If he is like freaking out, wondering if you are okay (even though we know he has been through this before) the doula can assure him that you are okay, and offer suggestions on how to make things better. if you are one that might not want ot be alone, the Boy can get something to eat and the doula will not leave you.

ALSO, if you think you woule be intersted in pictures of the birth (and you seem like someone you *might*), let me tell you, i just saw the pictures of my babies’ birth, and ohmigosh, the pictures alone are worth the cost of th edoula. Hubby was at my head (he didn’t want to see down there and i wanted him near me anyway) and my doula was taking pictures from the doctors vantage point. THEY are awesome!!!

Anyway, can’t wait to hear what you decide and hear all about her.. and your birth story.. i cannot wait for that. I better get busy writing mine before I forget everything.

Here’s why I think you should consider a doula. About a day into my induction, I started really losing steam. I was exhausted from the contractions, starving and needed a break. The night shift nurse that night was a lifesaver. She saw the look on my face and sprang into action: filled the tub, got faux candles and quiet music and made a spa out of my sterile hospital room bathroom. It saved me, and I just thought to myself, what if I had someone like this the whole time? Someone to anticipate my needs and articulate things I couldn’t, who could ask for things that would make me feel better even if I didn’t know what they were. I think a good doula would do this for you and more.

Also? If you do end up with a c-section — and I really hope you do not; I hope you get the birth experience of your dreams — a doula can help you there too. She can talk you through the procedure and — this is really key — stay with you when your hubby and all the nurses are tending to the baby. The baby comes after just a few minutes and then the rest of the time you’re being sewn up and people are less interested in you than the baby. That’s the time when many people (myself included) start to kind of lose their shit. The time when you could need someone to stay with you and talk to you about random things to keep your mind off of it. If — IF — I ever do this again I am definitely, definitely going to hire a doula for my c/s (VBAC will not be an option for me given that my fibroids will likely return and be a problem once again).

My $.02 for your consideration!

Enjoy it! Its totally happening. I still miss all that movement inside, even though I get the cute wiggly movement outside now! Also – my SIL had 2 prior c-sections and finally hired a doula for #3, she was able to have a v-bac but also had to give in to the epidural. I looked into doulas but didn’t do it b/c I don’t like to be touched much when I am in pain and they can be very touchy feely, so I just coached and taught DH to be my support and he did great!