Met the doula yesterday.

[pantherathecat]

It went better than great. Mr. Panthy was reaching for the checkbook by the time we were almost done. He's totally convinced it's the right thing for us, as am I.

Comments

[matrinka69]

Having a good doula will make delivery so much less stressful on that level- you have your advocate who is going to be able to focus on making sure you get the delivery you want while you focus on the work.

[pantherathecat]

That's the idea, thankfully. I'm a bit of a control freak and worry wart, so knowing someone is there to take care of whatever the little things I think of without turning my husband into a gopher will be worth it completely.

She totally understands that it is regarding my need for continuity in my care (exactly what both my midwife and doctor said too!) so I think she's totally on the level of what we're looking for. That Mr. Panthy has zero hesitation with this also makes me feel we have the right person. He can be persnickity, and that he now has no reservations just tells me this is so right.

She brought her backup, but said that she's never missed a birth yet. Heh. She does it just in case. They were both really wonderful and good at making us feel relaxed and at home. Big plus.

[matrinka69]

My midwife with Katie had missed two deliveries in her career, both because the mothers didn't believe they were in labor until they were about to birth (Where I was in labor two weeks and we had nine false runs where I'd get down to 3min apart and then just space back out to 15-20 min again, stubborn kid). She'd assisted in 1k deliveries, give or take. :D Her assistant had already attended 50 with her (and was about to head out to finish her required 200 to get licensed as a midwife down in Brazil when I delivered). Gen and Raenie's doctors both arrived after they were born, just in time to catch placentas. It seems that a lot more doctors miss their deliveries than midwives and doulas.

[pantherathecat]

Heh. Well, whatever doctor is on call is who will technically catch Spawn, so at least I have a known person there who knows what is going on. That's a huge comfort thing for me. That she knows most of the nurses already is also a huge help.

[pantherathecat]

It really is a relief.

[geekmom]

Excellent!

Having a good doula is really worth it. It put my mind at ease that although I knew I was not going to have the birth experience I'd hoped for, what with the being early and all. I had someone who was there for me and would come up to see me when I needed someone, even if I wasn't in labor. I also had someone who was clear-headed enough to remember the things we'd forgotten. My second doula visited me in the hospital to play scrabble and sent me her version of my birth story, complete with times. She also came to our house afterwards and brought me curry. Serious rock.

[pantherathecat]

The doulas we met were awesome. They put together a timeline too. I'm terrible with my memory and we're going to be pretty busy as it is.

I showed her what I have of a birth plan (pretty basic, really) and she says it's great. It has preferences for everything, including if I have a c-section. Preferences, of course, not "orders". Things happen.

As if I didn't know that with Spawn. Likes the unpredictable, it does.

[geekmom]

Spawn is just giving you good practice for parenthood.

[pantherathecat]

Oh, I have no doubt this one will be a challenge. After all, look who its mother is?

[pjvj]

I'm very happy for you. Big relief for you = big relief for me. I can worry less. :P~

{{{{{Panthy & Mr. Panthy & Spawn}}}}}

[lucincia]

So, you need a doula because you forget stuff?

I should have gotten a doula for my wife. Then I could have gone to the casino during the labor and delivery!

Hmmm, after she read this, I may need a place to sleep tonight ....

Ask your darn doula whether it's silly for you to worry so much and not come to the NYE party, to a group of supportive friends, and basically relax and enjoy yourselves (don't forget your hubby's fun time too) before the baby arrives. Unless, you think we're all so not supportive that you do not want to see us. Fine, we understand ....

[pantherathecat]

Uh, no. There's a lot of reasons I want a doula.

And I just don't feel comfortable heading out at that time. The diet thing is less of a hassle now thankfully, but I'm just uncomfortable enough, and between the GD and my family history, an early baby is very much a possibility. Unless you really feel like delivering one in your car?

[lucincia]

You don't trust us. Imagine the caravan! I don't think anyone would be staying behind at the party if that happens! You just dislike us. Fine, we know when we're not wanted.

[pantherathecat]

We hate you! ;^)

Besides, I think if my water broke in the Witt's house, they'd never forgive me. Or at least you'd never let me forget it. Would that be considered a party foul?