Do Doula? Don't Do Doula?

[RaisingTwoSoon]

Hey ladies I'm not too familiar with having a doula I'm meeting with one Saturday. Figured it would be a great asset considering I'm attempting a VBAC and do not want pain interventions And cannot have pitocin. Just all on my own. Anyone have experience or recommend a doula? What's the difference between that and a midwife?

[RaisingTwoSoon]

I'm going for it ladies!

[newmama2015]

I have a doula and she's amazing. She is calming, knowledgeable, and will be with me for my entire labor and delivery and then an additional two hours to help establish breastfeeding. I would definitely recommend it!

[RaisingTwoSoon]

Wow that's great. Sounds like what I need. I have an amazing doctor I'm sure I don't need a midwife.

[Finurligaida]

I would definitely like to have a doula. My prenatal yoga instructor is a doula and she provides awesome information during our sessions, tips and trics for the labor as well as for preparing and postpartum recovery.

[Elee11mama]

A doula is a non medical birth partner. She will focus on you and your comfort, and provide emotional, mental and physical support throughout the labor. It is very helpful to have someone calm, compassionate, attentive and supportive with you during labor, to reassure you everything is normal, what a great job you're doin etc. A doula can set the tone for how everyone else can act or treat you (for example your partner or family members can take cues from her on how to help you). A midwife is basically the person in charge of the baby coming out safely and catching the baby. They can , offer you support, but may not be present until later stages of labor, and may not offer as much support (like massaging you) as a doula could.