can a doula... or do I need a IMW

ok so just to set the record straight I am currently not TTC but we are considering it and after a disappointing first birth I want to take back my control and have a healing birth if I decide on number 2.

So I live in the country with little choices... I birthed DS via a c-section so I want a VBAC, ideally at home but I can't see my partner agreeing to that.
I need...

• someone who will help me with labouring positions especially if the next bub is posterior (sp)
• If I have to have a c/section then I want to have someone in recovery with me so I can keep my bub with me and try and breastfeed... with DS I was in recovery for over 2 hrs and by the time I got back he had nasal flaring and he was in SCN for the next 8 hrs.
• I want help with pacing myself... it had been 17 hrs since my membranes ruptured and the contractions started and I was 6 cm so the scheduled me for an 'emergency' c/section.

I really feel that had I paced myself better, had I had more to eat and drink, had I known about positions to encourage bub to turn that I could have birthed my DS vaginally instead of it being a c/section... I just want to know if I go again that I do everything I can to avoid another....


So my question is can I have a doula or do I need an Independant Midwife so I can have bub's in recovery with me??

An IM would be ideal, but they cannot perform any medical procedures in hospitals here. If you get a doula, make sure she's experienced in VBAC - more challenges than normal birth in a hospital.

An idea I always suggest is to interview a few IMs in your home and ask her some questions about her HBAC's and perhaps your partner will warm to the idea. It's your body, your birth and your experience to live with the rest of your life. It's your choice sweety.