Doula

[Vagus]

Anyone here employed one of the above, or know of anyone personally who has, and could tell me what their experience was like, good or bad?
Thanks.

[anneasquith]

No experience sorry .

[barry1010]

No experience but I was surprised to learn that the word 'doula' was invented in 1969.
It may be an ancient custom in some cultures to have a female supporter during pregnancy, childbirth and for a few weeks afterwards but this was typically a close friend or relative. Makes sense to me, especially for a first time mother.

Vagus, I am very interested to know why you are asking especially if you are considering hiring one.

[Vagus]

Ha ha Barry, way past needing a doula myself, it’s a relative who has hired one for after baby is born. Just wondered if anyone here has any experience of hiring one.

[barry1010]

I've been talking to my wife about this and she thinks she would find it very intrusive but she is a very private person. I can see a doula would be a great help to somebody who has no close family or friends to give support

[calmck]

Being an ex maternity nurse I think it would very much depend on what the arrangement is. 24/7 could be somewhat intrusive. A new mum needs advice on establishing breast feeding, the baby latching well and being relaxed during feeding. Advice on what foods to avoid for the baby's digestion, nipple care etc. Also pumping/storing milk so dad can give an occasional night feed

[Vagus]

As far as I’m aware, it’s for a few hours during weekdays.
It’s a second baby, also a demanding under 2 toddler, a husband in a full on job, and no family within 200 miles.
I think it’s a good idea, obviously new mum does too or she wouldn’t be doing it.

[calmck]

Given those facts I think it is a very good idea and hope all works well

[anneasquith]

A doula is to assist a woman anti Natal but definitely during childbirth. What you are describing is a bit of help post natally unless our young modern girls now call help a doula . ;-)

[Vagus]

I think you’re wrong about that Ann, a doulas job is to support a new mum with any aspect of having a baby. If the giving birth bit isn’t required then they don’t.
My relative already has a cleaner so her doula won’t be doing cleaning, ironing, shopping, cooking, etc., she’s not a daily help :)
My understanding is she’ll take toddler off for a while, or take new baby to give mum a break, things like that, generally do what grandma would do if she lived nearer and was able to.
Could be wrong though..

[anneasquith]

Well , we can each have our opinions vagus .:-)

[Vagus]

Indeed we can Ann.
I think their doula is called a postnatal doula rather than a birth doula. I’ve found it quite interesting reading up about them.

[calmck]

Doulas can have different roles. Some are with the family throughout some of the pregnancy, labour, delivery and post partum. Some purely for labour and delivery and some solely for post partum to assist the mother at home. It seems perfectly reasonable, given the circumstances, for the doula just to this. Probably cheaper and more flexible than a maternity nurse

[Vagus]

I think so too calmck.
Interesting to hear your point of view, too, being an ex maternity nurse :)