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Intro and a Question

Suzi-G-Suzi-G- member
in VBAC

Hello ladies, I haven't posted here before but I read sometimes.  I'm expecting my 2nd little boy in October.  My first was a c-section and I would very much like to VBAC this one.  Long story short DS #1 had his cord around his neck 4 times and did not have enough slack to drop.  He never came in contact with my cervix or even dropped into my pelvis.  I never dilated beyond 5cm and he was having severe decels so after 30+ hours of labor (mostly at home with a doula) we opted for a section.  We had tried everything else at that point. 

My OB is very VBAC supportive and I hear the new hospital I plan to deliver at is as well.  I intended to hire the same doula we used last time, but come to find out she'll be out of the country in October and we probably can't afford her anyway.

So here's my question, did anyone here have a successful VBAC without a doula?  If so can you give me some advice on how you prepared yourself/your spouse?  Do you wish you'd had a doula? 

Right now I feel like the effort and time involved in interviewing, finding, getting to know, meeting with a new doula combined with the $800-1000 price tag is maybe not worth it.  Especially considering that no amount of support could have changed the outcome of my first birth.

My big boy is bounding towards 4! Baby brother coming in October!
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Hipster dog is not impressed.
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Re: Intro and a Question

  • mrs.jenRNmrs.jenRN member
    I didn't have a doula, but things progressed pretty fast for me. I woke up with ctx every 6-8 mins. 1.5 hours later they were every 2 mins. Baby was out within 6 hours. The closer I got to the end, the more I had wished I had hired a doula. I feel like I got my VBAC due to luck!
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  • suzyq7896suzyq7896 member

    Everyone I know IRL who has had a VBAC did so without a doula. Some of those ladies have had homebirths though.

    Something else to consider is hiring a doula-in-training. A lot of new doulas provide their services free or at discounted rates when they're first starting out.

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  • MAprincessMAprincess member
    I didn't have a doula.  I had the support of a very VBAC friendly CNM and didn't feel the need for another person in the room.  I had to be induced for my VBAC at 41 weeks and my midwife, husband, and the awesome nurse on duty were all I needed!
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  • lalamakitalalamakita member
    imagesuzyq7896:
    Everyone I know IRL who has had a VBAC did so without a doula. Some of those ladies have had homebirths though.Something else to consider is hiring a doulaintraining. A lot of new doulas provide their services free or at discounted rates when they're first starting out.



    This. I had a doula for my first vbac and am now interviewing for one this time too. Many I have talked to are so prodoula that they'll adjust their rates if you can't afford their rates. The student approach might be good too, we're considering a student, bc I don't expect to need much advice or intervention with nurses, just help with my comfort, contractions, etc.
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  • Cookies2013Cookies2013

    I had a successful VBAC with DD2 but went ahead without a doula bc I really didn't know much about the process....or even really what a doula was! I pushed for 2 1/2 hours and ended up needing the doc to use forceps bc the baby was stuck under my pelvic bone. I still wonder though if I had a doula or better( ANY!) coaching my nurse I wonder if I would have needed the forceps. When I think about that labor I remember that I would have pulled a janitor into the room bc I felt like I needed ANYONE'S help BUT that was mainly bc I didn't have a nurse that helped AT ALL! My husband was doing the best he could but he really wasn't sure what to do and I feel like we were both waiting for the doc or nurse to offer help. We took a birthing class with my first pregnancy and I read a little with DD2.

    This time around I would LOVE to hire a doula but we just can't afford one. I am trying to do as much research on my own to what to do during labor and I am looking for good books to read on the subject. ALSO this time around if I feel like my nurse is being unsupportive....I felt like I was in the middle of a field giving birth with only my husbands help....then I will ask for a new nurse and be more upfront about my needs. I am also going to try to wait longer to get the epidural.

     If you are able to afford a doula I think it is always a good idea and had no idea there were doula students bc I am going to look into that!

    Welcome to the board!! I love reading successful VBAC stories and I am sure you will too! Also I love all the advice from other moms! 

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