Question on Doulas

I am a doula and about half of my clients either know they want an epidural or are unsure if they want natural or medicated birth. I completly support whatever type of birth the mother wants, listening to your body is very important! We (doulas) can still be extremly helpful with an epidural, there sometimes needs to be more assitance with pushing, there can be a "snowball" of intervention that we can help you understand and prevent (if desired), also help in deciding at what point the epidural will be most beneficial and not slow your labor. If you want more inforamtion on what I do, my website is www.birthfirstdoula.vpweb.com. Good luck!

Doulas are there as a support to you and your coach and should help your birth go as you wish. We tried to go natural but because of complications we ended up with an epidural and pitocin and there was never any judgment from the doula. I can recommend a great one if you need a referral.

You do start having labor pains before you get an epidural. She can help before and after. I think duolas are helpful in other areas beside pain. I never had one but think they are a good idea. Good luck.

First of all Congrats!! It is a very special feeling having your first new born baby. As for my experience with my first baby I requested the epidural right away, only because I heard all the horror stories that come with Labor. With my secound child I also new that I wanted the epidural. I don't have no regrets. With my second child I did feel alot of pain as the contractions were stronger. I don't think I could have made it without the epidural. But, everyone has different feelings. I loved having the epidural because it made labor so much easier, and the experience of pushing out my baby was a JOY!! My son is 2 months old. I hope this helps.

Cindy

I had a doula with both my kids and had an epidural. You just need to find the right doula. I loved having one. She really helped me thru my labor.

My husband and I will use a doula again for our second child's birth. They are fabulous, and I'm sure could be of help with the pre-epidural and pushing part. Also, there are potentially more interventions needed once you get the epidural, so I'm sure the doula could help explain them and tell you the pros and cons of each. My sister in law's doula was able to tell them that breaking the waters before she was 7 centimeters probably wouldn't do much to speed up labor, which the dr. didn't tell them, so they chose to do lots of visualization and other positions (wouldn't be able to do the other positions with an epi probably, but visualizations would help) for an hour to speed labor up without artificially breaking the water. I just think that someone there who has knowledge of labor and is strictly there for you and the baby and not pressured by a clock or how much they are being paid is helpful. My sister in law's doula was with her and my brother for 30 hours. The dr. was there for less than one, but was definitely making suggestions, even though the doc didn't know how s-i-l was really doing and that she wasn't worn out.

Good luck!
H.

Hi M. - congratulations on your pregnancy! You may certainly hire a doula even if you want pain meds or an epidural. "Doula" in greek means servant or helper. A doula is present to help you emotionally through labor and delivery, to talk you through what is happening with labor and the baby, to help be your advocate and an extra voice with medical staff (although not your decision maker), to help when your husband needs a break - or you need a break from your husband (HA!). That kind of thing. Whatever you need her to do to support you during your labor and delivery is what she will plan to do.

I would just recommend interviewing a few before deciding on one and talking about your desire for an epidural/pain meds up front. If they are opposed, then ask her for a recommendation of a good doula who agrees to work with pain meds. Also, a good doula will organize several at-home visits with you once the baby is born.

Best of of all things to you and your little one!!