VBAC Mom's - Should I get a doula?

I know it's sooo late in the game, but technically, not too-too late. Been struggling for months with this...

I'm due this weekend, and hoping for a VBAC. I have a great vbac friendly OB, and a supportive dh, but he can sometimes "deer in headlights" ...

Went late with my first, and ended up with a C - because I just didn't know better. No other reason. I never went into labor, so maybe there was a real reason. I didn't see it, so I'm going to try to vbac.

And I spoke with several doula's, and they all sound wonderful! But I don't know if I can comfortably afford the expense. Seems like such a luxury, really. But I am so emotionally raw these days with so many recent traumas, having a doula seems like a great idea to get me through this major role of laboring (if i can even do that) my next birth.

And then there's the intimacy part. Personally, I don't know if spending such an intimate part of my life with someone i barely know. This is when I can't help but see this as an added expense, and not like an investment in my sanity.

Thoughts?

VBAC Mom's - Should I get a doula?

I had a vbac with dd - no doula. People that use one typically love them and recommend them but we couldn't handle the expense. Tell dh what you want with this labor and when you arrive tell it to your l&d nurse. I found my l&d nurse was a great and kept making sure everything was ok.
Edit bc I meant to write that I had a vaginal birth with my first - so it wasn't after a c-section. dd was late and the dr wanted to induce me and I refused bc I didn't want to end up with a csection. Dd came on her own 8 days late and she was high so they didn't want me pushing - the l&d nurse knew my hesitations about a csection so she moved me around and patiently waited until dd dropped...which was 3+ hours
Good luck

Message edited 2/3/2014 10:13:22 PM.

VBAC Mom's - Should I get a doula?

so great to hear! congrats on vbacing too :)
and good point about telling my dh exactly what i need for this.
thank you! i hope i do get an empathetic L&D nurse :)

Re: VBAC Mom's - Should I get a doula?

I had a vbac without one.
My doctor was supportive as long as the circumstances were right.
my water broke without contractions (which my dr warned me was the worst thing that could happen if I wanted to VBAC)
I had my ds 24 hours later.
My dr gave me a little pitocin after I got the epi so things didn't "stall"

I did nothing else to prepare. I went in with the thinking "if it was meant to be than it will happen"

good luck

VBAC Mom's - Should I get a doula?

GL!! You don't need a doula. In fact I had one and did not like it!! DH was so helpful and it was a total waste.

VBAC Mom's - Should I get a doula?

i like the thinking - if it's meant to be, it'll happen :) kinda liberating.

and yes, i hear it's either great or a waste - i just don't know i would feel any more comfy with a total stranger, than my own dh. if i can just know what i would need & give him the foresight, we'll be good to go.

we discussed it a bit last night, while he was massaging my feet. i said - i clarified how i'm going to need a lot of one on one support, both physically & emotionally. he was like, can't we hire someone for that? real funny...

Re: VBAC Mom's - Should I get a doula?

Posted by allIwant

I had a vbac without one.
My doctor was supportive as long as the circumstances were right.
my water broke without contractions (which my dr warned me was the worst thing that could happen if I wanted to VBAC)
I had my ds 24 hours later.
My dr gave me a little pitocin after I got the epi so things didn't "stall"

I did nothing else to prepare. I went in with the thinking "if it was meant to be than it will happen"

good luck

Re: VBAC Mom's - Should I get a doula?

Posted by Lanabean

Posted by allIwant

I had a vbac without one.
My doctor was supportive as long as the circumstances were right.
my water broke without contractions (which my dr warned me was the worst thing that could happen if I wanted to VBAC)
I had my ds 24 hours later.
My dr gave me a little pitocin after I got the epi so things didn't "stall"

I did nothing else to prepare. I went in with the thinking "if it was meant to be than it will happen"

good luck

This is great...and what I am hoping for as well. My doctor told me she would support me as long as circumstances were right--no inducing. Water breaks on my own. (I was induced with my daughter. Low on fluid and due next day. Section due to heart rate dropping and not dilating. Perfect pregnancy and the moment labor began it was another story! But healthy kd!)

Re: VBAC Mom's - Should I get a doula?

I am int he same boat .. going to follow this posting!! I had a doula last time who was awesome.. just cant' afford her this time around..

Re: VBAC Mom's - Should I get a doula?

Message edited 2/8/2014 7:08:55 AM.

VBAC Mom's - Should I get a doula?

i don't get one, my DH was my labor coach

Re: VBAC Mom's - Should I get a doula?

I had a successful VBAC in August 2013 with no doula. My OB was pro-VBAC and that helped. I considered a doula but never really pursued it. My labor was relatively quick, about 8 hours start to finish so I'm sure that contributed to my success. I had a c-section (failed induction) in 2009 due to severe pre-eclampsia and had high BP during almost my entire 2nd pregnancy. I wonder also if I had known more whether I could have had a vaginal delivery the 1st time around. I posted my birth story on this board if you want to read about my experience. GL!

Re: VBAC Mom's - Should I get a doula?

I had 2 VBACs and no doula (and my husband sucks as a coach!)

I don't think you need one- especially this late in the game when you haven't had time to develop a relationship.