I know most people hated it, but one thing I found reassuring in the hospital was being able to hear the baby's heart beat on the monitor, it is the main reason I waited so long before asking for the Csect. (with the pitocin I didn't have the option of moving around anyway) We considered hiring a doula that could also check heart tones, but really can't afford it with having to pay out of pocket for part of the homebirth. When dh and I talked about it the main reason I wanted her was just to listen to the baby periodically so that I would feel safe (very important to me since we are having an HBAC and I don't want fear to stall my labor). He suggested just renting a doppler and checking ourselves. I have never used one before, is it easy, or would it be more trouble than it is worth, tell me your thought please.

Do you have a mw? Usually the mw has a doppler or fetoscope and can do intermittant checking. CEFM of course in a homebirth is out. I would definitely have someone with a doppler or fetoscope around if possible.

Oh yes, I have midwife but she won't necessarily be there in the early part of labor. I figured I could use the doppler to listen and reassure myself until she was able to be there. The other option is a fetoscope, but I wasnt' sure how well that would work since I am plus size.

I see. I don't think using one is hard but your husband would have to learn, you might not be able to concentrate enough to count.

I would remember that if you are anxious and concerned enough about how your baby is, then your midwife's job is to reassure you. Even if she doesn't come over to stay, coming over to check on you and the baby is warrented if you are concerned about anything.

I would talk to your midwife about this, and rather then waste your money, see how things go and know that if you are that concerned you can always call your her.

I second having your midwife come by to check and then leave again, is your midwife close enough to be able to do this?

If not and it helps you feel safer then I am sure your DH can learn how to use the doppler.

I'm not pro-doppler use, but I did actually rent one before (in my last pregnancy). It isn't hard to learn to use - no real learning curve, especially the further along you are (easier to find the hb). But I second the notion of talking these concerns over with your mw and asking to have her come in early labor just for a check, if that makes you feel better. However, consider what would happen if your dh *did* go to check for the hb and couldn't find it or heard something weird? Then what? You'd need your mw at that point anyway (and just b/c he can't find it, etc., doesn't mean it's not there - baby's position could make it very hard to hear). So I guess again I'd suggest that you just have your mw assume this responsibility. Oh, and fwiw, it may not have been easy to find a doula, cbe, or some other non-mw to assume this responsibility. I'm a cbe and have been taught to never do anything "medical" for fear of lawsuit should anything go awry (like if I can't find the hb but *think* the baby is fine but it isn't - I know this has been a problem for people in the past).

If I was expecting a midwife to show up at any point during my labor, I probably wouldn't spend my money on a doppler.

As an alternative, you might want to purchase a stethascope. Many places that sell scrubs to nurses offer inexpensive, real stethascopes and late in pregnancy it's not hard to find the baby's heartbeat that way. :thumb