What Do You Know About...

This is a great question, but next time could you put your subject in the title. I love this site, but want to stick with what is relevant to me, You tricked me HaHa.

I have a friend that is a doula.. she is the happiest person I know.

I had a doula for both of my deliveries, and it was wonderful. I wish more women were able to have doula support, I think it would reduce the number of C-sections. Take a good look at the OB/GYN practices around you and find out their policies. One large group in Columbus has asked their patients to sign an agreement not to use doulas, saying that they can cause more confusion in the delivery room - BS in my opinion. Women benefit from the consistent support and coaching that a doula can provide better than the nurses or interns that are coming in and out of the room. In my case, I knew my husband would not be as calm and together as I wanted, and my doula provided that. I had 2 large babies without meds or complications, and I credit my doula for supporting my desire to labor through it at home as long as possible. Good luck!

I used a doula for the birth of my second son. She was a godsend and I so wish I had known about doulas when I had my first son. She certainly helped take some of the pressure off my husband and was able to keep me focused on the task at hand. Also since my husband isn't much of a talker she was able to talk to me during all of the walking that I had to do.
Good luck in making your decision!

I had a doula for the birth of both of my children and plan to use her again in the future. I was able to have the natural birth I wanted with my son and I honestly don't know if I could have done that without her! My husband was great but I think every woman would benefit from having a support woman present. I planned to have a natural birth with my daughter but ended up with a c-section because she was breech. My doula was still very helpful through the whole process. She had a very calming effect. When my kids are older I am planning to take the training to become a doula too. In addition to my love of pregnancy and birth, I will have experienced all types of births-natural, c-section, VBAC (hopefully), which will allow me to relate more personally to lots of people. Good luck!

i had a doula for the birth of my son and would use one again (she is becoming a midwife) should i have any more. she was great, really helped me through 36 hours of labor. i wound up having a c-section anyway b/c the cord was wrapped around his neck and his heart beat was dropping, but she helped me power through a lot of the contractions and pain up until that point.

the one thing i will say is, note i was in labor 36 hours and she was there almost the entire time (her 'partner' showed up for the last 3 hours or so b/c my doula had to get some sleep). so you have to be prepared to be in it for the long haul and for being on call all the time. it's a big commitment but a great calling in life because doulas are wonderful. i have to give my friend susie credit for educating me on them in the first place.

Hi J.. I am just beginning my doula certification with DONA. I'm not sure how much a medical degree will help as a doula only provides comfort measures and support and has nothing to do with the medical aspect of birth. I had a doula and she has been the inspiration for me pursing my doula certification. I think it's wonderful so many women are now aware of the choices they have during labor/delivery. In my opinion, becoming a doula is very humbling and an awesome commitment/responsibility. Sharing in the greatest joy and most intimate part of a person's life - the birth of their child - is truly amazing.

Good luck in your journey!

Love, love, love my doula. I think every mom to be needs one. Having an advocate, friend, coach, etc... during that precious time was priceless.
Best wishes to you in your new adventure!
R.

My sister had a doula. She was completely awesome! I think you must be a wonderful person to want to help during such an amazing experience in a woman's life. I totally wanted a doula, but my husband was against it--maybe I should have gotten a doula to convince him that I needed a doula in the delivery room. hahahaha. Anyway, if we ever have another child, I'm getting one because he didn't massage my back very well and my first nurse was pretty snotty. I was really trying to do labor without meds and neither of them helped. So sad. Oh well.
Anyway, all my best to you. I say go for it! Women need more support in the process of delivery!

I actually had bad experiences with doulas, but I totally believe it was just bad circumstances and I will try again next time!
I have been through a DONA certification workshop and now need to attend 3 births to get certified. I can't wait to help women - especially in the hospital where they don't have a voice. And homebirth where I don't have to worry about getting in the way of an OB and nurses who would rather I weren't there :)

Do it! Good luck:)