Doulas

Hi all, I am a Latina, first time mom. I am considering whether I should get a doula even though they’re not covered through insurance. This is my first baby so have never experienced any of this before and trying to soak it all in while making decisions. Any recommendations on doulas to consider or how they can be helpful? Extra points if they are minority doulas whom I can establish trust and can feel like they’re aligned with values and culture. Thanks.

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Hi! Have you started thinking about what kind of birth you want to have? Home, hospital, birthing center?

I think Illinois just pass a law to have doulas approved by insurance companies so I recommend you look into that. I also had a doula for my delivery and I would definitely do it again. The number one thing is to make sure they know what is most important to you when they go over your birth plan because when you’re giving birth the last thing your gonna wanna do is express your needs. Having someone that can be a voice for your wants, desires, needs and plans is CRUCIAL!!!

Hi! To start off, Congratulations!! I’m also a 1st time mom to a 7 month old baby girl. I had a natural delivery with no pain medication. I didn’t want an epidural and pulled through the pain. I wish I would’ve had a doula. I had my mom and bf but they were no help. They offered words of encouragement but the pain is extreme! If you were to get a doula, they help guide you through breathing exercises and physical activity that can help ease labor pain. Check out the catholic charities site, they offer free Doula Services if you meet the income requirements

i had a great experience with chicago birthworks collective! i would go through them every single time for any future pregnancies. and all doulas of color 🫶🏽

Hi @Kristina I’ll actually be delivering at a hospital

@Isis thanks I had heard something about that but thought it was mostly covered for women in public benefit programs but a good reminder to look further into it. And this may be a dumb question, but when you say birthing plan, what do you even consider? It’s so hard for me to think about what I want when I don’t even know what to expect.

@Gissell ☺️ thank you! I’ve heard stories on both sides when it comes downs to pain experience. My plan is to do a natural delivery with no epidural but I really hope I can handle it. I appreciate your advice on having a doula to help advocate and help manage the pain. Obviously they have experience and I’m sure could be very helpful on those moments

@Morgan looking them up now. Thanks! 🙏🏽

@Jess https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/how-to-write-a-birth-plan?g_acctid=878-527-6823&g_adgroupid=&g_adid=&g_adtype=none&g_campaign=PMax-Content&g_campaignid=21545582368&g_keyword=&g_keywordid=&g_network=x&utm_campaign=PMax-Content&utm_content=&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_source=g&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2UeTdKly_-QfmrO61MixGXi8fRD&gclid=CjwKCAjwwLO_BhB2EiwAx2e-3-PkU6EA5mpcCtdOl8k1_bd8YRukFzZjLDlosIDcVO9Xmw1G5gqE2BoCzbYQAvD_BwE