New Moms and Moms To Be.... Would you use a Doula?

[dnikki0928]

I'm thinking about getting certification to be a Doula...I think it would be a great addition to my massage therapy (still waiting on those results but....) and it's something I would LOVE to do!!! For those of you who don't know what a Doula is...

For almost 20 years, researchers have been examining a centuries-old
phenomenon -- women helping women through childbirth. Continuous support from an experienced female companion, called a "doula,” has been demonstrated to have impressive benefits, including shorter labors, less need for pain medications, and reduced likelihood of cesarean delivery. These findings about a proven, risk-free method come at a time when the focus in society seems to be moving towards the desire for more holistic approaches in an age of increased technology and medical intervention.

If you ladies could vote or comment or do both I would greatly appreciate it!!!

[dnikki0928]

Thank you everyone for your input!!!

kc: I never thought about the home birth thing... I think I'm 50/50 on that issue. Of course I want to do what is the best for the baby, but if the mom to be is adament about home birth and there are appropriately trained medical persons there, then yes I would probably agree to a home birth.

Jusaqirlxox: I thought about taking the postpartum doula also so I can be there for anything afterwards if the family needed me to.

[Jusaqirlxox]

I wouldn't use one during labor but I would def use a postpartum doula!!!!

[kc1021]

I wouldnt use one but I know a lot of people who do.  I have a question though, do Doula's only assist delivery in hospitals or do they do home births?  I would say absolutely no to home births.  I have a friend who is a nurse in a NICU and she sees babies come in all the time with complications from home births, and sadly a lot of them die.  So doulas and midwives are great assets, but in my opinion only in hospitals where they can properly monitor you and the baby.  

[KellyA74]

I voted Never...but that's just me...I think that they are a great idea for the right person....But I didn't want anyone to talk to me, touch me, or look at me throughout labor/delivery......I made that clear to DH months before I had the baby.....Again, that's me and my personailty.....I know of friends who have had their family and friends with them and they loved it.......I say go for it if it's something that you really want!!

[Griggsy]

My mom and sisters are my doula(s), as combined togther they have had 13 children. They know the ropes and have such wonderful insite. Plus they are free.

I know lots of people who want someone there, but don't want family in the room. I have even read a few books that mention getting one if you don't have someone there for you. I think, like Joy mentioned, if you have the right personality you'll be great! Good luck!

[JoyRenee]

I think you'd do awesome at it! I was just using the example of my sister for the basis of my answer. I think doulas are amazing. I think my MIL should be a doula and I've thought about doing it but decided sonogram technology is more my thing than the personal one-on-one relationship with women I hardly know.

[dnikki0928]

JoyRenee: I don't think I'm one of those wierd people who try to hard to click and don't succeed at it lol :-) Granted there are a few people that give me weird vibes, and once that's happened it's hard for me to establish a good relationship with them.
I've been in the healthcare field for about 7 years now and I love it!!

[dnikki0928]

Jess -

Thanks for the insight! Yeah, I know how the economy is right now...The charge can be on the lower side, but they can charge out the a s s too. I want to be fair at my pricing, and it is a flat fee. I think if there ended up being a c-section, then I would cut the rate also... It's something that I think I would really enjoy, and like I said  I think it would be a great addition to massage therapy!

Mumita: Thanks!! I'm thinking about having one whenever I get another bfp in addition to dh being there.

Babydreams: I'm glad you had such a great experience!!

[JoyRenee]

The only issue I have is the money issue. Most insurances do not cover doula care. If mine did I would consider it totally.

My sister had midwives (different but still similar in some ways) and they were really weird. So I'd have to click with a doula. Some people have social grace, others don't but still get jobs doing human relation jobs and they end up offending and hurting people. So if you're a spunky and happy person, TOTALLY DO IT!

[jessbbg]

Nikki -

I *would*, I've heard they are wonderful and comforting and such a great thing to have, and I am desperate for some wonderful and some comfort!! lol...  But this economy has me hesitating... That's the biggest issue right now, "if it's not a necessity, then hold off" seems to be my motto.

I hope that helps give you some "consumer insight"...

How much do they cost?  It's not like I'm flat broke, but my partner works for one of the big boys that just got bought by one of the other big boys and may not have a job next month.  Is it like an hourly rate they charge for their time and services, or is it a flat fee for support through the whole thing?  

[Mumita]

I would if I didn't have my husband and family around.  I'm going to drag him to all of the childbirth classes so he acts like my doula.  If he misbehaves then I'll kick him out and bring in his mom or his stepmom (his stepmom used to teach lamaze class).
I know some people that would, but I trust my family 100% and I know that they will be my best support.

[babydreams9]

A resounding YES!!!! I had one and she was amazing.