homebirth and a doula

[moderngal]

We hired a doula while planning a natural birth in a hospital. We have since decided to have a homebirth and will be attended by 2 CPMs and their apprentice. We are keeping our doula because we really love her. We've also taken Bradley classes and my husband is very supportive and looking forward to being an active participant in the birth.

But I'm wondering, how does our doula's role change now that we're homebirthing? If you had both, what did each do? How did it work with your partner? I expect that they will complement each other well since we're all on the same team. Thoughts?

[GracesMama]

My doula was awesome! She had the magic touch. As I was getting close to transition, the pain seemed almost unbearable and she applied counterpressure to my hips. It made such a difference! DH tried to help (we took Bradley classes too), but it was the doula who really helped with pain management. Also, she took a ton of pictures once I got to the pushing stage. That's when I need DH for physical support (I was sitting on the toilet with my arms wrapped around him, squeezing him through every pushing contraction).

Overall, it's just nice to have the extra help.

[thismama]

my midwives did the medical stuff and my doulas (i had a doula and a student doula... and two friends) supported me. the role changes out of helping you fend off the hospital staff into supporting and helping you through labour. which of course doulas do anyway i know but at home it is with more freedom and less pressure to help you advocate for yourself... at least that was my experience.

i had a fabulous homebirth and i would not birth again without a doula if i can help it.

[Fiddlemom]

at my homebirth, the doula was the one I was focused on while pushing and who was helping keep me focused. That freed up my midwives to do their job. I was sitting in DH's lap so he was basically my chair during the whole second stage.
she was also the cracker-fetcher and the husband-reliever. he needed some breaks from time to time.

[dancindoula]

I am a doula who has attended both home and hospital births. All of the above is true; also I am usually one of the first attendants called to the birth, whereas the midwife may not be called until well into labor. I usually attend from pretty early on in labor and provide support to mom and dad throughout. And like pp mentioned, especially by second stage, the midwife will need to focus primarily on the mom's medical condition and catch the baby and deal with the baby once s/he arrives - I get to focus on supporting and encouraging the family. If they are in a groove and don't need my hands-on help I become the on the spot photographer.


I love homebirths!

[moderngal]

Thanks so much!! This was exactly what I wanted to hear!!

We met with our doula tonight and it definitely made both hubby and I even more positive that we made the right choices for both homebirth and our doula. I'm getting really excited for birthing this baby!!