I'm 13 weeks pregnant and scared to death to give birth again. Eva's birth went everything but smooth. I never posted her birth story, because honestly, it's not something I want to remember.
When I met with my new (amazing!) Doctor at my first prenatal appointment, he asked how my first birth went. I replied "horrible, everything went wrong". He asked specifically what went wrong. But my oh my, what went right? After hearing everything, he agreed. And will be going above and beyond to make sure this birth goes better. He even said he'll call ahead to the hospital, and make sure I have the best, most experienced staff there for me. Cool.
I won't go into gory details. But I'll tell you this, I'm pretty sure this next birth can't trump the awfulness of the first. And I'll do everything in my power to make sure it's better.
Hence, the idea of getting a Doula. I really need a support person, and that's precisely what a Doula does- encourages and supports. And, before last night, Nich has never really been into the birthing thing.
But, when the Doula couldn't make it to our meeting last night, we got to talking. And he got it out of me that of course I would rather have him be my support person, rather than paying someone else the big bucks to do the job. And it turns out, that this time he really wants to get into it. He wants to learn all about it, and be there to offer comfort and support this time. (Don't ask what he was doing last time, but it rhymes with leeping).
And I just read this miraculous hypnobirthing story (hi! sorry, i don't know you, hope it's ok i linked to you). And I'm like, ohhhhhh, hook me up with the hypnobirthing! So, we went to Chapters and bought a book and cd. It is very important to me to try for a natural birth this time (I know, crazy!). I feel the whole thing went downhill with all their interventions which really could have been avoided. I know labour and delivery don't always go as planned. Ha ha, you really don't need to remind me of that. But, it's what I'm hoping for and trying for.
So, now we're trying to figure out our plan. Should we forget the doula? Should we try the hypnobirthing? Should I have a chica family/friend there as well for some womanly support?
We're praying about it. I just hope it goes better this time.
- My name is Teresa
- I heart lattes
- And kidlets
- And my hot husband
Thursday, September 27, 2007
To Doula or not to Doula
posted by Teresa at 8:31 AM
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9 Comments:
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At 7:10 PM,
I didn't have a doula but I had a midwife and had the most awesome natural birth. I know that not every birth is great even when you are extremely prepared. The only thing I would suggest is read a LOT and research different types of birth so that you are mentally prepared (as much as you can be for birth). I think your mind is a very powerful part of giving birth.
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At 7:36 PM,
Jen WilsonI definately support the training of Nick. I taught Noah a lot (and learned a lot myself in the process) about labor and birth and stuff when I was pregnant. It's the best to have your best friend as your coach.
The best advice I was given, I know it sounds simple, but was to relax. If you relax your bottom half, your labor goes quicker and easier. Worked for me anyway. And spend a lot of time in the tub!
Nick - learn as much as you can! Your wife needs you! -
At 8:36 PM,
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Yes, Jen's story is FANTASTIC!! I also had a wild delivery with my first and a blissful birth with my second. I think that it's impossible to prepare yourself for everyting that might happen and I just tried to trust that my body would "know" what to do and that God's plan would be carried out with the delivery. I wish you all the best with whatever you choose, Teresa. I really liked having only my doc, a nurse and my hubby in the room as my support. I think that an experienced support staff really could be all that you need. hugs,
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At 6:46 PM,
Jen Wilson -
I used the hypnobabies version of hypnobirthing for my first-born (and only thus far), and I must say I wouldn't want to imagine a birthing without it! It definitely helped! As far as doulas go, I did not have one, but I made sure my hubby could handle most of the things a doula normally does. I have a couple of friends who've used doulas with mixed results. If you can find one you really, really click with, go for it. Otherwise it may just be better to skip the doula.
Just 2 cents from a stranger who doesn't remember how they came across your blog but has been reading for a little while. :)
It's hard to give other people "advice" on a topic like this because everyone is so different especially with birthing experiences.
My 1st experience went very well (main reason, I was blessed with an AWESOME doctor!), I was ready for the worst and was very worried, but it went awesome, I am hoping to do a repeat this second time around.
My feeling going into it was that I wanted as few a people in the birth room as possible, the less going on around me and the fewest people telling me what to do the better. I also didn't want to be "hooked" up to any drugs or anything that would "confine" me, I hate that feeling as is not to mention while giving birth! It ended up being that I had my hubby, doctor and one nurse in the room when Marin was born. :)
In the end all that matters in the baby's and mom's health if intervention is needed that intervene, but if mom and baby are fine let things go on their own. That is my feeling on the subject anyway...