Anyone using a Doula?

Having a birth support person (a close friend) rather than a doula. I would have considered it if I hadn't felt I had anyone to ask.

That W*O*N*D*E*R*F*U*L to hear Madi's mum - we sure can do with more of them. All the midwives I have worked alongside have found the work that us Doula's do, to be so complimentary to their work. We spend so much time with the client in early labour in the comforts of their home-something m/w's cannot offer their clients - with the result that a lot of women are checking into a hospital way too early...and the long & the short of it, ending up with interventions due to failure to progress.
A woman labours best when in her own familiar environment with familiar sights & sounds & where she feels comfortable - this is what my clients have always loved about their doula-assisted labours. Wishing you everything of the best for your impending birth & let me know if you want any further study info-I studied through Childbirth International :)

Bowie-no woman should be alone in labour-support is so important, whether it be in the form of your husband, best friend, mother or a doula - depending on where you are based-I can let you know of Doulas that I know of around NZ. You are more than welcome to PM me :)

I've looked at becoming a doula but I couldn't find anywhere in NZ to gain the knowledge

lil_lease - the Doulas here in NZ have studied through Childbirth International & Optimum Childbirth to gain their certification. I used CBI - www.childbirthinternational.com
Merlin - you get Birth Doulas & Postpartum Doulas - I'm sure the latter would be an incredible support for you. There is clearly such a need for both in NZ :)

Yes!! I totally agree!
And thanks, I will remember that Might be nice to hear some real stories and helpful advice once I get started on the training

I was looking at doing my training through these guys.. www.birthworks.org.nz

bowie wrote: MerlinFluff - i live out in the country about 2hrs from Timaru (but will have baby in Timaru) and i havent heard anything about Doula's in the area either... apparently there is a woman in Geraldine though when i say apparently i mean a friend mentioned it to me and i havent been able to find out officially if she exists or not!

Hmm curious. I've googled and asked around but not heard of any in south canty. Really would love one!

What a timely topic -- in our next issue, which comes out right before Christmas, we've got an article on doulas, what they do, and how to find one. :)

MummyFreckle wrote: My beautiful 3 - would be interested to know more about the actual role of a doula, ie what you do / dont do etc. How much you charge? Do you have a website? (You might have to PM me as OB might perceive a response as advertising?) Thanks

I would be quite interested in this too, even if you just give a range of what doulas charge so its not really advertising, more answering questions

There was a doula page in the nappy hunt that I thought was quite good - based in Aussie so not applicable to here really but useful for answering questions about what a doula does

Here tis: Birth By You