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Childbirth

What's the diff between a hiring a doula or a indepedent midwife?

7 replies

Holymoly321 · 16/08/2007 17:59

Just wondering as am considering hiring a doula for my VBAC

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DaisyMOO · 16/08/2007 18:34

An independent midwife will do all your antenatal and postantal checks (and they will be home visits too) and then be on call to deliver your baby at home - most midwives are not allowed to deliver babies in hospital. A doula is not medically trained but will act as a support person for you (and your partner) and advocate on your behalf. She can't however deliver your baby or give you advice. Big differnece in price - IM will be £2500-£3000, a doula £300-£500 (or less if you get a trainee) HTH

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NAB3 · 16/08/2007 18:43

We considered having an independent midwife and had someone visit over. Be very careful who you choose.

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NAB3 · 16/08/2007 18:43

visit us, not visit over.

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BirdyArms · 16/08/2007 18:48

I had a doula for my VBAC and definitely think it's a good idea. Really stopped me worrying about any differences of opinion I might have with the hospital staff re continuous monitoring etc

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newy · 16/08/2007 18:55

I hired a doula who goes through your birth plan etc and is there at the birth for support - my was pretty long and traumatic and DH found her support incredibly helpful too. Will also help look after older children if you have them. Many doulas also do postnatal work: anything from looking after baby while you rest, helping with bf/ff, cooking a meal or light housework. Also useful if not v confident and want help bathing baby etc for first time (most mws don't have time for this now). However, they are not medically trained and can only help with your choices not advise you on what to do.

I think already been said that imw are medically trained and good for home birth but wouldn't be able to deliver your baby if you are taken into hospital as not insured. I'm glad I went with a doula as v helpful to me and dh and nhs mws were great for me.

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Holymoly321 · 16/08/2007 19:07

thanks all - very helpful info - think it's a doula for me then!

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yogimum · 16/08/2007 20:00

A friend of mine had an independent midwife who did deliver her baby in the hospital. There are two of them in my area and they are in very high demand.

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