Doulas are booked!

Wow! Last night was epic!

In Canada, Midwives are covered by OHIP if you choose to have a midwife rather than an OB.  If you want extra support in labouring, you can hire a Doula on your own.  Given I had always wanted to have a midwife, but given our circumstances of needing to have a dr, I toyed with the idea of getting a Doula.  Really, for me since I'm so cheap, the cost always prevented me from looking into this further.

At the beginning of this pregnancy, I got wind of a student Doula who was looking at getting hours to complete her training.  I emailed her to see if she was still needing hours.  Unfortunately, my sources were old - and she had graduated a year prior.  However, she offered to set up a plan to help pay for her services if and when we decide to go with her.  Well, I didn't really think anything of it as I wasn't ready to book anything to do with labour and delivery in my first trimester.  A few weeks ago, this Doula emails me back asking how I was doing (I know, a good business venture...but I'll pretend she was just caring about me).  At the same time, I saw my natropath (who I'm in-love with) advertise for this Doula's services.  In my mind, I guess I figured if Shelley promoted this service, than I should jump on board!  Given my total fear of a needle in my spine for an epidural, and Hubby and mine's cynical approach to Western Medicine and pharmaceuticals, I really do want someone in the delivery room with me who I can bounce ideas off of and feel confident with.  I know that many times nurses/dr's will persuade you to use drugs to speed things along when it isn't necessary.  Also, given there is no guarantee my OB will actually be on-call to deliver my baby and really, dr's are only in the room for such a brief period of time, I want people in my court who I trust.

So last night Hubby and I went and consulted with the Doulas. We both felt so relieved and comfortable, we signed the contract and gave our deposit!  EEEEKKK!! The girl I originally emailed has gone into a practice with another Doula and offer so many great and wonderful things.  I immediately clicked and felt safe and comfortable with both women.  The package we have includes labour and delivery as well as 20 hours of postpartum support.  During this time, my primary doula can do anything from dishes, make dinner, grocery shop, help with breast feeding etc.  Before the birth, I have 2 meetings that will discuss my birth preferences and they will go through everything that I should think about.  They will even go with me to medical appointments if I need an extra support person if Hubby isn't available as well as attend a breast feeding support group with me the first couple of times until I'm comfortable!  

It is non-refundable so if something happens we are out!  This is such a HUGE step for me - hubby was so proud we went out for cheesecake afterward to celebrate! I literally was so excited I had a crazy dream about them and was up at 4 am wide awake and excited like a kid at Christmas.

Now dragon....please don't make all this money be for nothing! Stick around and lets put these ladies to good use :)