Anyone having a doula at their birth?
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Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4150
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Topic: Anyone having a doula at their birth?
Posted By: Katherine
Subject: Anyone having a doula at their birth?
Date Posted: 21 October 2006 at 7:04pm
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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 :) 
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Replies:
Posted By: Bombshell
Date Posted: 21 October 2006 at 9:35pm
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ive heard they are HUGE in Oz....but have to say I am sticking with DH and my mum being there....I dont really want a stranger there for the special time bubs birth is for me....
Is it huge in Oz cause they have different rules for the delivery suite or is it cause of the ozzie men?? (LOL) 
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Posted By: AnnC
Date Posted: 22 October 2006 at 12:07pm
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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.? ------------- Ann 
Also Mum to Josh (15) and Brooke (10) |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 22 October 2006 at 1:09pm
| I was thinking about training to be a doula... in lieu of three years midwifery. But then changed my mind. |
Posted By: Anna
Date Posted: 22 October 2006 at 1:29pm
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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? ------------- Anna http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 22 October 2006 at 1:52pm
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Anna - That seems likely. They are used quite a lot in the US where I think most people have OB/GYNs. (Don't quote me on that though!
I changed my mind because it was part of my "go to africa and work in women's development" which I have sinced realised is a loooooong way off, or not feasible at all. Maybe in the future I might come back to it... but in the mean time I'll stick with my international relations study 
I know of one practising Doula in Wellington... Willow Star. hehehe Go the hippy doulas 
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Posted By: Bombshell
Date Posted: 22 October 2006 at 5:31pm
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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. |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 22 October 2006 at 7:53pm
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I think Doulas are generally quite hippy too... which I guess the good old Kiwi culture hasn't embraced in a huge way yet.
I know that aromatherapy wouldn't have done crap all to ease the pain in my labour
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Posted By: Peanut
Date Posted: 23 October 2006 at 12:55pm
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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.
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Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 23 October 2006 at 1:54pm
| Oh yeah, Mexico and South America. Makes sense! That's why I wanted to do it... so that I could help out in African villages as a midwife's assistant kinda thing. |
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 23 October 2006 at 6:15pm
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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. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |