Giving birth alone? Doula?

Lili.Mackintosh

Ravenlady wrote: »

My OH announced last night that he is due to go on tour the same month our next baby is due :eek:

There is no way around this and it is highly unlikely I could have a section just before he goes.

I have racked my brains and cant think of anyone I would feel comfortable enough to have in the room with me, my sister will be at Uni then, my OH sister will be due around the same time, my MIL will be with her, I have no close female friends and my mother will be looking after my other children and having her in the room would quite honestly be my worst nightmare.

I dont have lot of free cash but could stump up the fee for a doula, has anyone used a doula before?

I was in a similar sitiation and hired a doula, Im so glad I did. They start from £250 upwards, my one also taught me hypno-birth which really relaxed me. They usually visit a few times before you go into labour so they wont be a complete stranger. I will definately recommend getting a doula... I was 32 weeks when I hired mine so you definately dont need to hire them at the start of the pregnancy. Definately go for it! I don't mind emailing you the company I used. Hope you have a lovely pregnancy.

PurpleJay

If I were in your position I would certainly look into the possibility of having a doula to support you. When I had my son, I had a hospital water birth with my husband present and we had a student midwife who stayed with us throughout and another midwife who popped in and out and was there for the birth. I was only in the hospital about 3.5 hours before he was born. My husband was great and so were the midwives. If I had a similar birth without my husband there I wouldn't worry if a student were present but this is not the norm and you could be alone for long periods which I wouldn't like. I think having someone with you who knows your birth plan is also beneficial. My midwives seemed to know exactly what I wanted almost instinctively, once I had made a fuss about wanting to use the pool (dr had to ok this as I was on consultant care due to M threatening to arrive at 34 wks - however it was over 37 when he did arrive ergo I didn't need consultant care and could have my water birth). Had I been unable to advocate this myself due to the pain or whatever, husband would have done so for me. A doula would do the same. I have also read that there is often less need for intervention when women receive female support though out labour. All food for thought x

SurreyDoula

Doula support is not only for women giving birth alone - they are much more than just birth partners. Take a look at the Doula UK website for more information and to find a doula near you.

Research shows that hiring a birth doula: shortens first-time labour by an average of 2 hours, decreases the chance of caesarean section by 50%, decreases the need for pain medication, helps fathers participate with confidence, decreases need for medical intervention such as induction, augmentation & assisted delivery, increases satisfaction with birth experience, increases success in breastfeeding, decreases incidence of postnatal depression.

Staff shortages and current state of affairs in the NHS often means that women are left unsupported and doulas provide continual support. They meet with you antenatally, providing you with information so that you can make informed decisions and will protect your birth space, be your advocate if necessary and support you all the way. Doula costs vary depending on location and experience - anywhere from £0 (DUK has a Hardship Fund) to £800. They go on call for you for the month surrounding your due date and can provide postnatal support also.

Good luck with your birth - I hope you find the right support whether it be a doula or friend/relative...or a lovely midwife!

"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it" - Dr. John Kennell