Question about doulas support

[lillymonster]

I decided since I was trying for a VBAC to hire a doula, so I put a deposit down. I haven't heard from her much, but I guess there isn't much to do yet since I am only 9 weeks, but it does say that she will give 24/7 phone/email support from the time of my deposit - so what kind of support is that? just any questions I have when I can't get a hold of my midwife? Or is that for an emergency only?

Also, if I end up needing to schedule a repeat c-section - which I will try hard to avoid, but if it's necessary, what kind of support does a doula typically provide for that since I won't have the labor process to go through? I want to avoid being induced, so I am either going to vbac or csect for #2, but I don't want to have another painful induced labor to wind up with a section again.

Just curious what is typical since it really wasn't in detail in the contract.

[heathenmom]

We had midwife issues during my pregnancy with dd#2 and our doula was the only constant in the process. Here are some things she did:
* Tried to help me find a homebirth midwife in our area.
* Loaned me books and videos RE homebirths.
* Gave me suggestions to try and turn our breech baby.
* When that didn't work, she accompanied (sp?) me to my 1st external version attempt (when dh couldn't be there).

These were all from about 12-40 weeks and obviously don't include the help she provided during my actual labor.

I her.

I have no idea if all she provided to me was typical, though, as she's the only doula I have any direct experience with.

hth

[ferndoula]

I just wrote a huge reply... then I lost it!! Ah well, I was probably being too long winded anyway. Here is the much shorter version.

You doula is a resource centre for you. She has tons of knowledge and experience. You should feel free to ask her about anything. Nutrition, breastfeeding, birth and labour, pain relief, any little pregnancy woes such as nausea, swelling, sleeping poorly. She will likely do prenatal meetings and give you a lot of info during these meetings, so that you are well informed and can make the decisions that are best for you. A doula does all of what heathenmom said, and so so much more (depends on what each client needs of course)

As for 24 hour support, if it is a question or concern, call during the day time. Email whenever you want, to ask questions, or stay in touch, but it may take her a day or so to get back to you if she is a busy girl! It is was an emergency, call her any time at all, day or night. But really, the 24h on call thing is more relevant when you are near your due date, and you are usually calling because you believe you are in labour, or that it might start very soon (water broke, for example), but you could call her for other reasons too, as long as you feel someone really should know about it even at 3am, she will not mind a call what so ever!

As for a c-section. She will be sure that you know about all of your options, pros and cons of each, and that you are making a truly informed decision. She can explain exactly what will happen in a c-section so that you know what is going to take place. And she can be there to help you work through any concerns or feeling you might be having. On the day of surgery, she will accompany you to the hospital, and keep you as comfortable (and well informed) as possible until you go in. Then usually just the dad accompanies you into surgery, but sometimes doula too (or she may come into the OR if dad can not for some reason). And after she helps the same way she would with a vaginal delivery, assisting with skin to skin, and breastfeeding.

[AmaraMonillas]

I recently completed doula training, and what I know is from that and not extensive personal experience. The doulas who trained me include 2 prenatals and the 24hr contact support. The middle of the second trimester is an average time to hire a doula so you are on top of things! If you are generally anxious and have a lot you need to sort through/want to talk about, I would suggest requesting some additional pre-natal hang out time. If you will feel satisfied with asking specific questions or being referred to written resources then I would feel free to just rely on phone/email. The contact support isn't just for emergencies, but she may not be used to clients using it regularly from the first trimester (I could be wrong, I don't know her!).

[gradstudentmommy]

Other than my 2 prenatal meetings, I didn't have much contact with my doula until the final month of pregnancy. She asked me to call or email her after every doctor's appointment the last month. And I called her a few times with questions. I didn't hire her until the middle of the 2nd trimester so you started really early! I don't think you'll have much contact with her until later in your pregnancy unless you have questions. Meaning, you probably won't hear from her unless you contact her and I don't think that's unusual at all.

[lillymonster]

Originally Posted by gradstudentmommy

I didn't hire her until the middle of the 2nd trimester so you started really early!

I actually contacted her and asked when people normally hire a doula, and she said right away because she books up fast and is busy, so I tended to believe her because I do know she is well liked across a few counties. I haven't had much contact with her though since I put down the deposit.

[gemasita]

I am always happy to answer questions by email or phone, lend books, help clients find local resources. But honestly, when someone hires me that early, I am usually not in frequent contact with them yet. In the second trimester, when we start looking at scheduling the prenatals, that's when I'm usually talking with them a bit more. And yes, the on call thing is really for closer to the birth. I provide phone and email support from the time I am contracted but go on call at 38 weeks. Before that, I am still ready if needed but the clients who are a little earlier in their pregnancies and not on my radar screen 24/7 yet. I'm usually giving a little more attention to the clients that are closer to giving birth. But I'd always be happy to return phonecalls or emails or answer questions.