Doulas

A doula is 100% worth it but make sure they're the right fit. My doula caused me a lot of birth trauma to to cultural differences and miscommunication on her end. Do not be afraid to kick your doula out of the birthing space if they suck or switch to a new one way before that if it's not working. I didn't because I didn't realize I could and really messed up my birth experience/plan letting her walk all over me.

We hired our doula at 20 weeks. She offers prenatal care 24/7, postnatal care for 6 weeks, and will be there to support us during labor.

She also offers massage and reki and I will recieve 13% off all services for 1 year Postpartum. Which I thought was great. She really aligned with what we have for our birth goals.

We have loved working with her so far, she connects with us every week with a huge focus on mental health and how we are feeling.

I would say interview a couple doulas and see if it is for you 🥰👍

They are very helpful, at least that was my experience for postpartum.

Yes, get one! Having a doula was so helpful for me and my husband! Feel free to message me if you have any specific questions

I am using midwifery care and have been pleased with all their (free) support so far and am happy to have 2 Midwives for delivery (1 for me and 1 for baby), so I won't be spending the money on a doula. Others may want the personal support during delivery if they don't have Midwives for delivery and prenatal/postnatal care.

I had a doula and I had the absolute best experience and the birth of my dreams! As everyone has already said it has to be the right person for you and someone you resonate with.

You have to make sure they are experienced in the kind of birth you want and you have to make sure she understands what you want and what your expectations are of her.

I am still in touch with my doula and without doubt will use her for my second child.

We hired a doula and would do it again in a heartbeat. Def interview a few to find the right fit.

If at ALL possible get a Doula! They are your advocate during childbirth and during pregnancy. I wish i would've had one. Several of my friends did. They had great experiences

I would recommend to spend money on a night doula! Best investment!!

Thank you everyone for your opinions and sharing your experiences. It's really insightful and has given me lots to think about and research!🥰🥰

Who is your super person? Are they someone who can advocate for you? Do they know what kind of birth you want and will do everything they can to make it happen? If yes, then you probably don’t need a doula. If you’re not sure your support person can actually get you through, then I’d start interviewing doula. I had one with my first since my husband couldn’t be there. I didn’t think my mom was capable of physically helping me through labor or advocating for me. I ended up with a c-section because baby was breech and my mom refused to be in the OR with me. My doula stepped in and helped keep me calm. I’m so glad she was there. We didn’t hire a doula for my second since my husband would be there. I ended up with another section and he had no problem being in the OR.

I see it as a waste. More money down the drain for a partner during labor and I’m vocal for myself so I don’t need someone to do it for me. I personally don’t think anyone needs one but some women find them useful.

Hi there, I am a certifying birth doula. I have learned so much about birth and how it is a beautiful experience no matter how baby arrives. A doula can help you emotionally when you’re feeling anxious during labor or if something doesn’t go as planned. They can also help you physically with massaging and suggesting positions and birth tools to use to encourage baby to come down and rotate. Data has shown having a birth doula cuts down on your labor length and the chances for a cesarean. Depending on experience and what is all required from your doula they can range in costs and most have a sliding scale or if you find a certifying doula like me maybe even for free! They are not there to tell you how to birth, they are there to be your biggest cheerleader to make sure you have over all a positive birth experience. Best of luck!