So tonight I asked my SIL if she'd like to be in the delivery room, and she was really excited about the idea. She started asking about the breathing techniques, how could she help me, etc. She's getting a degree in social work and has a calming presence.
Which makes me wonder: should I bother with the doula at all? I decided to take some time to think about it, because I did like the doula candidate a lot, but the flakiness before class sent out warning signals, and this day is important. I've had bad experiences with flakes before. They do generally let you down.
So as it stands, my SIL will be there, D (until it gets graphic) and possibly my mom (though she's in another state, so it all depends. She mentioned coming to NY to help, but the timing may not work out for delivery. I think she will come to visit the baby afterward, though, even if she can't make it to the delivery room.) I do prefer to have people I know...the doula, no matter how well-intentioned and skilled, is basically a stranger at an intimate scene. So I'm kind of thinking: maybe forego it.
Another possibility: my labor may be so fast that it's a nonissue. The childbirth class teacher asked us if our mothers or sisters had fast deliveries, in which case we shouldn't linger at home, but rather rush to the hospital. My mom did not have fast deliveries, and I probably take after her more. However, my sister had super-fast labors. In fact, she delivered one of her children with her sneakers on. She didn't have time to take them off!
Which makes me wonder: should I bother with the doula at all? I decided to take some time to think about it, because I did like the doula candidate a lot, but the flakiness before class sent out warning signals, and this day is important. I've had bad experiences with flakes before. They do generally let you down.
So as it stands, my SIL will be there, D (until it gets graphic) and possibly my mom (though she's in another state, so it all depends. She mentioned coming to NY to help, but the timing may not work out for delivery. I think she will come to visit the baby afterward, though, even if she can't make it to the delivery room.) I do prefer to have people I know...the doula, no matter how well-intentioned and skilled, is basically a stranger at an intimate scene. So I'm kind of thinking: maybe forego it.
Another possibility: my labor may be so fast that it's a nonissue. The childbirth class teacher asked us if our mothers or sisters had fast deliveries, in which case we shouldn't linger at home, but rather rush to the hospital. My mom did not have fast deliveries, and I probably take after her more. However, my sister had super-fast labors. In fact, she delivered one of her children with her sneakers on. She didn't have time to take them off!
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At 1:30 p.m. she was calling Bmum for a ride to the hospital, and by 2:12, Munckin was out and kicking.
So, make sure you are close to your hsopital.
I ended up not going to the speed-dating event because I am kind of shy around large groups of strangers -- another reason not to get a doula, I guess. I feel like I'd rather have only people I know at such an intimate moment.
Can't help you on the doula. I've never had a baby so don't know how I would really feel about it.
Some women who opt for one are still hoping to avoid pitocin or narcotics. If that's part of your plan, then you may still want someone with some birth experience and objectivity around. (I think the yoga made me think that might be closer to your vision.) But if that doesn't matter so much to you, and you have an OB practice you love and are inclined to go with your Drs. suggestions on those things, then I don't think the doula matters as much. (As long as you've got other people who comfort you there for support.)
Congrats on the pregnancy! It's been a while since I stopped in to see you, but I hope all is well. :)
Tara - sounds good to me.
Frema - thanks! Congrats to you as well :)