Doula or No Doula?

[wild.blue]

That is the question! How many of you have used a doula and did you find it helpful?

Medicaid covers doulas in my area so I am considering getting one for labor. But I just don't know if, when I'm in that much pain, I am going to want a  strange lady telling me to relax.. Or I might find it very helpful because she IS a woman and has gone through the same thing..  I don't know.

I'd appreciate any opinions or experiences with doulas

thanks!

[JoyRenee]

luv2bmommy made a great point. The doula is there for YOU and will do as you ask. She'll know you're in pain and help your hubby support you. DO IT!!!

[luv2bmommy]

the nurses involved in my first delievery were good, they helped alot, whereas with my second birth i might as well have been in there by myself. my sister and MIL helped out with that one though. lol my mom was on my nerves both times and my DH was only present the first time and he just sat there shaking the whole time. id say having a calm experienced person by your side during that wouldnt be a bad idea. i like quiet when contracting too and mom just "yah yah blah blah" the whole time, but doulas are really in tune with how to handle a woman in that situation. i would check it out!

[wild.blue]

I'll get one I think. I guess if I change my mind and find her not helpful, I can just politely ask her to leave.

I won't lose any money.. I guess without Medicaid doulas cost between $300 and $700 wow!

[alaysha]

I too agree that you should check it out. I didn't have a doula but I find that the nurses were also a lot of help. Its nice to have someone give you information and comfort like that. Such a strange feeling I can't even explain it.

[wild.blue]

Yeah, I think I will. I won't have anyone there for me except my BF and he is super sensitive. And I know I'm going to be very irritated with him if he tells me to "be nice" while I'm in pain.. a doula might help put him in his place and give me more support.

But sometimes I'm not always "myself" around people unless I know them really well... ya know? I might be more comfortable just BF and me. I'm very introverted also.

[JoyRenee]

I didn't have a doula. The nurses in L&D were so helpful and helped coach me. I also had my MIL and hubby there helping coach me. I am an introverted person (meaning I need space and quiet) so I did get annoyed with my hubby, but for some reason the nurse who was a STRANGER was comforting.

I think it was because she was cool, calm, knew what she was doing, and was a peaceful presence at my side. She made me feel like I was powerful and I could DO THIS!

I think doulas are wonderful and gifted and I think you should at least check it out and interview some prospects!