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!!!).