While the word “doula” has certainly entered our vocabulary (it means a non-medical assistant during birth, learn more on page 12), we were curious how many of our readers had taken the plunge and hired a doula. So we asked readers of our weekly e-newsletter, Minnesota Parent This Week. Slightly more people said “no” than “yes,” with most of those who didn’t use a doula citing cost or the fact that they felt they had ample support from a midwife or other family members. Here’s a sampling of what you had to say.
No. We had a midwife for all 3, which was enough for us.
— Kevin Somdahl-Sands, St. Paul
I attended Lamaze classes and didn’t see the need for a doula.
— Monica Jones, Prior Lake
I did not have a doula. Partly because of the cost. Mostly because I am very independent and wanted to face labor with little help!
— Laura Williams, Minneapolis
No I did not. It’s typically not covered by insurance. My mom was the greatest labor support! I trusted my body to do what it is designed to do and I’m well-educated in the area of labor and birthing. I didn’t think that I needed it, anyway.
— Emily Martin, Minneapolis
Yes. I didn’t want my husband to feel he had the full responsibility of advocating for and coaching me through my entire labor and delivery. Good thing he was able to get some relief/sleep — my labor was 50 hours long!
— Rebecca Carr, Lauderdale
Yes, because my husband was deployed when our first son was born and I wanted a money-tight guarantee that I wouldn’t have to labor alone!
— Shana Schaefer, Burnsville
Yes, I did hire a doula. Only my doula was part of a free program. I wanted a doula because my son was my first child and I was nervous. Some people told me that a doula would be good to have in the hospital room. I met with the doula several times before I had my child but she was usually late for the appointments. She totally missed the whole birth of my son so I really did not need her after all. …But my son’s father and the nurse (who sometimes acted as a doula herself) were extremely helpful! I am not sure I would try a doula again though.
— Lisa Wannigman, Bloomington
I did hire a doula and thank heavens. She had so much information to help me along the way and was able to spend more time with me than the office visits at the clinic. My pregnancy was a total surprise. I never planned on having children, but knew right away that she was to be the greatest thing to ever happen to me. In the delivery room my doula was by my side the entire time. I was in labor for 36 hours, and pushing for almost 6 hours. She stayed calm and I know I could not have done it without her.
— Jennifer Peterson, Fridley
Yes, for the birth of my second child. I did not have one with my first and found it was difficult to advocate for my desired birth experience while in labor. Hiring the doula also took the pressure off my husband and allowed him to enjoy the experience. Also, the doula took some fabulous pictures right after my daughter was born that captured the expressions on my husband’s face and mine as we met our daughter for the first time. Without the doula my husband would have been fumbling with the camera instead of drinking in the experience.
— Christine Twait, Woodbury
Yes, I hired a doula for the birth of my second child. My first birthing experience was awful: My doctor was in complete control. She induced me, made me lie on my back, and was not very pleasant. It’s hard to advocate for yourself during labor. I swore that I would not repeat that type of experience again! My doula was wonderful! She knew my birth plan and made it clear to the doctor that this was “my” birth!
— Alicia Garcia, St. Paul
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