Have you ever been present at another woman's birth?

No but I would be very honoured if anyone asked me to be there. I asked a very close friend to be with me when I gave birth, as my husband is terrible in hospitals and has a tendency to faint whenever he sees a blood... my friend was with me all through the labour then just as she stepped out for a breather and my husband came in, our son was born. So in the end, he was present despite all my misgivings!

by VerityG

The first birth I attended was that of a friend. I was so honoured to be asked to be her support. I had not heard of 'doulas', but as a friend I took on this honour seriously.

I had one child, and was pregnant with number 2 when I was asked to be by my friends side. I had had a good first birth, but I wanted to be prepared to be a support. It is very different to doing the birthing. I read an article about how to be a good support person, and helped her do research on things like GBS and inductions, and the post birth injections.

It was after this birth that I heard about doulas and decided to train. Whilst my friends birth went well, I could see that having knowledge of the medical system would be an advantage. Birth (as it turns out) is a mind game, and the environment can have a profound affect on the other. I wanted to know more for me, and so that I could better help others. It felt like it wasn't quite enough to just hold her hand and say nice things.

As a doula I have supported women in birth preparation and in birth (hospital and home). I have had the privilege of catching a baby and being the support person in a c section.

When my friend invited me to be her support for baby two, I came with the confidence of a doula. We were better prepared. We understood 'the system' better and how she wanted to work within. The advantage of a second birth is that you know your own body better and hindsight is a wonderful thing!

There is a quote by Ina May, (see picture) that is so true. When you watch a woman give birth Her Way, she is a magnificent being and you feel so humbled. http://wholewoman.hubgarden.com/do-not-disturb/

by bellabirth

no i have never been

by rhond

No

by jonaja

I'm a childbirth doula - so it's my job to support a woman through labour and birth. However so far I have supported 3 women through labour but have not been present for the births due to them being by caesarean. I cannot wait for the moment when I get to support a woman in that transition from woman to mother and see her welcome her baby into the world.

by lizzi

No but it would be an experience that's for sure!

by Valadhiel

No. I don't know if I could. I would like to think I could step up to the mark if asked.

by Vee

Yes but just because I was in labour myself. If I was asked by a friend I would be honoured.

by Gia

No. I was pretty much out of control at my own birthing experience. I wouldn't be too much help to anyone else.
Besides, I preferred to go it alone, can't bear anyone near me if I am in pain.

by fran.

No. Not the sort of experience in which I wish to be involved. A birth is way too personal.

by donjo