To Doula or Not to Doula

DG and I started our baby classes last night for people 30 years and older. It is just once a week for 5 weeks and we were unsure of what to expect, but our teacher is amazing. We learned so much in our first 2 1/2 hour class.

For example, Doni, our instructor showed a graphic picture of what a woman's insides look like normally with all of the organs. Then she showed a picture of what the insides look like when there is a baby in there. The intestines virtually disappeared up near the lungs, the stomach shrunk, and the bladder went to the size of a pea. All the men in the room turned white and groaned. All the women nodded, knowingly as we glanced at the clock ready to take our first bathroom break 15 minutes into class.

It was right about the time when we were watching the video about the stages of labor that I wondered whether or not it would be me holding DGs hand to calm him, rather than the other way around.

Which brings me to my next question. Should we get a doula? I plan on arriving at the hospital, laboring for an hour and then popping Baby G out without drugs. (Ahhh, the power of positive thinking.) But some things don't always go according to plan, and we are wondering if having a midwife or doula present would aid in my relaxation and having a better experience. Thoughts?