need advice

[ph4ever]

So, we looked into it a bit, and the hospital offered a doula to assist Victoria while I was having Tony. I cannot tell you absolutely how awesome it was!! The doula was able to talk to Victoria about anything she needed to know about the whole process, so she wouldn't get scared about what was going on. Although childbirth is beautiful, it certainly isn't pretty, and your situation can change on a dime.

That's what my wife's best friend was for - she was with Clove and answered all questions. But if that wasn't available, your situation sounds pretty good.

It really worked awesome. I was very glad I knew someone would be there for Victoria. My best friend hasn't really experienced lots of childbirth and after talking to the doula I felt that would be the best fit for Victoria, especially since she tends to have a lot of questions my friend might not have been able to answer.

Also, I think that watching her brother be born was the best birth control I ever could have provided for her!!

I can see Victoria asking tons of questions. And then giving detailed descriptions of the birth using proper terms to the whole family.

[buffettbride]

So, we looked into it a bit, and the hospital offered a doula to assist Victoria while I was having Tony. I cannot tell you absolutely how awesome it was!! The doula was able to talk to Victoria about anything she needed to know about the whole process, so she wouldn't get scared about what was going on. Although childbirth is beautiful, it certainly isn't pretty, and your situation can change on a dime.

That's what my wife's best friend was for - she was with Clove and answered all questions. But if that wasn't available, your situation sounds pretty good.

It really worked awesome. I was very glad I knew someone would be there for Victoria. My best friend hasn't really experienced lots of childbirth and after talking to the doula I felt that would be the best fit for Victoria, especially since she tends to have a lot of questions my friend might not have been able to answer.

Also, I think that watching her brother be born was the best birth control I ever could have provided for her!!

I can see Victoria asking tons of questions. And then giving detailed descriptions of the birth using proper terms to the whole family.

Yup. The word Vagina was even funnier when a 6 year old said it.

The funniest part was when her bro was crowning and the midwife was playing with his hair between contractions. She said, "Look Mom! He has a mohawk!".

[ParrotheadGator]

You can work and communicate that with your midwife just as easy as you would a doula about your pain management during childbirth. Midwives rock!!

So I can I start a service where I provide support for people you want Tattoo's but are too scared of the pain and need help coping?

Ummm. I'm not sure where you're going with this, but, um...sure???

Maybe my point didn't come across the right way, but what I was meaning to say is that the midwife can do everything a doula can and more.

And Nik, you also have a nurse that's with you most of the way that provides some of that extra support as well. Between a nurse and a midwife and Corey, I think you'd be set.

but don't forget the drugs


oh and BTW - a tat is NOTHING near giving birth painwise

YES! THE DRUGS!!!!!!! DO NOT FORGET THE DRUGS!!!

I have 3 tattoos and have given birth twice and yep, Connie's right. No comparison.

It was just referring to the people above who said a doula does nothing but help you through the pain

[iuparrothead]

I do know that her goal was to do it without pain medication, which was part of the purpose of the doula--to help her do it naturally....but she ended up getting an epidural anyway.

They always do!

[buffettbride]

It was just referring to the people above who said a doula does nothing but help you through the pain

I see. We can talk pain the next time you squeeze a 9lb baby out your vagina. Oh wait! You don't have one! You ARE one.

[7lords]

I do know that her goal was to do it without pain medication, which was part of the purpose of the doula--to help her do it naturally....but she ended up getting an epidural anyway.

They always do!

Gem didn't have the option with Lake

[iuparrothead]

I do know that her goal was to do it without pain medication, which was part of the purpose of the doula--to help her do it naturally....but she ended up getting an epidural anyway.

They always do!

Gem didn't have the option with Lake

Good point! Some women tough it out... sometimes by default like Gem, but after working in a labor and delivery unit & hearing my roommate's experiences as a labor and delivery nurse, women that intend to have natural birth rarely, if ever, go through with it.

I, on the other hand, wouldn't even contemplate natural birth for a moment... I want the drugs!!!

[ParrotheadGator]

It was just referring to the people above who said a doula does nothing but help you through the pain

I see. We can talk pain the next time you squeeze a 9lb baby out your vagina. Oh wait! You don't have one! You ARE one.

you are what you eat

[buffettbride]

It was just referring to the people above who said a doula does nothing but help you through the pain

I see. We can talk pain the next time you squeeze a 9lb baby out your vagina. Oh wait! You don't have one! You ARE one.

you are what you eat

well, at least you have 1 redeeming quality.

[kitty]

I, on the other hand, wouldn't even contemplate natural birth for a moment... I want the drugs!!!

If a baby comes out of your vagina, I consider that natural child birth...just because some people need the help of a little pain medication to take the edge off...don't think it wasn't still "natural".
I, on the other hand went 30 hours of labor with NO drugs...then had an emergency C-section. Planned the C-section with my second.

[ParrotheadGator]

It was just referring to the people above who said a doula does nothing but help you through the pain

I see. We can talk pain the next time you squeeze a 9lb baby out your vagina. Oh wait! You don't have one! You ARE one.

you are what you eat

well, at least you have 1 redeeming quality.

and here I was thinking I was hopeless

[buffettbride]

It was just referring to the people above who said a doula does nothing but help you through the pain

I see. We can talk pain the next time you squeeze a 9lb baby out your vagina. Oh wait! You don't have one! You ARE one.

you are what you eat

well, at least you have 1 redeeming quality.

and here I was thinking I was hopeless

There's always hope. Even for you.

[citcat]

My first child, my daughter, was born without any childbirth preparation. I was 21 years old in a room with a nurse who kept telling me "shush" when I was screaming. Seems I was 'disturbing' the other patients. No drugs, no help.
My second child, my son, was born with more knowledge (mine) in a better hospital, with an epidural! YES! After they gave me the shot, they hooked me up to a machine that showed when a contraction was happening. I felt one small cramp, then nothing. When the hubby came into the room, I showed him the machine, and I said, "Oh, LOOK, I'm having a contraction!!" It was wonderful. All I felt was pressure and I was actually awake, conscious and aware when he was born. If that had been the way I had the first child, I'd probably have had 5 kids!!!
The moral of the story: be prepared, read, go to childbirth classes, know that epidurals are God's gift to mothers. By the way, both children turned out smart, sweet, great people.

[CUparrot]

If a baby comes out of your vagina, I consider that natural child birth...just because some people need the help of a little pain medication to take the edge off...don't think it wasn't still "natural".

I agree!

I had an epidural, but it didn't really "take," so unfortunately, I experienced pretty much an unmedicated birth, even though that was not my plan. Oh well. I popped him out.....that's all that matters.

[Cubbie Bear]

Doula? I don't trust people from "over there"

Support for Mom = Redwinemaker

Support for Red = Drink

There, thats done, move on.


Seriously, Norma never had pain med's and cussat me like Linda Blair, meets Sam Kinison. ie she was "Excorist" scary and funny all at once

[iuparrothead]

If a baby comes out of your vagina, I consider that natural child birth...just because some people need the help of a little pain medication to take the edge off...don't think it wasn't still "natural".

I agree!

I had an epidural, but it didn't really "take," so unfortunately, I experienced pretty much an unmedicated birth, even though that was not my plan. Oh well. I popped him out.....that's all that matters.

My sister-in-law has scar tissue from a back surgery she had as a teenager and instead of the epidural essentially 'numbing' her lower body... the anesthetic went north & she went numb in her upper torso & arms!!! Still felt the entire childbirth.

[buffettbride]

If a baby comes out of your vagina, I consider that natural child birth...just because some people need the help of a little pain medication to take the edge off...don't think it wasn't still "natural".

I agree!

I had an epidural, but it didn't really "take," so unfortunately, I experienced pretty much an unmedicated birth, even though that was not my plan. Oh well. I popped him out.....that's all that matters.

My sister-in-law has scar tissue from a back surgery she had as a teenager and instead of the epidural essentially 'numbing' her lower body... the anesthetic went north & she went numb in her upper torso & arms!!! Still felt the entire childbirth.

I've heard those epidural not working stories. That's messed up. It's one thing to feel the pain and know you're gonna feel the pain. But to get the shot and expect to NOT have pain and then still feel it all. That's harsh.

[BilltheLizard]

We used a doula for both of my daughters births. The first birth was in a hospital (never again!!) and the doula was there for more than just support. She help guide us throught the entire process and it was a pleasure to have her there to share the experience.

The birth of my second daugther was at home (planned). For this birth we had both a doula and midwife. They assisted in everything which made for a smooth and enriching experience. Even though I had gone through the classes with my wife the doula keep us on track for what to do and when to do it.

Doula's are NOT out to try and "sell" you or con you into something you don't need. In our experience they provided very important and meaningful assistances in delivering the two most important things in our lives.

[kitty]

We used a doula for both of my daughters births. The first birth was in a hospital (never again!!) and the doula was there for more than just support. She help guide us throught the entire process and it was a pleasure to have her there to share the experience.

The birth of my second daugther was at home (planned). For this birth we had both a doula and midwife. They assisted in everything which made for a smooth and enriching experience. Even though I had gone through the classes with my wife the doula keep us on track for what to do and when to do it.

Doula's are NOT out to try and "sell" you or con you into something you don't need. In our experience they provided very important and meaningful assistances in delivering the two most important things in our lives.

Notice how this is a man's point of view?? Sure it's pleasent and enriching for you guys!!

(I am totally only kidding....no need to defend the doula profession!)

[SMLCHNG]

I'm with Cubbie and Kitty on this one.. And I can honestly say I have NEVER heard of a doula until today.