Doulas

My daughter had a doula throughout her entire pregnancies (both times) and she loved her. She had the same lady both times and they just became very good friends, full of resource information and she was there for the birth of both of her babies...She had a good experience with her doula..

C. - I haven't used a Doula personally, but one of my close friends did and raved about the experience! The Doula she had did pre-natal exercises with her, etc. I wish I had used a Doula with my first child b/c everything is unknown at that point. As far as finding one locally, I would check first with the hospital you'll be delivering at & then also check out Baby Bungalow: 3106 West Azeele Street, Tampa, FL 33609, TN:###-###-####...they probably have some info. on Doulas & maybe referrals as well. Good Luck!

Dear C.,
Doulas are wonderful people. they help you during the delivery and when you return home. They are basically like a nurse. They will cook for you, take care of the baby's needs and yours.
I have heard only great things about them. my girlfriend is a doula and I am thinking about becoming one.
check with the hospital for a list in your area. They are definately worth it.if you have any other questions
feel free to email me at ____@____.com

C.,
I had a doula nd it was a wonderful experience! She was supportive on many levels..emotionally, physically etc. I did everything on my own, so it really meant a lot to me that she was there. Her name is Sandra Meiner and her contact info is listed on DONA's website.

If you have any other questions let me know and Id be happy to talk to you about it.

Hi,

Actually I am a doula and if you'd like some information, I offer a free meeting in which I will answer any and all questions you might have. At this time I can introduce to you and your partner my full information packet. Feel free to contact me, if you wish. ____@____.com

I hired a doula with my second child. I met her when I was about 4 months along and she was very sweet at first. Then she started pressuring me into being induced because she wanted to make sure that I would have the baby on a day that she had to work so that she could call in. I am not kidding she would call me and tell me to go for a walk because she wanted me to go into labor. when my daughter didn't come on her timeline she started getting way to personal and it made me and my exhusband very uncomfortable. She would stop by without calling and make suggestions to my husband at the time about positions he should try with me, I was mortified. When I went into labor I didn't even call her. She was very upset when she found out but it was my delivery not hers and she was trying to make it all about her.
I have heard of others having a doula and had great experiences. I unfortunately didn't have that but wouldn't object to trying it again if I ever considered having anymore children.
Hope this helps but doesn't scare you.
L.

I had a wonderful experience with my doula(she has moved away) and I highly reccomend having one. My doula was a childbirth educator, breast feeding teacher, yogi and comfort measures teacher. You should find a doula who can at least teach you comfort measures. She should also be able to supplement the info. you get from your midwife or OB so that you can make informed decisions about your birth. But mainly she's there to support you and your partner and act as your advocate in executing your birth plan as reasonably as possible. She should never answer for you or partner when it comes to making the spontaneous decisions you will inevitably have to make during your birth. Checkout www.dona.com for a reputable midwife.