VBAC in Hospital, Midwife, Doula or both??

Still working out our options on where to birth this bubba. So for those who have had a VBAC in a Hospital did you have a private midwife or a doula or both?? Can you tell me about your experiences??

I went to a private hospital for my vbac. I was confident that my Ob was supportive and recieved nothing but supportive comments from the midwives I came across at the hospital, so I didn't have an independent midwife or a doula. I didn't find I had any issues at all with support. Aside from the monitoring, I don't think I was treated any differently to any labouring woman by the midwives.
I wouldn't think that an IM would be necessary for a hospital VBAC, a doula would able to provide you with knowledge and support if you are already in an environment with other midwives and doctors. There are trainee midwives on BB looking for pg women to follow through their pregnancies, maybe you could get one of them? I think they are free of charge too.

I had neither, i looked at a few doulas but in the end found the team midwives at our hospital so supportive that it wasn't necessary. The only place i had problems was with the drs at the hospital, but when i mentioned this the team midwife i saw most of the way through said she would sit in on any further appointments i needed with them as my advocate.

Congratulations on your bub to be. I had my first three at rwh Brisbane but next July I having a vba3c homebirth. Might also hire a doula. Best of luck. X

I had my VBAC as a public patient in a public hospital - just the midwife, DH & my support person (friend). If I did it again I would be looking at a Doula if I could, just as a general support IYKWIM.
Have you had your initial appt? What's your feelings, do you feel comfortable that the hospital is supportive of VBAC?

HI Ladybug :)
I am planning a vba3c for May next year and have hired my own independent midwife to take to hospital with me (I am going public). I think it comes down to personal preference. If I was having a homebirth, I would probably hire a Doula also, so I had two support people. Whereas in a hospital setting I think my own Midwife would be fine as I have created a wonderful bond with her already and our little 'team' feels just right. The reason why we have decided to take a Midwife with us, is because we wanted the 1 on 1 support 100% of the time during our labour and birth. At hospital, Midwives and Doctors can get busy and you can get left for hours which is probably not optimal for a successful vbac. Its also nice to build the bond with someone throughout your pregnancy, so that she knows everything you want for your birth and can liase with hospital staff for you. Having my own Midwife has made me feel very supported in my decision to have a vba3c. I know she will be there whenever I need her and she is able to come to my antenatal appts with me and talk to hospital staff about my choice.

All the best for your birth! xox

Thanks for the replies!

Berrme-I was looking at a Student Midwife but because I'm VBACing I think I want someone who has had VBAC experience, not to offend and students!!

Appletree-Thats great that you had supportive Midwives, thats what I'm hoping for too.

Katwa-Good luck with your homebirth!

Fluer-No I haven't my first appointment (so possibly getting ahead of myself here :rolleyes:) The hospital has a great rep for VBAC and they have they're own VBAC program so hopefully once I've met them I feel comfortable with them. And yes thats what we thought a Doula would be good for just general support to both DH & I.

Mummabear-I had no idea you are VBACing! Your post has given me a bit to think about. Alot of the reasons you state make so much sense.

I guess I need to wait and meet the Midwives at the hospital and go from there.
Thanks all, you've given me a lot to think about!

My third bub was a VBA2C in a sourthern QLD public hospital with an independent midwife for support. My next bub was a homebirth with midwife and doula.

If the hospital you're considering has a VBAC program then I would probably take in a Doula for support, though one who has had VBAC herself or who has supported at least a few VBAC clients. Best of luck.

Depending where you live, visiting rights may be in place at your local hospital by the time your baby is due. Why not talk to some of your local private midwives about having medicare-funded private midwifery care for a hospital birth?