I knew she would be helpful with my intended home birth, but I had no idea how much we would need her when I ended up having an emergency CS. I honestly do not know how we would have managed without her.
Think of a Doula as an extra set of hands when you need them most. An extra brain when yours is totally not functioning. Sure your partner could do these things.. but having a Doula allows your partner to focus totally on YOU!
I can't count the number of times my DH has said that he is sooo glad she was there.
Like a midwife, your Doula needs to be someone you are fairly compatible with. Meet a few and find one that you 'mesh' with. As far as I know, Doulas do the interviews for free. Get them to tell you what all they do. You'll be sold in no time. =)
I would recommend Jessica Groves, o Trustingyourbodies.com.
She was my Bradley teacher, and my doula at my hospital-based natural waterbirth. Amazing lady, I was so comfortable with her, and trusted her completely. Good Luck.
I am a doula and I work with a group of like minded doulas in the Baltimore area. instead of sounding tacky and recommending my self I will recommend my partner Emily Pelton. She was amazing for both of my unmedicated births. If you would like more information feel free to pm me.
Claudia Booker of Birthing Hands of DC is wonderful!
She was our doula for our son's birth last September in Baltimore.
She is out of DC but was willing to make the trip to us.
I can't say enough about how much I recommend her.
We would definitely want her to be with us if/when we have another.
PM me with specific questions...
Her web site is: http://www.birthinghandsdc.com/
I will recommend my partner Emily Pelton. She was amazing for both of my unmedicated births. If you would like more information feel free to pm me.
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