Some of you may know that Mike and I hired a doula for Ellen’s birth. We had a few strong reasons for doing so.
- We wanted someone we were familiar with that we could talk to when we felt unsure or if something went awry
- We were nervous the doctors and nurses might push their agenda on us, but a doula would stick to our birth plan
- We wanted someone who wasn’t as emotionally involved as our family that would be able to keep a clear head
- Ellen is our first baby. We needed all the insurance and assurance we could get!
We had an amazing experience with our doula, Vicki. She met all of our needs and calmed all of our worries and then some. This is what she had to say about hiring a doula:
1. What is a doula?
The word doula is a Greek word, and it means “woman who serves”. That is exactly what a doula does. As I doula, I support women through pregnancy, labor and delivery and post partum. There are many choices a woman has about how her baby will be born, and it is sometimes overwelming to expectant mothers. I educate women about their options during child birth so that they can make informed decisions. I provide women with physical support during labor and delivery such suggesting different positions that will help decrease pain and encourage the baby to decend down the birth canal. I also provide emotional support to expectant mothers by encouraging them during labor and reminding them that their body knows how to give birth.
2. Why is being a doula fulfilling to you?
Being a doula is one of the most fulfilling jobs there is. I get to be part of God’s greatest miracle of all, the miracle of birth. At every birth I attend, I am in awe of what an incredible and loving God we serve and it definitely increases my faith in Him. I firmly believe that every baby is a gift from God! What an awesome job I have watching God personally delivering the precious gift of a new baby.
3. How does someone know if a doula is for her?
No one can predict how labor will go. Faced with uncertainties, it is very reassuring for an expectant mother to know that a doula will be there for continuous support throughout her labor and delivery. Doctors, Midwives and labor nurses are very busy and can not always give laboring woman individual attention. A doula can. She is there to support you and only you. “Research has found that women who have continuous one-on-one support during labor tend to use pain medication less often, have slightly shorter labors, and are less likely to have a c-section or a forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery. In fact, if you’re serious about trying to give birth without pain medication, a doula may be your best ally.”* Honestly, there is no reason not to hire a doula!
*Quote taken from www.babycenter.com
4. What should someone look for when hiring a doula?
The most important part of hiring a doula is making sure you feel comfortable with her and confident in her abilities. Having a baby is a very intimate moment and you are going to want someone that you “click” with. Find someone who will support your decisions and not force her opinion on you. On my website I have a list of questions for interviewing a doula.
5. What should a person expect to pay?
The amount a doula charges varies by experience, location and certification. Many new doulas will discount their prices until they gain more experience. Doulas with a lot of experience and have knowledge on specific birthing methods typically charge more. Doulas do not have to be certified, so the ones who do not have their certification tend to charge less then doulas who have gone through extensive schooling. In the metro Detroit area, doulas charge anywhere from $300-$2000 per birth.
In her interview, Vicki also wanted readers to know: “The most important thing for women to know is that doulas are not just for people that want to give birth without pain medication. Doulas are there to support you in your labor and delivery regardless on your decision to use pain medication or not.”
So, If you are considering hiring a doula, take a look at this guide first. One main argument I hear against hiring a doula is that she will take over the dad’s role in the birth. Here is one of the best articles I have found countering that argument. I know this summed up Mike’s thought process very well.
So, what are your thoughts on the topic? Would you hire a doula? Why or why not? Let me know in the comment section below.
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If you are in the market for a doula, contact Vicki. If she is not in your area, she can also help you find someone close to you!
I LOOVVEED my midwife/doula! she was present for my daughter’s planned homebirth turned unplanned c-section and was a huge support. And she was an amazing support as I made journey to a VBAC with my son and it was the greatest experience ever. My husband and I both liked having an extra person on our side, someone who supported our birth plan, and was there to have our backs if the doctors or nurses tried to change things. She never took my husbands place but encouraged him with helping me, suggesting positions, relaxation techniques, etc. We loved her and are planning to use her for the birth of our third child :)
lol I think personally I know you hire this person and you will get to know them on a one-on-one level….but right now the thought of it kind of creeps me out. Then again I am not planning on having a very detailed birth plan. I am pretty sure mine will be: I don’t care how, just get this baby out! So the nurses and doctor can help me out just fine when the time comes.
I think this is an extremely interesting topic. Ever since I watched the documentary ‘The Business of Being Born’ (www.thebusinessofbeingborn)a few years ago I was fascinated by the “industry” of birthing babies! I know that I will certainly one day be looking into a doula or birthing center myself.
Also, I have looked into it just briefly in the past and it seems like if you live in a more rural area you may have less options for quality birthing alternatives… Thoughts?
@sleeping bag: We had to bring our doula in from the metro-detroit area, and we live in a rural-ish area. Granted, I would have hired her no matter what because we love Vicki, but there weren’t many options even in a town that is semi-large. My suggestion would be to start looking when you think you want to have kids, that way you aren’t running around trying to find the right fit at the last minute!
Haha, good advice… I guess I wasn’t sure how far most doulas are willing to travel :)
Vicki is a loving, caring doula! She also volunteers for Mary’s Mantle, a home for homeless pregnant women. She truly cares and loves for each girl she helps. She is a woman who loves babies and most of all, God.
Great post! I think being a doula would be a very rewarding job. I was blessed with a very supportive nurse that was almost like a doula with my daughter’s birth. (I thought about telling her that she should change professions! lol)
As Ellen’s dad, I’d like to mention that having a doula definitely does NOT displace the dad during labor and birth! One of the main reasons we decided to hire Vicki was because I was really scared that I wouldn’t be able to support Jenna as much as I wanted to, since I knew how easily I got queazy (I couldn’t even watch a video of someone giving birth without wanting to pass out). Having Vicki with us throughout the process actually increased my confidence and allowed me to fulfill my role as the dad more effectively because I knew that I wasn’t alone in supporting Jenna.
I am very happy with our decision to hire a doula and my advice to anyone considering doing the same is GO FOR IT. You won’t regret it as long as you pick the right one. Jenna listed some great reasons for getting a doula, but if you’re a dad in the same boat as me (high risk of passing out or getting sick) do your wife a favor and hire a doula because the insurance of having one there is priceless! You will be able to focus on supporting your wife and enjoying the wonderful experience of becoming a dad without worrying about anything. Thank you, Vicki!!!
Love your perspective on this, honey! I think a doula is even great for a first birth, and it in turn gives you confidence for the next one too! xo
Love your perspective on this, honey! I think a doula is even great for a first birth, and it in turn gives you confidence for the next one too! xo