Doula, miwife or both??

[Mugsy]

Hi all
I am 7weeks with my first and am planning a homebirth. I understand Midwives are medically trained and doulas are not, but do I have to have a midwife for a home birth?
If I go with a doula do i need to see a midwife as well at some point?
It is so different here to New Zealand where it is fully government funded and supported - i am so confused.
Thanks!!
Katie

[blue daisy]

Hey Katie

if you are planning a homebirth you do need a midwife...if you choose not to have a health care provider (DR or Midwife) this is called freebirth

xx yogababy

[RachaelAustin]

Hello Katie. I am a independent midwife so can answer from my POV. I like to work with a doula. It gives the birthing mama a fresh person if the labour is long, so we can both have little rests so can therefore best support the woman. It is always (IMO) good to have a second pair of hands if the suitation arises that they are needed and this doesn't necessarily mean a emergency suitation. Someone else to help clean up afterwards.
You can still homebirth without either a midwife or doula. But if you want regular antenatal checks done such as blood pressure, abdo palps etc a midwife will do that, a doula cannot. If you want blood tests and ultrasound referral you have to go to a doctor a midwife cannot order those in Australia outside of a hosital system.

[Mugsy]

Thanks Natalie & Rachel, that clears things up for me heaps.
looks like a midwife is the way to go for me.
freebirthing - now that sounds a little to much for me - maybe next time?!

[SamanthaP]

It's your choice who you have there Katie. Doula, midwife or just yourself! Whoever is there though has to add to your experience, not take away.

[sarahforbes]

We had both a doula and a midwife at our homebirth, and it was invaluable having both. I would recommend that you all meet together to ensure that everyone agrees on how things will work. Our doula and midwife worked wonderfully as a team and I would certainly do the same again next time. We had a long labour so having both meant one could nap while the other stayed with us. It is also more affordable than having two midwifes present.

Enjoy your pregnancy and your birth. Good Luck!

[Neenee Jellybeanie]

I had a hospital birth with my daughter, for the next one (when it happens) we're having a homebirth with a midwife AND a doula. It should be great

[Mugsy]

Wow, it is amazing to read how much I have learned through this incredible pregnancy and birthing process.
I ended up having my dream home birth two weeks ago, my little boy was born after a 5 hour labour.
I had two midwives look after me for the pregnancy and birth (both incredible women) as well as my partner and best friend.
I see the support of my friend as similar to that of a doula, and if her presence hadn't been an option, I would have also had a doula - there was definately plenty going on to keep everyone busy!
I feel honoured to have such a wonderful pregnancy and birthing experience and will absolutely be doing the same for the next.
I truely feel that no matter where you choose to birth having the support of an independent midwife or doula (regardless of how much support you have from friends and family) is a priceless and wonderful thing.

must go, time to feed my wonderful new little man - what a wonderful life!!!!

[SamanthaP]

How fabulous!! Congratulations!