P. Doulas for P. doulas?

PostDoula · 07-29-2006, 07:53 PM

Just wondering....Have any Postpartum Doulas actually had Postpartum Doulas themselves?

tlcdoula · 07-29-2006, 08:05 PM

I would in a heartbeat if I got pregnant again and didn't have lots of older kids at my house to help out. I think at this stage of the game for me my 18 yr old, 16 yr old, and 15 yr old would all be old enough to help really well.

teachinmamaof4 · 07-29-2006, 08:18 PM

I didn't. But I had my Mom here with me for a week after each baby.

AussieDoula · 07-29-2006, 08:34 PM

No, and I probably wouldn't...
While I can see many benefits for others, for me personally I like to have my Babymoon uninterrupted by outsiders. My partner is there for everything that I need and vice versa. We are very private people (excluding even close family after birth).

It's funny, because although I am a Birth & Postpartum Doula and strongly believe in a need for these types of support roles right now in our society, I would not take advantage of them myself.
It may appear odd and hard to understand to most people, but in reality it's just that I am providing a type of support that many women need because they can't find it within themselves or their surrounding family and friends. For me personally though, I have never needed the physical support of other women to feel the strength and wisdom they can offer... It's always come from within me.

PostDoula · 07-30-2006, 05:31 PM

I haven't had positive experiences with familial help in the past. I'm hoping I can manage without too much assistance....(expecting #2 in 6 wks.)
Even if I could afford to hire a P. Doula, I'm not sure that I would. I was so emotionally sensitive during postpartum, it took A LOT out of me to have people in my space.
Just curious what others experiences have been...

ctowndoula · 07-30-2006, 07:05 PM

Yup, I had ppdoulas after my last two kids. Loved it!

And I can now personally recommend those doulas. I did get the sisterhood discount both times. These ladies knew how much I was able to pay and didn't bat an eye at reducing their fees.
If you have any questions about it, just pm me.

MothertheMother · 07-30-2006, 07:13 PM

I don't know that I would have enjoyed a pp doula with #1 but my quality of life would have been dramatically better if I had that kind of help with #2. You'll be surprised how different it is bringing a second child into the world. I can't imagine doing pp doula work without offering some childcare for older children because that is what was so difficult for me. The planets have to be aligned for them to sleep at the same time so bathing was this huge luxury! lol Anyway, I think it would be well worth it depending on what the doula offers. Why not set up a couple of interviews and let them sell themselves....

PostDoula · 07-31-2006, 08:25 PM

In my case, I've already spent beyond my means to pay (out of pocket) for midwife care. As of right now, I don't know how I could pay anything for Postpartum care.
I do have a couple of local moms who have already made offers to care for my 4 yr. old, though. (she's not in daycare/preschool) I'm hoping and praying that will be enough to get me through!

MothertheMother · 07-31-2006, 08:33 PM

that is exactly what I needed, care for my older child. On top of the typical new baby stuff I had a lot of guilt because I didn't think I was engaging my dd enough etc. It probably would have helped tremendously to have a fellow mama telling me I was doing a good job etc. Hearing from my husband just wasn't enough.
Maybe you could just check and see if there are any pp doulas training who just want the experience!