Doulas in Melbourne for VBAC - and info on how it works

[KiahsMum]

Hi all :)

Hubby and I are discussing TTC #2 and I would dearly love to have a VBAC. Have chosen a new OB who specialises in it as my old one is more likely to cut me open due to a belief that I am a C/S walking so want someone who will encourage. Anyway keep hearing that there can be issues with VBAC's in hospitals, particularly private ones and wondering if anyone has a doula attend their VBAC, did they find it helped and can they recommend someone. Also wondering how much it costs and what kind of things doulas do. Sorry if I am asking a lot of questions, was heartbroken at having a C/S first time round and want to give myself the best environment to have a VBAC possible.

Thanks in advance!

[KiahsMum]

no one?

[daisy1984]

Hi there, sorry I don't have any advice for you, but will be watching this thread as I am in pretty much the same situation. (TTC # 2 in the near future). Very disapointed so far with the options available in Melbourne for a VBAC. I too have been told to be wary of the private hospitals, but public hospitals scare me too. I do know that I will not set foot in a hospital without a doula or a private midwife. I'm sure this would be quite expensive, but in my mind it'd be worth every cent. I don't know of any Doulas or Private middies yet....so would love to hear some reccomendations too. Hope you don't mind me gate crashing, someone should come along with some real advice soon. :)

[BrookeinOz]

I had a VBAC with a midwife, three girlfriends and my three children in attendance and it was absolutely WONDERFUL!! Good luck with finding a doula or midwife who will support you - it is SO worth it!

[fai firinne]

Hey, firstly congrats on considering the VBAC option, don't give up, keep researching, it is SO possible and safe. I supported a woman last December who had a VBAC after one caesarian. By the time we got to the hospital, she was nearly 10 cm. It was a wonderful thing to see her joy, and her husband's joy. One of the high-lights of my doula work so far. In contrast with that, my next VBAC client (due in a few weeks) is planning her VBAC at home with a birth pool and private midwife. Her Obstetrician, who is very supportive of VBAC,has gone from concerned about her decision for a homebirth, to being really supportive. Through these two experiences, I have learned more about those obstetricians and midwives in Melbourne who are confident with VBAC. Feel free to pm me if you would like to know more.

Also, below are two slideshows which will inspire!

All the best.

ICAN slideshow VBAMC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yK0K0HAgLDM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yK0K0HAgLDM)

Question CPD (from ICAN)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roFVkDV45MM&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roFVkDV45MM&feature=related)
Please click here for more info on CPD (Cephalopelvic Disproportion)
http://www.ican-online.org/vbac/cepha... (http://www.ican-online.org/vbac/cephalopelvic-disproportion-cpd)
Cephalopelvic Disproportion is rare yet is vastly overdiagnosed. Here are the stories of a few women who were told their babies were too big for their pelvises by one care provider, but fortunately sought a second opinion and subsequently birthed an even BIGGER baby through that same "small" pelvis.
VBAC = vaginal birth after cesarean
HBAC = homebirth after cesarean
HBA3C = homebirth after 3 cesareans
UBA2C = unassisted birth after 2 cesareans