Doula for induction or c-section?

Hello ladies - would love some advice on this please.

I am 17 weeks pregnant in Melbourne (delivering at St Vincent private) and am on daily Clexane (blood thinner) injections plus low dose aspirin b/c I have 2 blood clotting disorders. (I have a history of recurrent loss.)

My OB (Sam Hargreaves) said my delivery will have to be carefully timed to allow the blood thinners to wear off, but I cannot be off them too long or I'll clot. So, I will need to be induced or have a c-section. Not my ideal scenario but I just want a healthy bub and a healthy me!

I've always wanted to use a doula when I had a baby, but now I am wondering if there will be any benefit given my medical situation. My OB is open to doulas but said she wasn't sure if there would be much point for me.

Would love some feedback and possibly some doula recommendations. Sam said there is someone her midwife just loves and I can get that name from her (the midwife) if I want it - but I wanted to check here also.

Also does anyone know what St Vincent's policy is on doulas in general and for a c-section if that is what ends up happening?

Thank you!

Hi Jules,

I have just this week done "my doula thing" with a mum who was induced early because of gestational diabetes. The birth was one of the most beautiful I have ever been involved with. She had 2 lots of gel inserted, one in the afternoon and one in the evening and by 1am she was on her way as her water broke. Baby was born at 8am!! First baby. No drugs, a well written birth plan hat was adhered to by the OB and midwives to the letter!! It was peaceful, beautiful and she was able to let her body with the encouragment of us all to do the job it was intended to do.
My point is that no matter who you choose to be with you at the time of the birth of your child there is no reason to expect that your birth will be any less than wonderful even if you are induced if you have the right support behind you.

Good luck with your wonderful journey and if I can be of any help to you please let me know.

Clare :D
clare@inspiredbirth.com.au

i dont see y u couldnt have one. tho if uhave a c/sec i dont think they would let the doula in the operating room? someone correct me if im wrong..

Half my clients are inductions. They need me no less than a woman having a spontaneous labour, in fact, they need me more because the labour is more intense.

With a c/s, you can only have one support person usually so if you are taking DH a doula may not be of much use to you on the day. As a doula I have been into c/s' but as primary support. Most doulas, if you employe them, will have some conditions with regards to lower fees if you have an elective c/s and advise them in plenty of time. They usually would then only charge for the time they have spent preparing you for a vaginal birth if that makes any sense.

Hey Jules
I had a doula for my attempted induction and ultimate emergency caesar 18 months ago at a Melbourne Private hospital.
She enhanced the experience enormously for us and advocated strongly for us along the way. She was very supportive having worked tirelessly with us in the lead up to the birth. I have such great memories of the birth even though it was nothing liked I had hoped due to all of her hard work.
I had to advocate VERY strongly for her presence in delivery in the event of caesar but got her there in the end (admittedly I have previously had a couple of very hairy hospital emergency experiences which resulted in some ptsd which probably was a persuasive thing for the hospital allowing her to come in).
Happy to give you details about her and the whole thing if you want to PM me.
I hear Sam Hargreaves is excellent and very open to these things too.
Cheerio and good luck
Belinda.

Will you be b/f or does the medication prevent you fromthat? if you need to consider a c/s you might consider a private midwife if the hospital will allow her to be with you in recovery so you can feed earlier?

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Will you be b/f or does the medication prevent you fromthat? if you need to consider a c/s you might consider a private midwife if the hospital will allow her to be with you in recovery so you can feed earlier?

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Fortunately I can b/f with this medication. What difference would a private midwife make? Do you mean instead of a doula?

Thanks!

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Hi Jules,

I have just this week done "my doula thing" with a mum who was induced early because of gestational diabetes. The birth was one of the most beautiful I have ever been involved with. She had 2 lots of gel inserted, one in the afternoon and one in the evening and by 1am she was on her way as her water broke. Baby was born at 8am!! First baby. No drugs, a well written birth plan hat was adhered to by the OB and midwives to the letter!! It was peaceful, beautiful and she was able to let her body with the encouragment of us all to do the job it was intended to do.
My point is that no matter who you choose to be with you at the time of the birth of your child there is no reason to expect that your birth will be any less than wonderful even if you are induced if you have the right support behind you.

Good luck with your wonderful journey and if I can be of any help to you please let me know.

Clare :D
clare@inspiredbirth.com.au

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Thanks for that, Clare! How wonderful!!! I will let you know if I need anything.

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Hey Jules
I had a doula for my attempted induction and ultimate emergency caesar 18 months ago at a Melbourne Private hospital.
She enhanced the experience enormously for us and advocated strongly for us along the way. She was very supportive having worked tirelessly with us in the lead up to the birth. I have such great memories of the birth even though it was nothing liked I had hoped due to all of her hard work.
I had to advocate VERY strongly for her presence in delivery in the event of caesar but got her there in the end (admittedly I have previously had a couple of very hairy hospital emergency experiences which resulted in some ptsd which probably was a persuasive thing for the hospital allowing her to come in).
Happy to give you details about her and the whole thing if you want to PM me.
I hear Sam Hargreaves is excellent and very open to these things too.
Cheerio and good luck
Belinda.

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Belinda - I just sent you a PM!

- Jules