Is Doula Necessary?

juicycute909 · November 2012

I wanted to know with a VBAC is a doula a strong must in your opinion or just an extra help? I really want it to be successful but am not sold on a doula as the main answer. I think at this point Im very well informed but I would like to know if successful VBACers have all used doulas or if they did have one do they think the doula was the primary game changer.

sbevmc09 · November 2012

I'm a big fan of doulas, but IMO it's just extra help. I think there are a lot of things you can do to increase your chances of a successful VBAC, but a doula is just one of those things. Of course I have yet to have a VBAC so you can take my advice with a grain of salt

MAprincess · November 2012

I contracted with a doula but did not end up calling her on the day I delivered. I wanted to use her to help me in my home before going to the hospital. Since I was induced, I did not labor at home. My CNM was SUPER supportive of my VBAC as were the nurses, so I really didn't want/need another person there.

Some people really benefit from it, though.

juicycute909 · November 2012

thanks so much for your response! I know some do but I wanted to know of someone who didnt use one. Im so on the fence about it and Im already 21 weeks.

RumbleLina · November 2012

I haven't VBACed yet but my thoughts are that you don't need a doula for a successful VBAC but for me I feel I need that extra support since I know that is more than my husband can handle. I will be going med free and would like more support this time around so I don't fold and give in to an epidural. I also want another voice to help support my wants and keep me strong during my labor/delivery because, once again, I know MH wouldn't be able to stay strong since he tends to fold in situations like that.

nanabanana06 · November 2012

Doula's increase your chances or a successful VBAC and a better chance at a med free birth. Which is what I want. So I hired a doula. So far she has been a great help. She is trained in much more than your DH. For me I needed and wanted the extra support. Plus the extra knowledge in pain management is a huge help. My DH also has severe OCD, so he does not do well under pressure or with change. I needed her for DH too. We shall see how this goes, but right now I love my doula.

skio · November 2012

Nana_Osaki06:
Doula's increase your chances or a successful VBAC and a better chance at a med free birth. Which is what I want. So I hired a doula.

This. My thoughts are that it can't hurt, and that it's just extra support in helping me get to the end goal, which is a med free VBAC. I am extremely determined to achieve my goal and will do everything possible to help me get there.

DH was great last time, and he'll still be my most important rock in the delivery room, but a doula will help where he doesn't have the knowledge or experience to help and can help me enforce my birth plan. I plan to have her be the one to tell people to get out and shut up if I need her to, lol. I'm doing a hypnobirthing labor and will need quiet and calm with no interventions, and extra people to keep my labor experience as planned are nothing but appreciated!

tlew12778 · November 2012

I sud not have a doula but the hospital where I delivered categorically avoids CS unless the situation is extremely emergent or for breech presentation or placenta previa. I really think it depends in the structure you're at and the staff in call.

preg_amy · December 2012

I had an extremely long labor and pushing stage with my VBAC. My doula was worth her weight in gold. Not only did she help me keep going, but she was really good at guiding DH in how he could help me, and it made him a more effective labor partner.

For me, a doula was necessary. But it was also important that she was someone that I trusted and felt comfortable with.

emme+3 · December 2012

Honestly, my doula was worth her weight in gold too! I attribute my VBAC success to a combined effort between her, my DH, and my supportive OB. I'll never labor without her. I hired her because I wanted every chance possible to have a vaginal birth. Don't tell her, but in hind-sight, I would have been willing to pay her double to have such an amazing experience again.

While the hospital I was delivering at was VBAC supportive, when I arrived the dr on call refused a VBAC and my nurse refused to follow my birth plan. If she wouldn't have been there to support me while my DH fought for me, I either would have had to deliver in the parking lot or have an unnecessary C/S. It wasn't until after I delivered that I even found out that they had been fighting for me. Instead of worrying, I was in my happy birthing bubble with my labor support while they took turns fighting for my rights. Because of them, I got my all natural VBAC and it was the most amazing experience of my life! I am planning for another VBAC, and the first person outside of my family to find out we are pregnant is going to be my doula. I'm sure you can VBAC without one, but personally I don't ever want to try.

acsago · December 2012

I guess necessary isn't the exact word, but Godsend is. I don't think I would have made it through without my wonderful Doula. Just hiring her gave me a huge bump in confidence that I could do it, all natural, and have the birth I wanted. I met with 5 doulas to pick the right one and 2 were doing it pro-bono because they were in training, so don't let the expense scare you off. I would say you should definitely hire one.

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