Doulas and VBAC

[mrsbeans]

Hi - I'm considering using a doula for dc2. partly because I want my dh to focus on looking after ds, partly because ds was born by elective caesarean and so I think I need someone with experience of VBAC in my corner.

Everything I have read about doulas has been really positive but I don't know many people who have used them. Any advice or things to be aware of?

Thanks :)

Interview a few to see which of their personalities suits you best. One could be a really great doula but you may not feel a connection. You have to be able to chat and discuss things with ease and convey your wishes to her.

Just because a doula has herself not had a VBAC birth, doesn't mean she won't be a good doula for you. If she has been trained, she will know how to guide you through any labour and will/should know the difficulties which could come up with a vbac birth.

Therefore, focus some of your questioning on vbacs and what does she think about ...... and see how she reacts.

I am/was a doula and had a VBAC birth; I would say ask your doula to go with you to your consultants appointment (if you get one) to listen and support you whilst your there. She could also go to your later midwife apps with you for extra support.

Ask me if there's any particular query you have currently .

luciemule- thank you that is so helpful of you. I have found a doula who seems really nice and understanding on the phone and am meeting her with my husband next week.

She seemed to know the local hospitals really well and advised me that the one I have been booked into is not good for VBAC - she has support VBAC at two others which are equally close to here - and so I need to speak with midwife about getting a referal to a different hospital. Does that mean I would need to see a different consultant? (I've just seen consultant this week, which is 27 weeks, and am due to go back at 35 weeks).

One thing I would like to ask is what happens if my baby is e.g. back to back which normally means a longer labour. Would they give me enough time to labour normally before suggested a section because I understand that there is a nominal cut off at 6 - 8 hours for VBAC?

Thanks :)