Should I hire a doula?

Question

I am currently 19 weeks pregnant and have always considered hiring a doula. Should I?

Answer 1

My friend acted as one for me, she's been present for many a birth, and has two of her own kids.

Honestly, I just wanted to be left the hell alone during contractions, but inbetween we watched tv, laughed and ate, and took walks. Even when pushing.. lol.

I wouldnt spend the money, but thats from my own experience.

Answer 2

Hi Danielle --

I met a doula six years ago on a backpacking expedition and I thought it was the coolest thing. Now I'm married and expecting and hired one who just attended her fiftieth birth.

We've had three losses and so have that extra anxiety in addition to the birth itself. I want her there to assure my husband that I'm not dying, that this is normal, and to allow him to take a break when he wants so he can rest, get a bite to eat or visit with family outside. (Except for bathroom breaks and discreet snacking, she will never leave my side.) The doctor will come and go, nurses will come and go, and the average first-time labor is eighteen hours. Of course, you've probably read that women who use doulas have shorter labors and such; if nothing else, I think it's worth it for the psychological benefits.

This doula's fee ($375) also include consultations up to the birth (e-mail, phone or in person), help with the birth plan, a visit to the house in early labor if there's time, the entire birth, nursing introduction in the hospital and a postpartum visit.

Answer 3

every person is distinctive in what they choose throughout being pregnant and sophisticated paintings and transport. A doula can help you thru plenty because of the fact a doula is conscious each thing approximately being pregnant and sophisticated paintings and transport. The doula can help you communicate with the medical doctors and nurses and help you get what you opt for. The doula may be somebody who will hear to you and furnish an ear so you might chat to or vent to. besides the indisputable fact that, in case you have a husband or boyfriend, he might unlike somebody else helping you. He might prefer to be the supportive one for you and might even get jealous of the doula. some adult adult males do not look to ideas a doula, others experience that a doula is senseless.

Answer 4

I had never thought about hiring a doula until my husband's cousin reminded us that she was a professional doula and would love to be present at our baby's birth if we wanted her to be. Through talking to her, and reading more about doulas, I feel that they play an important role as a liasion between the parents and the doctor about medical decisions that are being made. Doulas will help you carry out your specific birth plan, as well as help calm you during childbirth. They are also very helpful to that clueless father in the room who is overwhelmed by the whole experience.

I think there are many many benefits to hiring a doula. At least contact a few and sit down with them to see how you feel about them as a person, and how you feel about their experience and beliefs.

Answer 5

I would hire one,and yes they should be compensated in some way,they are after all doing you a service and giving your their time and talent.

Answer 6

That is the biggest waste of money. That is like paying for your coach. They are supposed to be free. If your "free" coach goes to the birthing classes they will be fine. Spend that money on your child.

Answer 7

If you can hire one it certainly can't hurt.

Answer 8

If you always wanted to, now's the time to do it!