I posted a message a while back regarding this topic and no one seemed to have any input however I figured I'd try again and see if any new moms read it and have answers or suggestions about this. My question is: I am 4 1/2 months pregnant and am starting to think about employing a doula for my delivery and labor. With the last birth I did not have one and it was still an amazing experience because I had a wonderful midwife, however there were a few complications that may have been avoidable possibly had I not tensed up so much from the 32 hrs. of back labor. I ended up having to take an epidural at almost 8 cm and that wasn't my plan initially however thank G-d it all worked out so no complaining. I just want to try again for a natural birth without all the drugs and intervention which can be avoided. I am open to different methods and I am open to hearing about others experiences with a doula. I know many people who have used one but I personally have NO experience with one so I am basing it only on 2nd hand experiences. I am not in a great financial state so I cannot afford tons of money for a doula but I am willing to pay something to get a good one. I will be delivering (G-d willing) at St. Francis hospital in Evanston and they have a thermatub as well as other natural method options available to a doula if needed. So, I would need someone who is local to the hospital. Please feel free to share and input on this with personal advice, experience, or ideas. Thanks!!!!
I forgot to include that I took a relaxation/birthing class with my first and I found it completely useless, unfortunately. Because I had such an unusual labor the midwife told me afterwards that she didn't think any of that stuff would've worked in the end. I just was so tense from the back labor and the 15 last hrs. being 2 mins. apart contractions that I ran out of fuel and energy to cope with the breathing and pain. Relaxation did not do it for me. I am hoping that was a one time deal but I don't know if the whole visualization thing does anything for me. It didn't with the last. I spoke with Joanne Linberg (sp?) in Evanston and she finds doulas for women - has anyone heard of her? What do they think of her services and shiatsu therapy sessions as well?
Hi N.
I am a DONA certified doula and part of a Chicago area listserve for doulas. If you e-mail me your name, due date, place of location, price range and any other information you feel a prospective doula should know, I will post it to the board for you and I'm sure you will receive contacts. I can be reached at ____@____.com to you soon,
A.
I am responding as it looks as if you responded to my Baby gear for sale ad and the ad is no longer accessible on line. Please email me at ____@____.com if you are interested.
I would suggest taking a course, such as Bradley (or I hear hypnotherapy is great), where you will learn techniques to have an easier, natural, childbirth.
I highly recommend Juli Billings-Walter's course:
Hope this helps!
N.:
I know JoAnne. She has developed a very comprehensive listing of prenatal, birthing and postpartum services on her website - www.birthlink.com. I do not believe that there is anything like it anywhere else.
She also does birth consultations helping parents to be to learn about alternatives that are available and how to advocate for themselves.
As to her Shiatsu practice, she is incredibly knowledgeable in this area. She is also very dedicated to helping and working with woman.
...my disclaimer is that I am on the board of Birthlink and have know JoAnne for 10+ years. But I would not be on the board if I did not feel it was worthwhile. - it is all volunteer.
P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group, Inc
www.lactationsupportgroup.com
I took a hypnotherapy course and found it helpful. I can't remember the woman's name but the class was at Illinois Masonic Hospital.
For doulas, I would suggest contacting Birthways, which is a network of doulas in Chicago. You can find out about their prices and if their prices are out of your price range, they might be able to refer you to doulas in training that would be willing to work with you to gain experience. If you're really looking for low cost, I think doulas in training are the cheapest way to go, but of course, the person will be less experienced, which would be a drawback for me.
Birthways is moving to a new location after July 2:
3717 N. Ravenswood, Suite 140
Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: 888-506-0607
Fax: 888-506-0608
I used Joanne Lindbergh to get ideas and resources when I was pregnant. I found her fairly helpful and she does have a very comprehensive list of resources.
