Danielle, 2scents, Morah Rach and others who think a doula is just an extra:
A doula is not just instead of mommy there. It also doesn’t mean that the husband isn’t there throughout the entire birth.
You’ll be surprised how many drs don’t care very much about their patients, and put their own time and convenience before the patient’s.
A doula is there to offer her professionalism and knowledge which drs wont bother giving you, to help with special exercises and techniques to make the woman in labor more comfortable, to guide you while in labor still at home, and then in the hospital, and to be there as a support in addition to husband.
Many women, myself included, would never give birth without a doula, for very good reasons.
But since this is a weird discussion here on a board with men included, I don’t think it’s very appropo to discuss at length, especially of OP is just asking for conversation purposes.