I do find it an odd attitude, having dealt with 2 hospitals this time around, both of them are fine with doulas. At the first hospital at my booking in appointment the midwife said "I have seen some of those women perform miracles" and thought doulas were a great idea. Due to moving I have had to change hospitals and broach the subject again. Initially the first midwife (over the phone) did struggle to understand why I wanted a doula, but once I met the midwives and they heard about my last birth, they are fully supportive of them and are in fact helping me find someone down here who can help. They understand the difference between a midwife and a doula. One has said how good it can be just to support a women through labour without having to worry about the paperwork, routine checks etc.

After a long labour, where both DH and I were tired, a doula would have been appreciated, especially when DH started snoring in the corner and having to deal with the ob from hell. As already said it is your decision. If they are funny about you having a doula, don't even mention who the person is, just that they are your 2nd birth support person, a close friend for example. Good luck