has anyone used a doula?

I think there is more of a desire for them. I hear about them more today than I ever did with my 1st 2 pregnancies.

My sister used one for her 4th kid. She loved having her around, and they are great friends now.
its my understanding that being one takes a great deal of patience though. her doula and her doctor did not see eye to eye on alot of things.

There is still a desire for them i can say that. and i only wish i had gotten one for my first child (which i am now overdue with) because it would help to have a friend who knows what is going on, instead of a doctor that has to squeeze me into his schedual.

I am not (yet) a certified doula, but I have “coached” 10 deliveries…
Doulas are common in some areas and un-heard-of in others. Dr’s and RN’s sometimes get frustrated because doulas can sometimes come in to a delivery with an agenda or expectations that cannot be met (i.e. no pain meds or epidural, few interventions). It has been my experience that the birth of a baby is all about Mommy and what she needs and wants. A doula should support that and act as an advocate between patient and staff. With that in mind, a doula can be a wonderful addition and give the Daddy a chance to focus on the birth of his baby and not just on keeping Mommy centered and comfortable. The families I have worked with have really enjoyed having an extra set of hands around and it has been an amazing experience for me, as well.