VBAC w/o MW or Doula?

kat1221 · October 2012

Anyone have a VBAC with just an OB?

I love my OB and I am considering a VBAC. I met with a doula and she is awesome but pretty expensive and not something we will likely be able to afford. We are planning on taking a birthing class and practice breathing techniques and positioning.

Thoughts?

Clarification: I guess what I really want to know is if anyone tried a VBAC w/o the constant support of a MW or doula.

annabelle.27 · October 2012

Really, it depends on your OB. Many flat-out refuse to do them. Many say that they do them, but then end up railroading their patients into repeat c-sections for reasons like "You just didn't go into labour" (by 38 weeks or something ridiculous), "your baby is too big," "after second consideration I don't think it's likely that you will have a successful vbac because you didn't progress the first time and at 38 weeks you're not dilating," etc. And then there are OBs who are very supportive of vbacs.

Ask your OB. Ask what her vbac success rates are. Ask what would have to arise for her to consider you a poor candidate. Ask her views about failure to progress, going past dates, and what type of monitoring she expects during labour. If her approach is highly medicalized with many interventions, she is probably secretly not supportive of vbacs.

kat1221 · October 2012

annabelle.27:
Really, it depends on your OB. Many flat-out refuse to do them. Many say that they do them, but then end up railroading their patients into repeat c-sections for reasons like "You just didn't go into labour" (by 38 weeks or something ridiculous), "your baby is too big," "after second consideration I don't think it's likely that you will have a successful vbac because you didn't progress the first time and at 38 weeks you're not dilating," etc. And then there are OBs who are very supportive of vbacs.

Ask your OB. Ask what her vbac success rates are. Ask what would have to arise for her to consider you a poor candidate. Ask her views about failure to progress, going past dates, and what type of monitoring she expects during labour. If her approach is highly medicalized with many interventions, she is probably secretly not supportive of vbacs.

I have asked these questions and feel she is supportive for real. I do know that she won't be there the entire time and possibly not at all depending on when I go into labor.

I guess what I really want to know is if anyone tried a VBAC w/o the constant support of a MW or doula.

pitterpatter129 · October 2012

I am planning on a vbac too (very supportive OB), and am also on the fence about hiring a doula. With the first baby, I had a very long labor + 3 hours of pushing that ended in what has now been deemed an "unnecessary csection" by my current OB! I'm a different hospital this time that seems more supportive and my OB assured me he is in the room often during labor and doesn't just pop in for just the delivery. However, it seems like having a doula there the entire time, even if just so my DH can step out, would be really helpful. I agree that they do cost a lot though and I'm not certain if it would be worthwhile or not. Especially, at this point in my pregnancy, I'm not sure I can find a doula who has an open schedule! I've waited a long time to make a decision. Good luck! Maybe someone on here has more stories about how a doula was very helpful!

littlemac1117 · October 2012

You could try seeing if there are any "student" doulas in your area that are willing to offer their services for free or at a discount. In order to become certified, many doulas have to attend a certain number of births, so you could see if there are any doulas in your area that need to meet that number. I know some people may not like the idea of a student being their support person, but if you keep in mind that they are in their last step of the certification process, it could be worth it. (Especially if they are providing free services!) Just something to look into. Good luck!

nosoup4u · October 2012

If your OB and your partner/husband are both supportive, I don't see why not. This is probably a good book for your DH to read:

https://www.amazon.com/The-Birth-Partner-Third-Edition/dp/1558323570/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350232855&sr=8-1&keywords=the+birth+partner+book

Will the other OBs on call be supportive also? I would make sure that even if she's not at the birth, you won't have to fight for a VBAC. Good luck!

littlemac1117 · October 2012

nosoup4u:
If your OB and your partner/husband are both supportive, I don't see why not. This is probably a good book for your DH to read:
https://www.amazon.com/The-Birth-Partner-Third-Edition/dp/1558323570/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350232855&sr=8-1&keywords=the+birth+partner+book
Will the other OBs on call be supportive also? I would make sure that even if she's not at the birth, you won't have to fight for a VBAC. Good luck!

Ditto this. This book is fantastic.

penguingrrl · October 2012

I did a VBAC without a midwife or doula. I was in an OB practice that was highly VBAC supportive. They had a midwife on staff, but required an OB to handle VBACs. I was ready to give up and my OB coached me along and made it clear that I could do it. I think whoever your provider is they need to be fully committed to VBAC and my OB was fully committed.

keg · October 2012

Are you in GA? If so, where? Have you been in contact with a local ICAN group? They may be able to give you the scoop on if your OB is truly supportive and if there are doulas that would be available for a reduced fee.

kat1221 · October 2012

keg:
Are you in GA? If so, where? Have you been in contact with a local ICAN group? They may be able to give you the scoop on if your OB is truly supportive and if there are doulas that would be available for a reduced fee.

I am actually in WA now. I have contacted the ICAN group twice w/o a response. I did find doula match and I have contacted several doulas working towards their certification that offer services at a reduced rate.

keg · October 2012

kat1221:

I am actually in WA now. I have contacted the ICAN group twice w/o a response. I did find doula match and I have contacted several doulas working towards their certification that offer services at a reduced rate.

Bummer. :-( I would think an ICAN group would be more responsive! Hopefully one of the doulas will pan out though. It can never hurt to ask!

Leap08 · October 2012

I saw a CNMW for my whole pregnancy. She works in a practice with OBs, and I knew that there was a slim possibility that one of the OBs in the practice could end up delivering my daughter. Well, when I went into labor, my MW was sick and one of the OBs ended up covering for her. Later my MW told me I was very lucky that particular OB was on call, because she is very VBAC supportive. The OB was actually wonderful. She never once mentioned the possibility of a repeat c-section, and I pushed for nearly 3 hours.

MrsVictoriaB · October 2012

I VBAC'd with just an OB. With that said I wish I had a doula and will get one next time, but I had an amazing L&D nurse who advocated for me and an OB who was on board with my VBAC so all that helped align the stars of course!

sunnydays99 · October 2012

I didn't have a midwife or doula. My OB was very supportive throughout my pregnancy and was always very encouraging as was my dh, friends and family. During labor my nurse was incredible and never for a moment let me think that I couldn't do it or that a c/s would be easier/better.
I don't think you need a midwife or doula if you have other very supportive / encouraging people surrounding you.

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