You know, the other thread made me contemplate the role our doula (the fabbo Kelly) had at the birth of my son.

For us the major reason to have her was insurance. If you are going through the hospital system (we went to a birth centre) there will be a million times you may not fit into the 'rules' and be risked out of the care model you have chosen. I wanted a doula with us if we ended up being transferred and my fabulous midwife care couldn't follow. This in itself made me a lot calmer in the lead up to the labour. As Kelly knows, I became very anxious about the labour becoming over medicalised and she was great at putting me at ease that I could achieve the birth I wanted no matter where I ended up doing it.

For us, the birth went well. I loved my midwife and she did a lot to help us achieve the birth I wanted even when teetering on the edge of having to be transferred. But I do think our wonderful doula helped- her presence alone showed our midwife we were serious and she also strengthened the resolve of everyone in the room that I didn't want interventions when it was being suggested I may need the vacuum to get my baby out. The extra persistence she gave helped me remember wanted and I think it reminded my midwife to keep helping me get there.

Then after the birth I struggled majorally with BFing. She quietly pointed us in the right direction and with a wonderful lactation consultant all our problems were fixed- which wasn't happening with the public lactation advice I was receiving. She also visited us at home for a birth debrief- rather different to the birthed and forgotten treatment I received from the midwives.

So, do I think there a point to having a doula when receiving public midwife care? YES!