Any VBAC mama's using a doula in the hospital?

[mommyNluv]

Any of you mama's that are VBACing in the hospital going to have a doula?

Just wondering. I am trying to decide whether or not I need a doula.

Thanks!

[greenmansions]

I used a doula for my recent VBAC - wouldn't have it any other way! Get one! :)

She held my hand the whole way to the hospital, kept me hydrated, rubbed my back (better technique than DH :lol ) and kept telling me I could do it.

[tika]

I think having a doula, or other labor support person, for hospital VBAC is a *must have*, without a doubt. A necessity for sure.

[blackberrymama]

I agree with Tika that a doula in the hospital is a must have, especially with the current climate surrounding VBACs. I expect that my partner will provide all the emotional and physical support I need, but our doula will be able to remind us of our birth plans in the heat of the moment when we might otherwise forget (like that we don't want the vernix rubbed off), and draw our attention to routine interventions that are being planned that we didn't even notice (like the routing useage of pitocin to speed delivery of the placenta). And if/when the nurses or OB or whoever tries to get us to comply to something by using scare tactics, she'll be a great sounding board.

With my first birth I had a doula who was truly awful and useless and I thought I wouldn't even bother with a doula again. But this time we are using a friend who happens to be a doula and I can't imagine doing it any other way.

[maureenfh]

I had a doula for my VBAC, and she was amazing and invaluable. My labor was a little long (17 hours in the hospital) and since it had started at midnight, my husband and I were exhausted. She encouraged my husband to get a nap around 4 am, and since labor went on for many more hours, it really helped him out. She kept me hydrated, got info from my midwife when I was in transition and couldn't process any information, and was unbelievably encouraging. She also kept notes on what happened during labor so I could compare it to my memories. And she took pictures! I would highly recommend a doula in the hospital.

[warrior mama]

Definately have a doula. As a ex-L&D RN I totally recommend a doula for all mom's but especially a VBAC. If I get pregnant again I will hopefully have a HBAC with midwives but if I end up heving my babe in the hospital I wouldn't go there without a doula. I can't stress it enough.

[stayathomecristi]

I had a doula with my last pregnancy that ended in VBA3C and she was amazingly helpful. If you can, find someone who has had experience with VBAC as well.

This pregnancy I'm not sure where I will deliver, but I can tell you that if it's in a hospital again (and probably even if it isn't) then I will be using one! Best decision I ever made.

[KKmama]

Isn't there some statistic somewhere that says that having a doula increases your odds of having a vaginal birth?

I had one last time (with my 1st VBAC), and will be using one again this time. Would say more, but I have to chase a toddler...

[GatorNNP]

I had one. I would have paid 3X what I did. DH couldn't quite figure out how to do counter pressure for back labor and it was great having an experienced hand around. Especially at home before we went to the hospital.

[perditafoster]

ABSOLUTELY. PAY HER WHATEVER SHE WANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ESSENTIAL!!!!!!!! I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH! Don't you like my all caps message? Couldn't have done it without my doula....:thumb

[Mama Coltrane]

Yes!!!!!
Doulas are awesome. Mine helped so much.
I am going to doula training this summer too. I was very inspired by her work and I want to do the same for others now.
- Kerri

[JanetF]

Absolutely!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you really MUST birth in a hospital you need every protection you can get and a doula offers you confidence boosting and information as well as the emotional support that hospitals just don't provide. Interview several like you would interview any tradesperson for a job and choose the one who really resonates in your gut.

DOULAS SHOULD BE COMPULSORY IN HOSPITALS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Epiphany]

I am planning a VBAC and have hired a doula. :) I feel so much more confident knowing she will be there. DH will be wonderful I know as he was a fantastic coach the first time. But, there is a comfort in knowing a non-emotionally involved person will be there to enforce our birth plan, offer encouragement, pain relief ideas, position ideas, and give DH breaks when he needs them.

All birthing mommas should have a doula. :) But especially those of us with complications or vbacs.

[doula and mom]

Well of course as a doula I say Heck yeah!

Seriously, I think all laboring moms should have a doula, but for a vbac mom it's especially important!

I currently have 2 clients who are going to vbac.

[mandib50]

i had an hbac so didn't have a doula, but i would NOT step into a hospital to try and have a vbac without a doula. it is a necessity in a hospital.

[TanyaS]

I hired a doula for my VBAC and she was worth every bit of the expense, without a doubt! I'm planning another VBAC in July and have hired another doula. I've moved since the last birth and the cost of a doula here is double, but I don't care. It's a must!

Also, some insurance carriers will reimburse for the cost of a doula. Mine did last time, less a copay. Will be submitting a receipt for sure this time!

[loudmama]

I can't imagine giving birth w/o a doula. We had a friend in that role last time, but I want someone with TONS of experience! My DH & I were really good last time with advocating for ourselves, but I want someone with another perspective & to think of the things we aren't. When you're having a baby, you're in labor land & may not think of everything.

I'm a doula, but even in pregnancy my doula brain shuts down when it comes to me sometimes! :lol

L

[liam's mom]

I'm planning a hospital birth VBAC and am so, so glad we decided to hire a doula. Obviously I don't know what the outcome is going to be yet, but I feel like I have really increased my chances of sucessfully VBACing by making sure I have a labor support person with me (besides DH).