For real? There are no doulas in my area?

[annettemarie]

I've looked both on the DONA website and Childbirth International and I can't find ANY doulas in my area. This can't be right, can it? I mean, I know things are backwards around here, but they're not THAT backwards. Can you point me in another direction to look?

[MaerynPearl]

have you asked your doctor or midwife if they can recommend any or any local groups that may have a list for you?

[annettemarie]

I haven't. My instincts are telling me that I want a doula who will help be a buffer between me and the docs and I don't know that I would want anyone they would necessarily recommend, but perhaps that's not the best attitude. I'm having a bit of a hard time giving up my homebirth.

[MaerynPearl]

Thats understandable, but if you could ask if they know of any groups they could recommend that could possibly have a list that might help... and would keep from having them give you biased answers...

though of course ANY doula you choose would have to be someone YOU are comfortable with, not just someone you are stuck with... if its someone who is already comfortable with your doctor as well it would be a bonus in my eyes as they would already know ways of dealing with them better than a doula who works mostly with other doctors (as everyones different, even doctors...), including ways of helping to get them to allow you to be less restricted.

I really hope that all makes sense?

[annettemarie]

It does. I'm trying to work on my attitude.

[MaerynPearl]

my own doctor is far far far from the norm and has helped me herself with how to deal with other doctors in her hospital if I am stuck with them. For example, one in particular will NOT check my chart before having me get an IV (as it is routine procedure at the hospital and I dont know how many people are pre-exempt but I cant imagine it is many) so I know ahead of time if she is in there to point out that my doctor has already stated the only cases in which I require an IV (I have a serious fear of them after a bad incident with one)

so I guess its just in my mind that... although my doctor works with this other doctor and they get along great... my doctor knows what to watch out for with her as well and how to assure that it does not affect me in a negative way.

Anyway good luck! I hope you find one that suits you perfectly.

I do assume, of course, you already checked asking in your tribe area on MDC too right?

[annettemarie]

Yep, just did! And thanks

[mkpgoddess]

There are other doula organizations out there: CAPPA, ALACE, ICEA...try them?

[MissMorgan]

You might have luck at a Le Leche League meeting and asking mothers there if they know of any.

[annettemarie]

I am the LLL leader in the area. So, no luck there.

[texasfarmom]

Well, my thought would be to look into midwives in the area. Even if you are not using them for care they may also be doulas (my doula is also a midwife) or they may know of doulas that others may not.

[oakparkveggie]

Originally Posted by texasfarmom

Well, my thought would be to look into midwives in the area. Even if you are not using them for care they may also be doulas (my doula is also a midwife) or they may know of doulas that others may not.

I was thinking the same thing! Hope you find someone