What was the best thing about having a doula?

I'm seriously considering having a Doula for this birth. We will be having a VBAC, whch so far has met no resistance, but mainly i feel like i want someone who is there just for me, who knows how to help. My DH doesn't have a clue (in the nicest possible way!) My first labour and birth was straight forward and quick, c-section with no2 was only due to breech.
What was the biggest positive for you from having a Doula?
TIA

Unlike DH, my doula knew exactly where she needed to massage and at what pressure. When DH took over it just irritated because I had to guide him as well as concentrate on getting through the contraction. They also have a thousand little tricks to help you through when your busy focusing.

She kept me positive throughout (even when what I was saying out loud was less than positive :lol:) and asked questions the rest of my "team" were too shy/embarrassed/forgetful to ask. It was also good to have someone who was a little detached from us (itms) and not afraid to butt heads with me and remind me of my original plan. I might have disregarded it and been angry in the moment :redface: but I really do appreciate it.

The general support was great too - though I feel slightly responsible for the injury sustained when she fell over :hide:

Love ya PZ!


Sent from my iPhone so forgive the speelung misstacks ;)

I'm days away from hopefully having a VBA2C - and I can tell you, I'd be another c/s without the knowledge on the hospital politics and usual processes if it wasn't for having my doula (and student midwife, who is also a doula too lol). Over the pregnancy they have both taught me that I can respectfully say no to hospital norms - which for a VBAC (and especially a VBA2C) I'll need to do within reason (depends on the hossy team on the day).

I have read and I think i heard in the 'Business of Being Born' DVD that if a doula was a drug it'd be illegal NOT to have one. She has guided me to the best birth plan I could have ever imagined, made me consider options (positive and possibly realistic) that I wouldn't have had the knowledge to even spare a thought for.

As a result, I feel empowered with knowledge and the confidence in my 'support entourage' (you should see the look on the Ob's face when he calls my name and see's me + DH + very well known Doula + student midwife / doula walk towards his appointment room lol!!!).

The best thing for me was the support she gave DH. My DH had little clue but wanted to be there for me. She guided DH so he could support me through labour.

It was also handy having another pair of hands for toilet breaks, coffee runs etc.

Good choice. Having a doula was the best thing I did with my 2nd pregnancy. She was supportive told me so much about my body etc in visit before baby came...sat on the phone with my through contractions, Helped me get into a better birthing position when I was about to push...and then gave me all the gory details after :) Definitely a decision I am happy with and will be using one next time and I hope to be one too :) Good luck xxx

I loved that from day dot we were working towards the same goal, that she was just for me and DH. Our midwives were great, but they had so many other women to care for too. Yes our doula had others also, but it was such a personal journey together. We had lovely long lunches and chats about birth and breastfeeding and babies that I just felt so comfortable with her. And her support of my DH was fantastic, gently guiding him when he needed it but never overstepping the boundaries (Plus he was stoked when she turned up in the birth suite with a hot curry dinner for him ha ha)

She picked the exact times to visit after our birth too, she walked in just when I was near new mother melt down mode and got me back together, then did the same at home later that week too and helped me with breastfeeding. I think next time we are pregnant I'll probably ring her before the Doc ;)

Thanks Ladies
i just have to convince DH that the cost is worth it!!!

I have just had a VBA2C. Wasn't met with much resistance at first either, but at 39 weeks they started talking interventions and I wasn't even at my due date!! It was great to have someone to keep me confident and come to my home who knew when it was time to go to hospital, and reassure DH that all was ok, so I just had to concerntrate on labouring. She also knew what i wanted in labour, so i didn't have to talk to anyone. When i tore and there was blood everywhere, she told dh all was ok. when dh had to walk away for a min, i wasn't left with strangers. she gave me all sorts of tips during the pregnancy about diet, mental prep, positions, what to be prepared for ...

i don't know if i would have succeeded at this vba2c if it wasn't for her -it definately wouldn't have been anywhere as easy. well worth every cent!!