Anyone here have experience with doulas?
This is my first pregnancy and I'm considering hiring a doula. A friend recommended a local doula group that she used, but she ended up having a C-section due to a breach baby and never actually got to use their services for a vaginal delivery. It's definitely an investment- $1300 total, which includes 24/7 access to the doula group from the moment you hire them until after delivery. They do 2 in person visits at 28-30 weeks and 34-36 weeks. They attend the birth and take photos.
In an ideal world, I would have a spontaneous vaginal delivery with low medical intervention. I am actually in the process of switching to a midwife group from my OB group because it seems like midwifes are more aligned with my vision. I'm certainly not opposed to an epidural, but I like the idea of trying to have a low-intervention birth using natural pain relief techniques and positioning.
Has anyone used a doula before or is very familiar with the process? Is it worth $1300 to have a support person?
other factors to consider- If I ended up having to schedule a C-section, they would reimburse me apart from the $400 deposit.
also, my husband is not too keen on the idea of having someone we "barely know" inserting themselves in the labor and delivery process the whole time. I definitely get his hesitancy, because I'm an introvert and I have a hard time opening up and and being vulnerable with people, so I don't know if I would end up just feeling uncomfortable with their presence.
Would love to hear all sides/perspectives!
Edit - wow thank you guys for sharing. Super helpful to hear your stories !! I’m gonna share with my husband so hopefully we can make an informed decision together.