Should I have a doula? ..........

[Tea Lady]

Just wondering if it would be a good idea to have a doula if I'm going to a birth centre or is that overkill? I would consider it otherwise but I'm not sure if there'd be as much point if I'm in the BC. What do you think?

[kadownie]

I would say it's up to you- you can never have too much support in my opinion. The doula and midwife play very different roles- if you want one then I would go for it!

[fai firinne]

One thing about having a Doula is that she provides continuity of care - you get to know her and tell her everything about what you want during your pregnancy. Then she sticks with you right through the labour, even when staff have to leave at the end of their shift. Your Doula can even come to your house during early labour and either stay around or buzz off for a while depending on how you feel and what you want! And then, after the birth, she visits you and helps out in practical ways and listens to you de-brief if you want.
Warm regards,

Julie Bell

[*Country Bumpkin*]

Hmm I went to the birth centre and Id say that even though the Midis are great and you get 2 throughout ur pregnancy it would still be benificial to have a doula

In certain circumstances (like mine) your on roster midi may have already worked her maximum shift prior to you going into labour and arriving at the birth centre.

My first midi had worked 12hrs and couldnt be with me until 2am(by which time Id already had Skyla) and my second had the flu and was really sick. So here I was transfered into the labour and delivery ward and I knew nobody

I think in a case like that it would be a great idea to have a doula. Even if you do have bub in the b/c having a doula would be great- it takes the pressure off your midis and also allows your DP and support people to have breaks if they need them

Id say go for it:hugs:

Oh and I take it your going to the RBWH B/C..... If you are which midi team did you get:D

[lilpearl]

In most birth centres, the care you receive is the same as you would in a labour ward, you just happen to be in a home-like environment, and the midwives understand you do not want drugs if at all possible (as you'd have to be transferred). In most birth centres, a midwife will come and check on you hourly, and leave you to it the rest of the time, while she completes paperwork, checks on other labouring women, has breaks, etc. The roll of the midwife (unless independent) is not what it used to be, as there is usually no time to be spending at one woman's entire labour. Also, midwives have to concentrate on taking notes, measurements, etc, whereas a doula is there to offer all things non-medical, continuously. After labouring in a birth centre with my first child for 18 hours, only having midwives check on me occasionally (and changing shifts), I regretted not having a doula to help my husband out, above all else. It was a huge strain for a man who had never experienced being at a birth before, seeing his wife in pain for many many hours on end, and not knowing what to do, what to offer, or indeed if everything would be alright, as there was no one there to reassure him, give him a break to get a bite to eat, or even go to the toilet without hearing my screams for him to get back and rub my back!

[FinnsMama]

I noticed that the op is from August, so I might be a bit late here, but just wanted to agree with what everyone else has said.

I had Finn at the RBWH BC and I reckon it would have been beneficial to have a doula too. My mw's were very supportive, bringing me ice and water, rescue remedy (!), helping me with different positions, putting my CD's on etc etc... However the mw's are under certain pressures from the hospital, eg. not to let second stage go "too long", they may suggest you transfer to the normal birthing suites where you could end up with an instrumental delievry... so in other words as FANTASTIC as they are they may not always act in your best interests if that makes sense - whereas a doula only has your best interests in mind and will advocate on your behalf.

Plus I think a doula will get to know you better, and you'll have more time to discuss your preferences and philosophies with them in the lead up to the birth.

PLUS they will provide more after-birth care. Unfortunately, due to lack of funding, the BC mw's are unbale to provide much afterbirth care (home after 24 hours, one visit back to the BC day 3, and a couple of follow-up phone calls).

Wherever I birth next time I plan to have a doula. :yes:

[Claire-Bear]

I have to agree with everyone else!

In the words of Dr Suzanne Arms
"If the doula was a drug, it would be unethical to withhold it from the birthing woman"

Claire

PS Hi Julie!