[hjshan]

Hello,
Many questions... I am planning to have a VBAC and have done a lot of research on how to be most successful. Anyway, we are in the process of hiring a doula. I have read a little about the standards of practice and role, but what do they really do? I was (before having DS) a L&D RN at a busy teaching hospital - we had over 500 births a month and I never once worked with a doula (professionally). In Monterey county (CA) there are a few doulas listed, however, I will be delivering in Santa Cruz (1 hour away) so that seems to be an issue for some doulas. My husband is VERY nervous about being a labor coach - C/S's are easy, he can just sit and hold my calm hand. I really want this birth to be a great experience for him and my 2 yr old - not tramatic or super-stressful.

In reality, what should I expect of the doula? I understand most doulas are not medically trained, but can they read strips (looking for decels, etc.) or do vag exams before going to birth center? Will a doula understand and support medical interventions (i.e pain meds, etc.) should I desire them or is she going to try to discourage me? Also, is $700 a reasonable rate (birth doula only)? Does 20 births sound experienced enough?

Please share any suggestions you may have.
Thank you!

 

[AllisonK]

I am a birth doula certifying through DONA and I provide:
physical support such as suggestions for different position changes, various comfort measures, massage, etc.
Emotional support: encouragment, non judgemental support, thel ist could go on

Information: At prenatal and postpartum appts I go over labor, birth, pushing, breastfeeding, etc. As well as answer questions.

As for the dad, with a doula there she can help him comfort you. Show him how to do different things like counter pressure, let him know what is happening is normal, let him take a break, etc.

I don't do anything that would be considered medical support. Just because I am certifying through DONA. But some doulas do do those things. I think that finding the right doula is important. For both you and your husband. You need to feel comfortable with her. Interview a few and ask them what they do. They probably offer free consultations.

As for the money. In my area (eastern WA) the rate is between $300 and $500. I don't know the going rates in your area. Again just ask around.

As for personal experience. I had a doula with my 2nd birth which was a VBAC and I loved it. She was a doula in training and was amazing. My husband said he wants us to have a doula at every birth! She was able to remember all the things we wanted to but forgot in labor. Some doulas in training will do births for lower rates or even free. And just because they are "in training" doesn't mean that they don't have that much experience. Someone could have just done the minimum births and be certified. Or someone could have dozens of births and have chosen not to certify at all.

Sorry to ramble!

 

[hjshan]

Thanks for your input. How do you go about finding a "doula in training" or one that is not on the DONA list? I also worry a little about being mean to her during labor - I've seen women do and scream crazy and hurtful things. It's one thing to express your pain and feelings to your partner (who hopefully will put it into perspective) but it's another to lash out at a wonderful woman just trying to support you. Has this happened to you? As a nurse, you don't take anythig personal or get that involved (unfortunately). Bottom line is - I'm nervous about losing control - not to the posssible medical interventions (I understand all those) - I'm worried about if I can handle the pain and intensity. We are going to meet a woman Monday morning that sounds good and she is willing to drive the hour to Santa Cruz. So we'll see...
Thanks again!

 

[momtofourlittle1s]

I agree with Allison. Different doulas do different things. The everyday Doula is not supposed to do medical thing such as vag checks. You can question the doula to the experience she has and what she is trained to do.
I'm a midwife assistant so I offer different things in my doula practice because I have the medical background and training. I also charge more for these things. I labor at home with my doula clients also. Some doulas don't. I understand the monitoring strip and I know all the medical term. You may want to think about hiring a monitrice which is a combination of a midwife assistant and doula.

Traci

 

[saritabeth]

When looking for a doula you should bring up your concerns. Tell her you are afraid that you could be snappy. Doula's are there for you and your parnter and will not be offended by nomal labor stuff.

I think the most important part of having the right doula for you is the connection you feel with her. She is going to be there for you at a very intimate and vulunerable time of your life. Can she support and encourage you in the choices and decisions you are making for yourself in an encouraging and non-judgemental way? Is she coming to your birth without and agenda to fully support you and how you want to birth? Has she had some type of training and is she knowledgable and able to point you in the right direction with questions you have?

Most importantly, how does it feel to be around her? Does she put you and your husband at ease immediately? Is this someone you can both feel relaxed around and feel good about her being at your birth?

I personally feel that being a Doula is mostly a matter of the heart. After that she needs to be knowledgable and supportive but mainly the Doula should be able to be there for you as you need her. Its a very intuitive thing.

So, best wishes to you in your Doula search. I would encourage you to talk to a few Doulas. They all should know that not one of them is the one Doula for everyone...so most of us are happy to talk to someone and fully understand I they choose to go with someone else. That's how I feel about it anyway!

 

[AllisonK]

As a doula I wouldn't think anything of a mom being rude or snappy in labor. We talked about it at the DONA training I took and to not take it personal.

As a mom when I was in labor I snapped at my doula. We were in the bathroom and I was gripping the bars in there and leaning over. She went to go help support me and I snapped I'm hot get off. I felt so bad after the birth and apoligized and she just laughed it off. She was great!

You can contact DONA for a list of non certified doulas in your area. The other doula organizations may have a list as well. Or ask around other doulas and midwives may know of someone.

 

[CookieMonsterMommy]

I'd also like to suggest that maybe you look for a doula in Santa Cruz who is willing to drive the one hour to where you live for the prenatals. If your doula gets stuck in traffic on the way to the prenatals, it's no biggie....if the same happens on the way to the hospital, well, that's a whole other story!

I've had people be snotty to me while in labor, and truthfully it's kinda amusing! (Oh, the stories I could tell! :LOL )

Best of Luck,
Kelly