Doula???

[bubbabelly]

Hey
Im 28 weeks pregnant with my first baby (a boy) and i was wondering if a doula would be a good idea. The doula that i spoke to says she does belly casts and is a trained birth photographer. I was wondering if anyone has had a doula before or heard things that may be of help?
Thanks

[kerrie]

Hi Bubbabelly,

Doula's have been shown, through good quality research, to decrease your labour time and decrease your need for drugs to cope with the pain of labour......They are fantastic if your having your baby in a busy maternity hospital where the midwives have to care for more thatn one labouring woman at a time.

The other thing to note is that if you have a friend/ sister/aunty/mother who is cool with and around birth and who knows how to support you then the outcomes (ie less need for drugs and shorter labour) are similar...in fact one study showed that just the consistant presence of another woman (not even necessarly previously known to you) during labour, who supports you; get's you drinks, food, rubs your back, adjusts the temp ot the shower, supports your partner etc, etc, also reduces your need for drugs and your labour time!

If you choose to hire a Doula make sure you meet with her and to check that you click, talk to her about how she sees her role etc (stating the obvious, but very important).

Good Birthing Vibes to you :)

Kerrie :)

[bubbabelly]

Hi Kerrie,
Wow thanks for that! I would do anything for an easier labour. You hear all those horrible birth stories. I am also very set on having a drug free birth.
I havnt met this doula yet but we have arranged for a time to meet because she says its important i feel comfortable with her. She is very set with everything being up to me and she is just there to support and not judge.
For pain relief she believes in massage, aromatheropy and acupuncture. My mum will also be at the birth.
Did you have a doula?
Well thanks anyway for your infomation. It was a big help.
Regards

BubbaBelly

[Kassiasmum]

Hi bubbabelly,
If you don't end up going the the doula that you are meeting with, there is a lovely lady by the name of Suzanne Swan who is a doula, her website is www.yogababy.com.au. i did active birh yoga with her from 14weeks pregnant and she is such an informed lady on birth and such a lovley lady.
good luck
Tracey

[Mother Duck]

Hello all

I am about to enter the world of doula's after a great suggestion (see natural birth forum)

Bubbabelly - Dont' be frightened about your birthing - remember that your body is built for this and you will not be given a situation that you can not handle.

Yes there is pain - but it is not comparable to anything else- It is truly a beautiful experience.

Good luck

Jessie

[kerrie]

Hi Bubabelly,
No I'm not having a Doula. I'm Having a homebirth midwife instead :)
Kerrie :D

[WeThree]

hi everyone! congratulations bubbabelly how exciting that you will soon have a little one. I think doulas are a fabulous idea, particulary if you are on your own, or have a hubby who may not be much help :o (lucky for me mine was great) i do think though that mum/sister/bestfriend etc can provide a similiar service, especially if they have a clear idea of what you want your birthing experience to be and are committed to helping you achieve it. I was lucky with all mine, my mum is a midwife! :)

[Doula_Jess]

Hi bubbabelly, What a wise woman you are in looking into having a Doula at your birth! Doula's provide continuous, non-judgemental support not only to the labouring woman, but her entire labour 'team', all the while, 'holding the space' for the woman so she can focus on the job at hand. She has great knowledge and confidence in the birthing process and is there to support you in all your choices throughout your labour. There was a fantastic article in the Mother's Day version of the Daily Telegraph (or was it the SMH??) that explained in great length the benefits of having a Doula present at your birth. As a Doula, I have experienced the 'job' of being a support person both before and since doing my course and can tell you that the techniques learned (or discovered!) by a Doula are unsurpassed! If you want more info on Doula's there is a great website www.e-lifeoptions.com that will give you any additional info that you may need. All the best for your birth! Doula_Jess :)