A good friend of mine told me, "I do not need a Doula, I am getting an epidural." And while I understand why she would say that, I disagree. Although a mother who experiences a natural birth might seem to need more support, ALL laboring moms need support. As a Doula-in-training, I am learning so much about labor. I would love to support any woman, regardless of how she chooses to deal with the pain. Even a scheduled cesarean section birth mom needs support.
I am all for epidurals. I had one with all three of my children. My only regret is the side effects that happened afterward, that I did no research to educate myself about. My last birth was the worst. I experienced the worst tension headaches for a month after my epidural. Even when my baby was resting peacefully, I could not. The back of my head and neck hurt so much. I had no idea it could even happen, but it can.
My other experience with epidurals, it took me what seemed like FOREVER to walk again. At one point the nurse had to carry me to the toilet because she was insisting I empty my bladder, but I could not feel my legs enough to walk. That was definitely one of the most humiliating moments of my life, one I would not wish for anyone ever.
The decisions you make during your birth are so very personal. It is not my place, nor anyone else's to judge you based on those decisions. A doula's place is to support and encourage. And someday I truly hope to be a full fledged supportive Doula.
I am all for epidurals. I had one with all three of my children. My only regret is the side effects that happened afterward, that I did no research to educate myself about. My last birth was the worst. I experienced the worst tension headaches for a month after my epidural. Even when my baby was resting peacefully, I could not. The back of my head and neck hurt so much. I had no idea it could even happen, but it can.
My other experience with epidurals, it took me what seemed like FOREVER to walk again. At one point the nurse had to carry me to the toilet because she was insisting I empty my bladder, but I could not feel my legs enough to walk. That was definitely one of the most humiliating moments of my life, one I would not wish for anyone ever.
The decisions you make during your birth are so very personal. It is not my place, nor anyone else's to judge you based on those decisions. A doula's place is to support and encourage. And someday I truly hope to be a full fledged supportive Doula.
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