Boy oh boy oh boy - having a doula was the best decision I ever made!

I have fast labours and I really only have about an hour or so before it roars up behind me like a freight train. My DP was hopeless in the support department, but looking back I see that he was frightened and overwhelmed too. It ended up being short but pretty traumatic as the hospital was short staffed, no one notified my dr (who was totally in support of my wishes), and they were more concerned about another patient. Actually I was lucky they manged to catch DS on the way out.
DP felt very guilty, I was angry at him, oh it was awful and whats worse it didn't need to be that way.

After much stress (remember this Kel?) and with lots of help and support from Kelly, I found a student doula. She was just lovely - me met once before (I left it a bit late). We talked how I wanted to birth Elizabeth, she took the time to 'get my drift' (that wasn't too hard - preaching to the converted!), and understand our family dynamic.
Elizabeth came 3 weeks early and Diane got to the birth centre same time as us. She followed my lead - she helped me unpack, settled DP, got my music on, spoke to the midwife about my birth plan, arranged the pool to be filled - all while I laboured on with DP close by.

She massaged my back and quickly changed tactic if it didn't work, then showed DP how to do it. They were a little team!

When it was time to get into the pool, Julie and the midwife Denise just sat in the bathroom and let DP pace. They talked quietly but I was aware of them both watching me, noting my breathing and sounds. I was never told to push, or move etc only encouraged to do what I needed to do. They trusted in my knowledged and observed my behaviour. A perfect waterbirth for me!

When I came out of the shower I found my jammies laid out and all my lotions too. Diane took heaps of photos thank goodness(I left my camera behind!). She dissappeared when all the family came in and reappeared when they all left with a cup of tea and we went over and over how great it all was and giggled like a couple of schoolgirls on a sleepover.

I would not have had this experience, nor felt as comfortable and safe as I did. I can't stress enough that a Doula or Birth Attendant DOES NOT take over, get in the way or have other people to take care of. I don't see how there could ever be a bad Doula experience. As far as I can tell, these women are in it for ALL the right reasons - it's certainly not money. You can't pay 'em enough.....