Has anyone had or is anyone considering using...

a doula? The idea of this intrigues me....any info or experiences you have would be great!!

Re: Has anyone had or is anyone considering using...

one of my coworkers is jsut about to become one and I might use her. She said their ultimate goal is to keep the laboring mother as calm as can be

Re: Has anyone had or is anyone considering using...

I think they are great alot of my friends have used them for L&D. The military supplies you with one if your husband is deployed because they know how difficult it is for families to actually be here for the birth since it most cases the moment is unknown and last minute airfare is crazy.

I also think they are great to use instead of baby nurses because they are all about your care as well as the baby. So If you choice to keep yours around after the birth she will help you with your household as well as the baby.

Edited to say.. I mean baby nurses who come to your home.

Message edited 5/15/2005 7:03:42 PM.

Re: Has anyone had or is anyone considering using...

really Laurie? What do they do after the birth? I am curious

Re: Has anyone had or is anyone considering using...

Check out this website -http://www.dona.org/index.html

there are birthing doulas and post partum doulas. Tells you all about it on this site and you can locate one in your area. I'm considering either using a doula or doing the Bradley classes. Both are very much into relaxation for the mothers and natural childbirth.

Re: Has anyone had or is anyone considering using...

Shana "Postpartum doula training emphasizes the normal course of the postpartum period, and includes emotional and physical comfort measures. Doulas are professionals at offering reassurance, information, and assistance with new mother and newborn care, breastfeeding support and light housekeeping."

They basically take over the role of a new Grandma, neighbor, friend, husband where they might not be one to help or where extra help from a none family or friend may be needed. My friends who have used them thought they were a huge help with breastfeeding, letting the new mom rest, newborn care, in most cases they helped with preparing food and keeping the house in order for the mom so she could rest and recover.

Some insurances pay for a baby nurse who does similar but IMO she isn't there for you she is there for the baby needs only and not that I don't think that is great as well, but I think the new mom needs some babying and support as well if she can get it. I'm pro doula because I have had many friends in some bad situations (husbands deploying at 4 months and not coming back until the baby was 3 months) and these women were lifesavers for these women during labor as well as for after care.

Also the L&D ones are great because in most cases they will be there for you at the drop of a hat and stay with you through all stages of labor, not many women can even say that their OB would do that or will even be at the hospital that day.