Becoming a doula is something I have thought about since having my third child. I had three very positive birthing experiences and I think that it had a lot to do with having great support during labor. I'd love to help other women have a positive experience. I looked into the requirements a couple years ago and it just slipped down on my priority list for awhile. I think it would be very rewarding and have been thinking about it a lot lately. I was wondering if anyone here is a doula or had one during their labor. Thanks!

By Yjja123 on Thursday, August 9, 2007 - 06:55 pm:

Are doulas and midwifes the same thing?
I had a midwife during my second pregnancy. She was helpful but I ended up having an emergency. A doctor delivered my son, while she looked on.
I wanted a midwife because my first delivery was horrible. We could not get the epidural as soon as I had been promised. I was forced to have an enema, etc. I wanted another voice speaking up for my rights.

By Rayelle on Thursday, August 9, 2007 - 07:04 pm:

A doula is different from a mid-wife. They don't do any medical procedures. They are women who ahve given birth before, to give additional coaching and support during labor and delivery. Also, they can be trained to provide postpartum,newbron and lactation assistance. In a way, htey do provide another voice. Some women may want a doula because they don't have anyone else but also in addition to the father or other loved one so the laboring mom is never alone. the nursing staff can't typically be there the whole time and it can be helpful to the mom to have someone who has experienced labor before.

By Kym on Thursday, August 9, 2007 - 07:07 pm:

Yvonne, it is my understanding that a doula assist the moms needs during delivery, but does not actually deliver the child or perfrom medical "acts" as a midwife steps in as a doctor for prematal, labor and delivery.

I had my last baby at home, (planned) with a midwife. There were actually three midwifes here while I labored and delivered, one was the acting midwife, one watched my other three kids and one acted as the doula. It was a wonderful experience for our whole family. If it is something you are interested in, go for it. Just make sure you can form a good relationship with the hospital while at the same time remaining a true doula, apparently that is hard in my area, we have a HIGH number of malpractice suits here so they put a lot of limitations on the midwifes/doulas who go into the hospital. But if you can work with a midwife for home births that is another great option.

By Kym on Thursday, August 9, 2007 - 07:08 pm:

OOPS we were typing at the same time