I found a grat article singing praises for having a doula support you during your birth. A Doula – The MUST HAVE for Expecting Parents. I agree!
I am a little biased of course. I had a doula for my last birth and loved it. My husband loved it. He asked why we didn’t have one for all our births!
I am also a doula. I think that for most moms planning a natural childbirth in a hospital setting really SHOULD have a doula. There are so many L&D nurses who have NEVER SEEN a natural childbirth. They don’t know how to support you, they are busy taking care of other patients, paperwork, etc to really give you the support a mom needs. Most Dads don’t have a lot of birth experience, so they feel more confident with a doula in the room too.
If a mom is having a homebirth a doula is a great thing to have too, but not as necessary.
If a mom is having a hospital birth and is planning on getting an epidural, a doula is still a great member to add to your birth team. A doula can help you navigate all the choices you will have. A doula can help you be in positions that will help your birth to progress. A doula can help you stay focused and calm until you get your epidural.
For any dad who wonders if you need a doula. All I know is the one time I supported a single mom by myself. I so wished we had another doula. It is hard to be the only one giving all the support to a birthing mom. Pretty exhausting. When there are 2 of you, a lot of the pressure is off and it is more fun!
Yes, but are doulas affordable for everyone? Probably not. Definitely not affordable for me!
Joy, sometimes you can find a doula-in-training who is offering her services for free as part of her independent study after the main workshop portion of her education. They usually have to attend a number of births before testing as part of the certification process. It’s a win-win situation!
Also, SOME insurance companies will reimburse for using a doula. It’s far from standard (yet), but it has happened and is possible. Always worth looking into!
Erm, obviously I’m a bit biased too. ;o)
This is a good point. Depending on your area and how much you earn, it can be a challenge. Some doulas have sliding scales. Some doulas have recently been trained and will do births for free or very inexpensively.
Even having a friend or relative who is supportive of your birthing desires and willing to do a little reading, can be helpful too!
Hmmm, well I think it’s worth looking into then! I mean, I’ve thought about having a doula. But then I think about my personality type and my husband’s personality type… and I don’t know how he’d feel about it. Even though we’d obviously get to know them, I just don’t know how he’d take it. I’ll ask him and think it over!
Just wanted to really encourage anyone who wants a doula to ask about lower fees. I am currently training to be a doula and as I’ve done my research, I continue to see doulas who, in their advertisements, stress that if you can’t afford her posted fees to please talk to her. Many are willing to do a sliding scale, a payment plan and/or barter. If the doula you first contact can’t accomodate that, she may know of a doula in training to refer you to. Don’t give up! Go for it!
Just stopping by…but wanted to say that i enjoyed your post. I’m planning on beginning my own DONA training this autumn, and it’s encouraging to read the words of someone who already does this, and who speaks so highly of it!