doula vs. hypnobirthing class

[pedal_princess]

I'm 18 weeks and planning for a VBAC. I'm in great shape and labored about 16 or so hours with my first...no medical reason for c/s, just an impatient doc.

I'm pretty sure I want a doula this time to help me stand up for my rights, make better decisions and encourage me throughout my labor.

I've talked to a few friends who did hypnobirthing and looked into a class.

My hubby and I aren't sure we need both the class and the doula. And now my hubby thinks i should just focus on finding the right doula now. I've been reading the hypobirthing book. is that enough?

anyone have both a doula and take a hypnobirthing class? anyone just have a doula and successful VBAC/or planning a vbac?

any info is helpful. thx.

[MNHall]

Why not both? For my vbac I felt like anything and everything I could do, just meant I was more likely to succeed. For me, knowledge was confidence and confidence was power! Any negative comments along the way, I knew I could ignore, because I knew better!

I knew I wanted a VBAC pretty much at the beginning of my pregnancy, but it wasn't until around 30-32 weeks I decided that yes, I wanted to go natural too because movement and freedom (especially in my case of a baby not wanting to decend and ended up with a c/s) was a good idea for me. So, I unfortunately didn't have time for a formal class. But I read about 4 different books with different laboring techniques. Along with Ina May's Guide to Childbirth for uplifting and encouraging stories!

This is my 3rd baby, 2nd VBAC, and I'm almost thinking about taking a class this time, just to emotionally and mentally prepare myself for another birth! I'm not sure with 2 kids at home, I'll have as much time to sit and read....so, I thinking maybe a schedueld class where I have focused time to think and talk and prepare for birth will be good! And, while DH and I feel comfortable or more comfortable about knowing what to expect this time, I think we'll probably have a doula again!

So, last time, yes, just doula and successful VBAC.

This time, I'm thinking about a class, not sure what we'll do...and probably still a doula!

Both times, lots of self education!

[AustinMom]

I agree with PP, in the more you do to prepare the better your chances. My situation, I'm in the early stages of my own Doula career, HBACing in September, have an AMAZING MW who HBACed her second, have a Doula, I work with ICAN, I'm doing thy hypnobabies work, which is a little more intense than hypnobirthing, and I do chiro care too.

I'd do it all!

[thorn]

if you can only do one or the other? doula.

[cairomama]

You really should do both. I strongly believe that women, especially women birthing in a hospital need to have a method preparation. Different things work for different people, but you should pick something and practice it. I did Hypnobabies Home Study and had a doula for my VBAC. I did a lot of preparation for my VBAC and the easiest thing about it, was just giving birth.

http://cairomama.blogspot.com/2010/0...ater-long.html

A post with several links comparing Hypnobirthing and Hypnobabies:
http://cairomama.blogspot.com/2008/0...pnobabies.html

The Hypnobirthing book is a companion to the live class. If you want Hypnobirthing you shouldn't just use the book. The Hypnobabies Home Study program is designed to be done at home by yourself. That is why I did and I think it is a better program for all of the reasons that the are stated in the links I provided in that blog post.

http://www.hypnobabies.com

If you are going to give birth in a hospital, especially for VBAC, you need a doula. Every woman should have the support for labor, but as a VBAC really you need a doula.

Also, I hope you have switched doctors. The most important factor in VBAC success is to find a truly supportive provider. Doulas can help you find the most supportive doctors/midwives.

[AustinMom]

Originally Posted by cairomama

If you are going to give birth in a hospital, especially for VBAC, you need a doula. Every woman should have the support for labor, but as a VBAC really you need a doula.

I really couldn't agree more. Except, if I was birthing in a hospital, I'd want 2 Doulas. One to support me, the other for everything else, like "standing guard", supporting hubby, etc. Like I said, I'm HBACing, and have a MW and Doula, and am a Doula myself. You can't skimp on professional support.