Birth without a birth partner

[Eralc]

I'm expecting my second baby in February, and it's looking increasingly certain that I will be doing it without a birth partner (as we have noone to look after my 2 year old while I am in the hospital, so my husband will have to be with him). I've thought about a doula, but I don't think we can afford one. I wish family could help out, but they are a (long) distance away.

Am really quite nervous about it, so I would love to hear some positive stories about what it was like. How did it work if you needed things when the midwife was out of the room? Did the rest of the family (if there were any) hang around in the hospital or did they stay at home and come in after the birth (I can't see my son hanging around for hours potentially)? I would really appreciate hearing others experiences, as I don't know anyone who has been in the same situation.

trainee doulas could be an affordable option. i personally attended births for free / expenses only when training.

there is a doula register on nurturingbirth.co.uk and doula.org.uk, ask local trainees their prices

Thanks Lulu - I hadn't thought about a trainee as a possibility. Only problem is that I'm in Australia - I don't suppose you know of an equivalent over here do you?