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Haley Baumeister's avatar

This was really beautiful. I've always understood—from afar in a logical way—the benefit of doulas. But for whatever reasons haven't utilized them myself. I guess I just assumed my husband would be a good-enough support. And he has been to some degree. But maybe there's multiple roles our current culture (or life circumstances) make us assume our husband should take on as default, when really there are others we need in our lives—for various things. And tbh this is not something I model well at this time of life!

Anyways, maybe it's just always seemed an excessive ask. Perhaps if there's a future pregnancy I will look more seriously into it.

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Leigh's avatar

I couldn’t agree more! My husband is actually the biggest doula fan - for my first VBAC especially, it was so incredibly helpful to have someone who had experience in what the heck was going on and could say, “it’s ok, this is normal, we’re going to try these things to relax” and who could kindly guide my husband in supporting me. Talking me off the ledge when things puttered out in early (sometimes false) labor was also so, so helpful for the mind game.

I’m super grateful the health sharing ministry we are a part of helps cover some of the cost of a doula because it would otherwise have been hard to bite the bullet that first time, but really they’re worth their weight in gold!

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