only for you, but for your husband. they're there to be a consistent support - the same person through your pg and through labour. chances are you won't have the same midwife through your entire labour, and as good as a birth plan will be they can only look at so much - they have other labouring mothers to look after too
i see a doula as being your voice - the person that can stand up for you when it gets too much for you to make decisions yourself. the one that understands the medical jargon and can say "ok, you've given us the options, now let the parents make the choices" - she can remind you of your intentions - tell you the implications of what has been suggested by your carers. your doula is there through it all. she is the one that can step in as your support if DH has to leave the room. She's someone you know from before and someone you already have a relationship with - unless you're at a really small hospital that has minimal births, i doubt you'll get the same one on one attention and commitment from a midwife. it's not that they don't want to be there - but they have a job to do, and it isn't being there JUST for you...
ultimately, it's up to you. the Doula isn't going to be there to give the midwives grief - she's going to be there to help you make informed decision and to ensure you have the birth that YOU want. maybe have a read of this article and work out whether it is something that will benefit you. Personally, i've already decided to have a doula when we have children as i know my local hospital has a reputation for being "difficult" to deal with if you don't have a text book birth... but as i said - it's very much about YOU and what YOU need - don't let someone else make your decisions for you.
good luck making your decision
BG
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