Would you use a doula?

Not many people use doulas in NZ and I wonder if that's because their services aren't well known, and maybe there aren't many around.  So I'm curious, would you use a doula?

For those that don't know doulas are trained laywomen who provide emotional and practical support to you and your family during the birth and postnatal period.  Using a doula has been found to lessen stress and anxiety on the pregnant women and her partner. A doula should be a warm, caring, non-judgemental, experienced, knowledgeable and encouraging force during childbirth and in the post partum period.

A doula is a non-medical assistant who provides physical, emotional and informed choice support in prenatal care, during childbirth and during the postpartum period.  They work alongside (but do not replace) your midwife and doctor.

 A birth doula is a continuous care provider for labor in many settings, also assisting the mum-to-be during transport from home to hospital or birth center.  A postpartum doula may begin care in the home (nutritious cooking for the mother, breastfeeding support, newborn care assistance, maternal-child bonding support, errands, light housekeeping) the next day after the birth, providing services through the first six weeks postpartum.  In some cases, doula care can last several months or even to a year post partum - especially in cases when mothers are suffering from post partum depression, children with special needs require longer care, or there are multiple infants.

Flissty wrote: We have DH at home for 2 weeks after baby, then other family for nearly 4 weeks after that, so hopefully will be OK. I wonder if the doula thing has partly had a resurgence cos people are away from family/supports etc and Plunket etc is maybe not as well resourced as it used to be??

Sounds like you'll be fine.

Reviewing my previous comments (too) I would hire a doula for postpartum care only if I didn't have the family support.  Last time round we were too concerned about money and so DH didn't take any unpaid leave, which is why he was only off for 5 work days, luckily we had easter weekend inbetween too so that increased the time he had off.  Mum couldn't stay for longer than a week because my older sister was about to have her second child by c/s and mum was going up to help her.  Next time round I'll be rallying the troups.  I'm hoping that by then DH will still be working late (2pm - 9:30pm) so he can help during the day and I'll see if my mum and sis want to take turns coming over in the evenings.  I'm older and wiser now and don't expect to be supermum next time - not right away anyway

I agree that doula's are having a resurgence due to people living further away from their families so they don't get as much family support and also think it's because the Karitane hospitals are no longer around. 

Not for the birth but afterwards I think I would. I know the woman in Palmy that does it (well I used to work with her son) and I have heard she is lovely but I think I would need more help afterwards.

Kellz, since posting I've found a site that links to Doula directories.  Here's the link: http://www.optimumbirth.co.nz/locations/findadoula.html

Actually scrap that, I couldn't find any on there either.  Try googling Doula and specify pages from NZ only.  You could also ask a midwife, antenatal class instructor, plunket or your local parents centre if they can recommend anyone.