I noticed the other day someone asked about using a doula and I too was wondering that question myself recently having confirmed a pregnancy. With my first one I had an amazing midwife and I could not have asked for better even though things weren't exactly how I dreamed of them working out (ended up in labor 32 hrs. with 5 hrs pushing, meconium in baby, NICU in the room, no tearing thank G-d, VERY VERY quick 1-2 day recovery and bleeding for one or two weeks, horrible back labor and very difficult 15 hrs. of contractions 2 minutes apart.) But all in all it was great. I ended up having an epidural because I was out of coping ability after so many and so frequent contractions and eventually right before transition cried and cried for an epidural. That was NOT my plan. I wanted to have an all natural labor and delivery and I wanted to remember the moments after the birth. I don't. I was so exhausted and short of breath after all the pushing (my epidural wore off after and hour and half) that I was out of it. So...my reason for sharing all this is because I really really want a pain tolerable experience with memories of after the birth. I don't remember nursing my baby or holding her even because they swiped her away to the NICU members working on her alongside my bed. So, I want the doula to help so I have more of what I want in the birth - delivery experience, without the epidural and managing the pain ok. I have even considered hypnobreathing and hydrobirthing. I do not know too much about the Lamaze or Bradley methods. We went to a birthing class with my first and I have NEVER wasted so much time in my life. It was at St. Francis hospital and it was so unuseful. I really want to know what works and really helps to make it a better experience. I also do not have any money to pay a doula right now so I am looking into volunteer doulas who do it genuinely out of the kindness of their hearts rather than as a profession to make a buck. I know my midwife works to make a living but what made the biggest difference in the world was that she does it from her heart and only from her heart. I admire her more than anyone in the world. Any comments or recommendations are welcome. Thanks in advance.
N.:
check out www.birthlink.com. I don't know if any of the doulas are volunteers.
P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group, Inc
www.lactationsupportgroup.com
Hi
My neighbor Cassandra is a doula. She lives in Plainfield but she works primarily in Chicago. I'll forward her your information ie, phone or email address, if you'd like.
~M.
Hi N.!
I was searching Mamasource for inqueries about doulas, & came across your request. I was curious to know if you'd be interested in a postpartum doula. I'm in training, and need some volunteer work before I can become certified. I would love to help you out, if you're interested. I'm a mom myself-my daughter is 16 months old. Becoming a mother was such a life-changing event for me, and I absolutely love the job! I would love the opportunity to encourage and empower other women to take on this amazing role with confidence. I'm available for a few hours, whenever you need me, for as many trips as you'd like. I can care for your baby, help you breastfeed, do dishes, do laundry, run errands, write thank-you cards, babysit your other child(ren), or cook you dinner. I'm here to help you, whatever that entails. Let me know what you think, & maybe we can work something out. Take care, & hopefully we'll talk soon!
~A. Mattes
____@____.com
I work as a volunteer doula but unfortunately I am not able to take on any births right now due to school. I do have some friends who are in school with me who are volunteer doulas. If you are interested send me a message and I can pass along your name. I am not sure what their availability is but I would be happy to help put you in touch.
Dear N., My name is D. and I am doula in New Lenox, I am not a volunteer doula, but I do my job from the heart and not to make a buck. I have been a doula for 12 years and truly, truly love what I do. My goal is that each birth experience is a positive experience for my clients and my clients get what they want. Mosts doula who charge have been doing this a long time and do it as a profession just like your midwife. Also, most doulas will work with your financial situation i.e., payments etc.to Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I would be happy to answer them for free. Congrats on your new addition, D. Conte 815/474-1678.
