Should a first time mum use a student doula? - Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Forums ~ BellyBelly

oscaroscar · #1 (**permalink**) September 15th, 2008, 11:56 AM

Hi Everyone

I was thinking about using a doula. I am a first time expectant mum, and am giving birth at Mater Mothers in Brisbane. I am wondering if I a student doula would be OK, or if first time mothers are better off seeking experienced midwives / doulas? Has anyone had trouble / success with doulas working alongside the staff at Mater Mothers before?

Thanks!

Tobily · #2 (**permalink**) September 15th, 2008, 12:14 PM

Hi oscar

I do most of my births at the Mater (including all of my training births) - the public hospital in particular is very receptive to doula support.

If you are public - I think you'd be fine with a student doula.

If you are private and you have clear ideas about the type of birth you want to have - perhaps someone with a bit of experience would be a good idea. The Mater private is a good hospital but after seeing quite a few births in both, I honestly do think that achieving a low intervention birth in the public is definitely easier. The policies and set up in the public hospital is just alot more flexible. In the private hospital there will possibly be a bit more negotiation and nouse required so someone who has dealt with that before might be better placed to help you get your needs met.

Alot depends on what you want from your doula as well.

oscaroscar · #3 (**permalink**) September 15th, 2008, 12:18 PM

Thanks very much. I am going to be a public patient. I would really love to have anther woman I know beside me during the birth. I don't really have any girlfriends that want to come in and I am not close to my mother in that way.

Ideally I would love to have a drug free, intervention free birth, however I will go with whatever is best for bubs

.

Any ideas where I can find student doulas who would go to Mater Mothers? Is it too early to start looking?

Thanks!

Antheia · #4 (**permalink**) September 15th, 2008, 12:38 PM

It's never too early to start looking. Some can book out pretty fast.

There are a few places to find student doulas. Just google student doula and your area and it should come up.

AnnaT · #5 (**permalink**) September 15th, 2008, 12:52 PM

I dont see why a student doula would be a problem as a first time mum. Personally I would probably go for a student doula who's given birth herself just because she has a bit of background into being that first time mum

samm · #6 (**permalink**) November 4th, 2008, 09:07 PM

Hi,

i too am a 1st time mum who started investigating having a doula after joining BB.After reading up on what a doula does, i was convinced that having one with me, to help and support me was the thing to do. I will be having my best friend with me to be my birth partner so i also wanted her to have someone support her if she needed.

I posted a message on the BB find a doula thread and found Clare who is a trainee doula. Afer a chat on the phone plus a couple of emails, we finally met the other week and instantly i knew i was going to book her. She was calm and had a soothing air about her which i felt was important.

I say go for it as depending on the person you book they may be qualified and fully trained by the time you are ready.

Good luck.

Renstar · #7 (**permalink**) December 1st, 2008, 05:38 PM

Hey Oscar!
I don't know if you've found a Doula or not yet but there is a great website www find a doula dot com dot au
you can find a doula in your area and then ask if they know of a student doula who is looking for some experience.

Tobily · #8 (**permalink**) December 1st, 2008, 08:25 PM

I actually know a student who is looking for her final training birth - let me know if you're interested and I'll pass her details on.

She has already done a couple of births at the Mater

joey123 · #9 (**permalink**) January 6th, 2009, 12:27 PM

Oscaroscar - I have one that I have found and she seems really nice, but I haven't met her yet. Her email is Tamara.curtis@live.com. She lives on the Gold Coast, but is prepared to travel to Brisbane. Also, she is free and she is a mum.

Samm - Can you forward on Claire's details? Ta

Tobily - Would you mind sending her details to me too? I am birthing at the RWH.

Clare Bear · #10 (**permalink**) January 6th, 2009, 08:17 PM

Hello everyone,

The forums have been sooooo quiet over Chrissy.....

If anyone is looking for my details you can email me at clare@inspiredbirth.com.au or visit the website.

I love the RWH....middies there are fantastic!!!

Cheers
Clare

oscaroscar · #11 (**permalink**) Yesterday, 12:46 PM

Thanks everyone. I don't know why, but I lost the subscription to this thread

. I have found a student doula and will meet with her for the first time in a few weeks. So far we have just chatted via email. It is exciting and I can't wait to hear some of her ideas.

Wishing you all empowering births!