Natural birth: Doula or no doula?

I'm having a homebirth and I do not tolerate pain well. I have interviewed a doula and I like her but I want as few people as possible present while I'm laboring. Did you have a doula or wish you had one? Was it worth it? Or are you glad you didn't get one? Another thing to take into consideration is that we have a toddler (3-years-old) in the house so do you think the added help may be needed?

Quoting Sara Serina:" I'm having a homebirth and I do not tolerate pain well. I have interviewed a doula and I like her but ... [snip!] ... to take into consideration is that we have a toddler (3-years-old) in the house so do you think the added help may be needed?"

i was thinking the same thing about having a child in the house.. my daughter will be almost 4- i was wondering if its too young to be home with the birth and labor going on? i dont want to stress her out but i also think she is what maight help me stay calm ?

I'm not familiar with homebirths, but I would say the extra help would be a good idea depending on the personality of your three year old.

I know my daughter would be super nosey and want to be all up in everything while I was trying to concentrate lol

<blockquote><b>Quoting Sara Serina:</b>" I'm having a homebirth and I do not tolerate pain well. I have interviewed a doula and I like her but ... [snip!] ... to take into consideration is that we have a toddler (3-years-old) in the house so do you think the added help may be needed?"</blockquote>




My doula didn't make it in time. I'm glad she wasn't there. I labored alone in my room. It was perfect I focused on breathing and visualizing dilation with no distractions.

I had a hospital birth but I had a doula and it was AMAZING. I don't think I could have done it without her. She was my rock

I will always have a doula if I ever have a baby againm

Quoting Abigails_Mommy_222:" i was thinking the same thing about having a child in the house.. my daughter will be almost 4- i was ... [snip!] ... home with the birth and labor going on? i dont want to stress her out but i also think she is what maight help me stay calm ? "

I've watched a few birthing videos with my son and explained to him what's happening and he seems to understand the basics of what's going on. I'm more concerned of his reaction to me being in pain and being able to deal with it/be okay with it, I guess. Maybe I will get lucky and it'll be in the middle of the night and he'll sleep through the whole thing?  

I had a hospital birth and considered hiring a doula because I didn't think anyone would be at the hospital with me. A good friend said she'd be there for me about a week before I was induced and I changed my mind. I really wish I would have hired a doula anyways. I was in labor for 2 days and my friend could only be there at night. It would have been nice to have someone there during the day.

Quoting Sara Serina:" I've watched a few birthing videos with my son and explained to him what's happening and he seems to ... [snip!] ... with it, I guess. Maybe I will get lucky and it'll be in the middle of the night and he'll sleep through the whole thing?  "

yeah thats what i am worried about too if i cant handle the pain well and am screaming and crying or something.. i dont want her beingupset

I had one. She was a godsend. Best decision I could've made to have her. She helped my SO be the partner he needed to be for the labour, couldn't have done it without her.