Anyone having a doula at their birth?

Hello ladies!

I'm writing an article for the site about doulas -- essentially, they're professional birth companions. The concept of a doula is quite new to New Zealand, and I haven't encountered very many women who have utilised the services of one at their child's birth. Is anyone out there considering hiring a doula for their child's birth? I'd love to hear about your experiences -- namely, how you found your doula, what made you decide to have one, etc. I'd also love to hear from any doulas who might like to share some insights about their profession. Write to me at katherine@ohbaby.co.nz with your details and we can chat!

Hugs from Katherine :)

Never heard of them but the name of them sounds very australian now doesn't it.
I am with you bombshell I am having hubby and my mum there, my midwife and specialist (as have GD) can be the professional.
Although the lady who took antenatal who is also a physo theriphist said she had been asked to go to a few births so I guess she would be like a doula.?

Why did you change your mind Nikki?

The whole doula concept seems to be a bit new in NZ, I hadn't really heard about it before it was mentioned on here and when I asked my mum about it (shes a midwife) she said she had never attended a birth where a doula was present. But I think it would be such a good idea for anyone is concerned about giving birth and perhaps lacks proper support. I know first time round I was a little concerned as to how Andy would cope with the whole birth process, luckily I didn't give a toss at the time and I had a lot of support.

I wonder if the doula concept is more common when doctors or specialists are used more than midwives? Maybe here midwives provide the same type of support?

yeah in america most of them have OBGYNs so I guess a doula would come in if no family support etc...but then they cost a bit too so we arent talking single mum on welfare having one are we....
I agree - I think in NZ midwives provide a wide service (wish we had one!) and probably cuts over a little where the doulas work overseas.

Was talking to a mid wife about thsi yesterday as had read a couple of articles about doulas and she was saying that it was started in mexico and South America as they had like one mid wife to service about 5 - 6 villages so they started training doulas. Appartently americans get very confused with the New`Zealand system as they don't tend to use mid wives.

I do know of one in Palmy but can not remember for the life of me her first name but her surname is Smith. I used to work with her son and he was telling me that she is used a bit in Palmy - that was 3 years ago thou.