planned caesarean - doula or no?

[myk]

a doula was an absolute MUST for my first birth, but since i'm having a planned caesarean i'm wondering if it'll be worth the expense. on the one hand, i know i won't need labour support per se. on the other hand, having someone there to explain to my husband (first time bio daddy) what's going on and how to help would be really beneficial i think. my doula had caesareans herself and knows what the post-op discomfort is like, not to mention hugely bfing-supportive. she'd be there mostly to teach daddy and cuddle baby (the more baby-cuddlers i have, the better).

thoughts?

[MaerynPearl]

Does the Doula also offer postpartum support? If so I would TOTALLY go with it as I think a c-section momma needs even more postpartum help than a vaginal birth momma (not to say that we dont need it with vaginal birth but theres a bit more healing going on after a c-section)

[lillymonster]

I would say yes. I actually asked this question - maybe here, not sure, but anyway, I would say yes.

At my old hospital, all c-section babies had to go to nicu for testing - weird rule, but my DH didn't fight it because he just took their word and I wound up not seeing DD for over 7 hours after her birth, and then the staff acted annoyed I kept bugging them to see her, and they wheeled her in and wheeled her right back out because she was sleeping and I should have been too (so I was told). I think having a doula there would have convinced DH and myself to put more pressure on the staff to see her sooner. Thankfully breastfeeding did not suffer, although I still have no idea if or what she was feed during that time.

I also think DH would have been less worried and scared if someone was there telling him what was going on and why things were being done to me. The nurses were not helpful and just came in, did tests, and left. I also wasn't fed after surgery, I think a doula would have helped with making sure I was fed properly.

I am not saying anyone will have the same c-section experience I did, but I can see a doula helping out in case things don't turn out well.

[MaryLang]

I say yes mostly for after birth. Most hospitals will only allow one support person in the OR. Your DH does need to know whats going to happen in there and to stand up for you and your birthplan, maybe a doula will be able to help prepare him? And make sure you do have a birth plan and discuss it with your OB beforehand. A doula is a wonderful idea postpartum after a c/s.

[CherryBomb]

If I were having a scheduled c/s, I would want a labor doula, but I'd definitely look into hiring a post partum doula.

[the janet]

Oh, yes!!

Getting a c-section can be nerve-wracking and you might have some mixed feelings about it and having a doula to simply provide emotional support can make a world of difference. But like you said, she can also offer support to your husband, help with initial breastfeeding (which can be a little trying after an operation), maybe even be in surgery with you.

And I highly recommend a postpartum doula, esp if you already have a little one at home.

Good luck with everything!

[myk]

Originally Posted by lillymonster

I would say yes. I actually asked this question - maybe here, not sure, but anyway, I would say yes.

At my old hospital, all c-section babies had to go to nicu for testing - weird rule, but my DH didn't fight it because he just took their word and I wound up not seeing DD for over 7 hours after her birth, and then the staff acted annoyed I kept bugging them to see her, and they wheeled her in and wheeled her right back out because she was sleeping and I should have been too (so I was told). I think having a doula there would have convinced DH and myself to put more pressure on the staff to see her sooner. Thankfully breastfeeding did not suffer, although I still have no idea if or what she was feed during that time.

I also think DH would have been less worried and scared if someone was there telling him what was going on and why things were being done to me. The nurses were not helpful and just came in, did tests, and left. I also wasn't fed after surgery, I think a doula would have helped with making sure I was fed properly.

I am not saying anyone will have the same c-section experience I did, but I can see a doula helping out in case things don't turn out well.

good lord. i can't imagine! i wasn't treated well after my first c/s and had a very poor recovery, but at least my kid was taken care of - i slept for a few hours after she was born and they brought her to me the minute i asked for her so i could feed her. i had other issues, certainly, but i cannot imagine for the life of me why the two of you weren't fed!

i am at peace with the decision to schedule a c/s. i originally wanted a VBAC and i had a choice - schedule c/s in my local hospital, or travel a long way to the big city in january to try for a vbac in the hospital i had the bad experience in. after weighing the pros and cons i feel good about my decision, though i know many here would choose the other! i don't think i'll need her emotional support for that reason - but the physical support for me after, and the overall support for daddy, is a big consideration to me.

i wouldn't ask her to come in for before the surgery, she's in the big city so i'd ask her to come in for shortly after the baby's expected arrival time. i do have family in town that can help out a bit, but having a postpartum doula for a day was a total godsend when DD was born!

[lillymonster]

Originally Posted by myk

good lord. i can't imagine! i wasn't treated well after my first c/s and had a very poor recovery, but at least my kid was taken care of - i slept for a few hours after she was born and they brought her to me the minute i asked for her so i could feed her. i had other issues, certainly, but i cannot imagine for the life of me why the two of you weren't fed!

Because I threw up - hospital policy was that I was not allowed to eat until I could keep down a Popsicle. Yup! They gave me a sugary, dyed red fruity disgusting popsicle, which I never eat anyway, and I threw it back up, so until I could hold another one down, I wasn't getting food. They also forgot to feed me breakfast during my induction, and by then it was too late until after wards. So I went from Sunday night at 8 until Tuesday at 11 AM without any food. Only until my husband literally screamed and threatened and realized the head of the floor staff was an odd high school friend, did I get an IV with some sugar and crackers. And within 15 minutes I was acting normal (he said I was slurring my words)

As for my daughter, I have no idea, but again because I threw up, I wasn't allowed to hold her. The rest my DH asked and was told various excuses, she was getting a bath, getting tests, it was shift change and she will be brought down right after.

Like I mentioned, I doubt anyone has the experience as bad as me, but I think having a doula would have alerted DH that I was going downhill without food faster and probably convinced to speak up sooner about getting the baby to me faster.

[myk]

well, that's just crap if you ask me. women throw up in labour, or as a side effect of opioids.. i get the concern about aspiration but honestly, no food without popsicle? fine for some of us, but if you don't eat popsicles... doesn't make sense.

hope your vbac is a positive experience for you!

[Baby~Braatens~Mama]

I agree, that sounds like crap! As for the OP doula question, I would say yes! It is nice to have someone "on your side" who can and will communicate your wishes for you. And definitely pp, as the previous posters said. I truly hope that your birthing experience is a positive one!

[JessicaS]

To me it would really depend on circumstances.

If there may be complications I would hire a doula. I regret not hiring one with my last birth.

[umsami]

If you can afford it, then I say go for it... especially if she includes some post-partum care in the mix.

If her fees are strictly for the delivery, then I'd probably negotiate a bit on cost--as a 30 minute to 1 hour c-section is not the same time commitment as a natural labor--which could be 18+ hours.

If cost is an issue, then I'd probably spend my budget on a post-partum doula.

[Buzzer Beater]

I had a c/s in May- not exactly planned, but we did have a couple day's notice. My husband and I are still bummed about the money we spent on our doula for a planned home birth. We knew up front we would not get a refund from her if we had a c/s, but my DH was so on top of things and so knowledgable about what we wanted that our doula wasn't really needed. If I knew I was having a c/s I'd not get a doula and save some money. I think it depends on your DH and what he is willing to learn beforehand. Our hospital was also wonderful to all of us after surgery- very respectful and full of help. And great LCs made all the difference to me.