I would definitely recommend it! We decided fairly late in the pregnancy to hire Patricia Grube for doula services. From our first meeting with her, we knew she was going to be super helpful in our plan for natural birth. We ended up in the hospital and making choices that varied a little from our original goals, but she was there every step of the way helping us understand our options and guiding us in our decisions. Without her massage and relaxation techniques, it would have been a very different (difficult) experience. We're very grateful!
I never could have made through my births without doulas! They made all the difference. Hire one! It doesn't matter how much it costs. I eventually asked myself, "How much money is avoiding a C-Section worth to me?" I decided it was worth the money. I figured that having a doula and midwife were my best protective factors against an unnecessary cesarean. (That said, of course a necessary cesarean is another thing.) We dithered in my first pregnancy, but hired a doula at the very last minute. It was so amazing that I'm a doula myself now.
Thank you so much for all the great responses about doulas. I have def. decided to go ahead with a douls and even spoke with my midwife about the advantages. She strongly encouraged me to get one if I can afford it. I have taken the advice from one of the responses and my husband and I will be attending the Student Doula tea this eveving. Student doulas are a very affordable route to take and more in our price range. I also want to mention that a few recommended going through Presbyterian doula service but unfortunantly they are no longer doing doula services as of right now. Thank you so much for everyones responses I really appreciate all the help.