Help My sister
(again)
(again)
Now that you've helped her pick a name for her baby to be, she has another question for you. Have any of you used a doula during labor and delivery? Can you share anything about your experience? Also, how much would you be willing to pay? Maybe if enough of you respond, she'll let you in on the name :O)
-b
-b
12 comments:
I did not, it wasn't really an option when I had my kids. However, my best friend recently did and really had a wonderful experience.
I'll ask her more about it tomorrow. Any specific questions??
I didn't have a doula but I did have a wonderful husband who attended pre-natal classes with me, got educated about what I wanted in childbirth and acted in the role. It was only through his constant back massaging, application of ice-packs and calm reassurances that I got through a drug free 27 hour labour (that's 27 hours of full on contractions 3 minutes or less apart). Mind you his hands were blistered! Although I gave birth in a hospital, it was in a 'birthing room', which means that we were in a room with a double bed, carpeted floors, and had an en suite bathroom. Monitoring was minimal.
Depends on the husband and the hospital environment as to whether a doula is needed.
Ali
B-
Gina is a doula!! You should contact her with any questions.....
KM
I've obviously only been thru it once. But if there would have been some strange person in there trying to take charge, I would have strangled them :)
Oh my word...I am a doula and I think (obviously) having a doula is GREAT! Doulas ARE NOT a "strange person in there trying to take charge" at all (that may be how some would describe the dr. on call that you haven't had a chance to meet yet)...a doula provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mama before, during and after childbirth. We stay by the side of the laboring woman and her partner throughout the entire labor. We in no way "take away" from the partner's role. (Sounds like Ali had a great husband, but if a doula were there, she could also help attend to his needs...getting him coffee, snacks, giving him a break from back massage for a rest - etc.) Most parents to be I know would meet with the doula pre-labor and discuss what they would like their birth to look like (natural, etc.) and to make sure the doula seems like a good fit. I used a doula with my births and really loved having someone there to help support me emotionally - and I gave birth natually all three times, one time at home.
In terms of cost, I'm guessing that they may charge more in the city (maybe up to $1500)- here in Maine, price ranges from free to about $500 but if that is a concern, bring it up with the doula, most doulas "motto" is - a doula for every woman that wants one. For more information check out
www.dona.org
Thanks for reading about doulas!!!
Gina,
Would you go to NYC to be Becca's doula? (just kidding.) The experience, as you describe it, sounds amazing. Maybe she'll comment and let you know if she's going to do it or not.
I had a friend that had a doula with her 2nd baby and it was a fantastic experience. With her first baby, her dh was more preoccupied with the game on t.v. If I had another one, I would consider a doula if we could afford it even though I would probably get an epi still.
My prospective doula is coming to my job today to meet with me during my lunch hour. My doctor recommended her. Her quoted price is $1,000, but I called her earlier in the week to say forget it, I can't afford it. She told me to tell her what I can afford and not to worry about it. When I told my doctor that I was going to use this doula, she got very excited about it and said that the doula is wonderful. The best part is that the doula works at the hospital as a labor and delivery nurse, and she told me she would get to the hospital before me and make sure I get a good room. Thanks for all your input. And the baby's name is Sophia.
Sorry to interupt, but I need an email addy to send the interview questions :)
Nick,
I posted it on your blog :O)
I love that name!
I love the name, too! I hope the interview went great!
Post a Comment