Should I do it?

[Arimeh]

I always said that once I had achieved my VBA2C that I would study and become a doula. There is one in my area down here in Tassie (yes, one!) and I'm not sure what the "need" is like down here for more than that.

However, I've only had one vaginal birth, would I have enough experience to actually be able to help people? Both my midwives said after I had Eden (and I told them of my plans) told me that I would be good at it, and that I should do it, and I would be working alongside them for some of it (which would be awesome, they are great people).

So I don't know if I should or not!!! I'm totally unsure about what to do, because I don't like the "career" that I left in Queensland (law) and don't really want to do law down here because it bores the crap outta me (seriously!! Law is GREAT to study, but working in it is totally boring). DH is supportive of anything I want, but I don't really want to study and it not go anywhere IYKWIM?

So would you have a doula that had only experienced a natural birth once in their life? Or would you only ever go with someone that had say, a couple of children?

Just after opinions from my lovely BB girls

[briggsy's girl]

i don't think being a doula has ANYTHING to do with how you've birthed - it's about having the passion to support women in birth. as long as you have the passion to be there to support them, the strength to back them up - then how you have birthed your own children is irrelevant

i wouldn't hesitate to hire a doula based on how she had birthed her kidlets - it would be about how we clicked and how she would support me

go for it babe!

[Jellyfish]

Yes, you should!

[fionas]

I agree with BG - I'd be more likely to go with a doula who'd had long difficult labours possibly ending with interventions rather than drama-free vaginal births. I would prefer someone who knew that labour can be tough and doesn't necessarily go according to plan no matter how good your plan is IYKWIM. It's more about the emotional support that they can give.

[feeb]

Hun I have been a midwife now for 6 years and as you know DS is only 17 months old, so I went through a similar thing in shall I study mid when I have no kids of my own!!!

Go on do if you are a great candiate as you have had cs and a VBAC.

Nothing says that all doulas must have natural drug free births, you are there as a support for woman and an advoacte. So go for it!!! You will be ace

[ubba82]

BG- You have a way with words!

Deffinately go for it. Vaginal or c-sec, you still had 3 babies. It is all about the support you give and how you are with the individual. Good luck with your plans, when would you look at starting the training?

[Arimeh]

Ubba - umm I dunno - bit run off my feet at the moment.. lol... possibly when I could get DS into a day care down here (they're a bit booked up and the one that I could get him into says that he has to be toilet trained, which he's not - so whenever that happens!!)

Thanks guys For some reason I thought people would want people with lots of experience.. lol

[MantaRay]

Hun, I think you would be great at it. You have experienced three different births, and that experience would be a huge help to so many expectant mums. Someone who truly understands not only the power of a vaginal birth, but the disappointment of a birth that didn't go to plan, is a perfect person to assist others. Whatever happened during the birth, you would be understanding and empathetic.

As well as that, you are such a wonderful and caring person. Go for it hun.

[ubba82]

lol I actually typed "arent the kids keeping you busy enough" but deleted it incase you got offended......

[Arimeh]

lol I actually typed "arent the kids keeping you busy enough" but deleted it incase you got offended......

hahaha!! You're pretty safe, I don't get offended about much But YES, they are keeping me busy, the monsters!

MR - thanks - you made me cry!!!! That was such a sweet post

[MantaRay]

hun.

[Fleur]

I agree with BG - I'd be more likely to go with a doula who'd had long difficult labours possibly ending with interventions rather than drama-free vaginal births. I would prefer someone who knew that labour can be tough and doesn't necessarily go according to plan no matter how good your plan is IYKWIM. It's more about the emotional support that they can give.

:yeahthat:
Awesome!! Go for it. Imagine how FANTASTIC you would be for women wanting a VBAC....
besides, I am sure there are midwives in the hospital system who have never had kids. As everyone else has said, I think there's more to it than that.
I'd have you as my doula

[entreat]

what a great idea!! And I think you'd be brilliant at it!

[Laranna]

Mel, I think you would be perfect for the job - for all the reasons everyone else has stated. Wanna come over to Perth now and be my doula??

[Rouge]

If you want do it go for it! My only advice would be that make sure you have a good support system for when you'll be away at births ie. people to care for the kids etc otherwise you'll be all sorted!

[Indadhanu]

I agree with BG - I'd be more likely to go with a doula who'd had long difficult labours possibly ending with interventions rather than drama-free vaginal births. I would prefer someone who knew that labour can be tough and doesn't necessarily go according to plan no matter how good your plan is IYKWIM. It's more about the emotional support that they can give.

Yeah that! Knowing that you had gone through what I went through, knowing that disappointment and doubt in yourself after a c/s. It's inspirational what you've gone through, and I think you'd make an AMAZING doula and be an asset to everyone you supported. Too bad you're in friggen Tasmania

[kelebek]

every birth is different and you gain your experience from your own births and being at births which is why you are a trainee initially.
I think it is your ability to empathise, support and be an advocate that you would be a great doula. I also think that as there is only 1 in tassie means that there would be heaps of demand.