Anone use a doula for previous pregnancy?

[wearefour]

Hey mamas
I had an epidural with DS #1 and I was one of those "lucky" one-in-a-million who experienced paralysis afterwards--I couldn't walk for 6 months
Obviously, I don't want to go thru that again & the anesthesiolgist at the hospital has said he won't give me an epidural.
Sooo, I'm preparing myself to go naturally and I've been considering hiring a doula. Has anyone used a doula previously and would you recommend it---we don't have a lot of extra money (who does, right?) so I don't want to spare the expense unless it's going to really help me. Any opinions?

[kathywiehl]

I would definitely hire a doula if I had to birth in a hospital again. IMO, the expense is worth it. She will support you and your dh and also act as a liason between you and the hospital staff to be sure your birth plan is followed.

At my 2nd birth, I had a doula and it was so fast she barely made it but having her there during pushing and then afterwards when she took care of me made it much easier for both dh and I. She came the following day to check on me in the hospital and helped me through some minor issues, then a few weeks later came to the house to check on us and helped me realize I was dealing with yeast and told me exactly what to do to fix it.

[LawrenceDoula]

I did not have one with my daughter 3 years ago, and wished I'd had one so bad that I became one! I've already hired my doula for this birth!

My main reason for not getting one the first time or having a home birth was money. I wish I would have known that many doulas are understanding and are more than willing to work with you to ensure you get the support you need.

So my biased opinion is, FIND A DOULA!!

[Angierae]

YES! She made my dd2s birth more wonderful than I ever imagined. In my area there are a couple of ladies offering FREE doula services for homebirthers, not sure about the hospital, though. Definitely get one--they are so worth the $$$$.

[steph117]

Another note - not sure if you already know, that doula expenses are generally covered with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), if you have access to one through work, or a healthcare savings account. That could cushion the financial blow a little.

[nausicaamom]

You can also look for students who need births for their certification.

[wearefour]

Originally Posted by nausicaamom

You can also look for students who need births for their certification.

I actually found a website for someone local who is looking for moms to help her get her cert. I wasn't sure about using a student, though. I guess I should call her and at least talk to her.

[the elyse]

as long as you, dp and doula mesh well, your doula has a decent knowledge of labor and it's stages, and the desire to help you, certification is just a title. good luck and interview a couple before you decide!

[bloominmamas]

I had a doula with both previous births and they both times it was a tremendous help. I had an induction and ended up pushing for 4 hours with #1 and I have a feeling I would have given up if it hadn't been for the doulas (I lucked out and a trainee with me too that night) with me and the drs would have given up on me as well without their support and knowledge. Definitely worth the money. As a future doula, I will be having a sliding scale for payment/fees, and I knew a couple who had 'em as well.