Trainee Doula- increase your chances of a natural birth!

[kadownie]

Hi- my name is Kylie and I am training through Optimum Birth to become a doula. I am looking for expecting mums in Brisbane who desire support, encouragement and information during their pregnancy, birth and post natal journeys.

The service that I offer would be at least 2 antenatal visits, support during your birth and once out of hospital, 2 postnatal visits. I am also happy to attend homebirths. I will provide you with information in regards to pregnancy, birth options, breastfeeding, etc. Also I have a small library of books available for loan

As I am training there would be no cost involved. Other than the support of Optimum Birth I have a midwife mentor. Please feel free to either PM me or email me at kylie_anne_downie@hotmail.com

[moonblossom]

Gezzz I wish you were in S.A. lol. but if you do know any trainee doula's here, please let me know.

[kadownie]

I'll ask around and see if I can find any for you!!

[Jules16]

Wow!! If only you were in Melbourne. Do you know of any trainees here? It sounds like a rewarding career. Good luck with it all.

[Briannabear]

I would love to have a Doula for my birth - not sure how hubby would feel though. Im trying for a VBAC so any extra support would be good as far as Im concerned! Do you know much about VBAC's?

[kadownie]

Julie- I will ask around and see if I can come up with someone for you

Becca- I know a little bit about VBAC as I had a ceaser and so want to have a VBAC next time. Although I can't give a medical advice, I can give you information. I can get together a little package for you or give you some websites to look at. What were the details of your last birth? The chances of VBAC are very high!!

[Briannabear]

What were the details of your last birth? The chances of VBAC are very high!!
To cut a long story short I had an emergency caesar due to bub being breech. (she had been the whole 28 hours of labour but they didnt pick it!). I had lots of crappy complications as well so hence why Im trying for VBAC this time! :yelclap:
I managed to get to 9cm dilated though so apparently this labour will be like a proper 2nd labour rather than another slow first one!

[Jules16]

Can I ask what a VBAC is?

[Briannabear]

VBAC - Vaginal Birth after Caesarean
(and dont worry... I never used to know either........ until I wanted one! :laughing: )

[Jules16]

Thanks for that. So much to learn isn't there.

[kadownie]

Becca- here are some online VBAC information sites for you to browse through at your leisure


Websites on the Safety of VBAC:

"http://www.childbirth.org/section/resVBAC.html"
"http://www.childbirth.org/section/resVBAC.html"
"http://www.storknet.com/cubbies/vbac/4studies.htm - Summary of the 4 largest VBAC/Cesarean Studies"
"http://www.vbac.com/uterine.html - Info on uterine rupture"



I have more links if you are wanting some more!

[grecksta]

hey im in ipswich
looking around for a doula or traing doula for there help anyone in this area:fingerscrossed:

[kadownie]

Greckstar- I have sent you a PM- Ipswich isn't too far for me

[grecksta]

Hey kadownie-
thanks for the pm i have sent you a pm or email not sure which please get back to me i hope it went through ok let me know if it worcked

Cheers Grecksta

[DoulaFelicity]

Just popping in to post a list of VBAC resources for Becca. :) If you visit no other VBAC site, make sure you visit Birthrites (and join their mailing list). It's invaluable.

http://www.birthrites.org
Birthrites: Healing After Caesarean aims to provide support and information for women who have had or who will have a caesarean birth(s), and to increase the awareness of these women's specific needs among maternity healthcare providers.
A brilliant Australian site with a great newsletter.
Make sure you subscribe!

http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/hbac.html

www.egroups.com/community/HBAC
Online support for home birth after caesarean birth

Hospitals & Midwives
http://www.socalbirth.org/resource/question.htm - Questions to Ask Possible Birth Attendant

Websites on the Safety of VBAC:

http://www.parentsplace.com/expert/...40547-1,00.html - A closer look at the 2002 JAMA study
http://www.ahcpr.gov/clinic/epcsums/vbacsum.htm
http://www.childbirth.org/section/resVBAC.html
http://www.storknet.com/cubbies/vbac/4studies.htm - Summary of the 4 largest VBAC/Cesarean Studies
http://www.vbac.com/uterine.html - Info on uterine rupture

Finding Your Own Studies:

www.pubmed.com
www.medscape.com

After the Cesarean:

http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/...tercesarean.htm - Nursing after a cesarean
http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/...th%20Experience - Emotional Recovery from a Cesarean
http://birthrites.edsite.com.au/ - Birthrites - Healing After A Cesarean
http://www.ican-online.org/about/chapters.php - ICAN chapters around the USA

General Info. About Cesareans and VBACs:

www.VBAC.com
http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/icanvbac.html - Midwives Archives (ICAN/VBAC/CSEC)
www.ican-online.org - Int'l Cesarean Awareness Network
www.midwiferytoday.com
www.birthlove.com/free/safe.html - Birthlove - VBAC is Safe!
www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/
http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/..._after_2_cs.htm - VBAC after 2 or more cesareans

Planning Your VBAC:

http://www.motherstuff.com/html/midwife-cesarean.html - cesarean info in the interest of prevention
http://www.naturalchildbirth.org/na.../exercise01.htm - uterine exercise for a thin uterus
http://members.aol.com/MthrluvOK/labortim.html - Pain in Labor Doesnt Have to be Intolerable
http://www.midwifeinfo.com/topic-epidurals.php - Risks of Epidurals
www.unhinderedliving.com/childbirth.html - Online Childbirth Class
http://www.vbac.com/benefits/whyconsider.html - Why Consider A VBAC?
www.childbirth.org/section/VBAC.html - VBAC checklist
http://www.ican-online.org/resource...c_checklist.htm - another checklist from ICAN
http://www.ican-online.org/resource...c_checklist.htm - Things You Can Do to Avoid an Unnecessary Cesarean
http://www.ican-online.org/resource...s/wp_pharma.htm - VBAC and Induction: Help or Hindrance?
http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/...svbacindex.html - Cesarean and VBAC FAQ
http://www.naturalchildbirth.org/na.../prebirth09.htm - Preventing A Herpes Flareup
http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/herpes.html - more about herpes and birth
http://www.naturalchildbirth.org/na...bor/labor03.htm - Perineal Tear Prevention
http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives...Protection.html - Avoiding Tears
http://midwifeinfo.com/topic-episiotomy.php - Get through Childbirth In One Piece!
http://www.ican-online.org/resource.../wp_pushing.htm - Pushing positions
http://www.homebirth.org.uk/ofp.htm - Optimal Fetal Positioning
www.spinningbabies.com - Correcting your babies position
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HBAC/ - email support list for homebirth after cesarean

Random Articles:

http://www.mothering.com/11-0-0/htm...rtality89.shtml - Infant Mortality, VBAC and Cesarean Rates
http://www.mothering.com/11-0-0/htm...-4-vbac89.shtml - VBAC: Primer For Success
http://www.maternitywise.org/listeningtomothers/ - Listening to Mothers Survey
http://www.aimsusa.org/CareInNormalBirth.htm - Care In Normal Birth
http://www.midwiferytoday.com/artic...mer.asp?q=herb* - A VBAC Primer: Technical Issues For Midwives
http://www.radmid.demon.co.uk/csgood.htm - Planning A Good Cesarean
http://www.aafp.org/afp/990501ap/2487.html - Interpretation of the Electronic Fetal Heart Rate During Labor
http://www.midwiferytoday.com/artic...information.asp - Assault on Normal Birth-the OB Disinformation Campaign
http://www.ican-online.org/resource...electivecs2.htm - Elective Cesarean is Riskier than VBAC for Moms and Babies

http://www.hencigoer.com/articles/vbac/
Research based article from Henci Goer that is a rebutal to OBs and hospitals that would deny women VBACs.

UBAC
A learning place for women having an unassisted birth after caesarean. All levels of strength and courage are welcomed and encouraged. Discussion will be open with a focus on taking steps towards autonomy and self-reliance after experiencing obstetrics greatest intervention: caesarean delivery.
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/UBAC

Best wishes for your beautiful birth (remember, VBAC is "just" a birth :D ).

And good luck with the studies, kadownie! :thumbsup:

[Briannabear]

Thanks guys, will read up!
I feel great about the birth experience, but Ive got to admit the risks involved do scare me a bit.:o

[DoulaFelicity]

Once you've read up, Becca, you'll see that the actual "risks" are statistically miniscule in comparison to the benefits and actual overall safety of VBAC. :)

[jessi]

my partners mother is a doula, and i think im pretty much expected to have her attend the birth with us. however, i am not comfortable with her being there... do you think it would be wrong of me to look for someone else??

[DoulaFelicity]

It absolutely wouldn't be wrong of you to look for someone you feel comfortable with to support you during your labour and birth. Often having someone you already "know" (such as your partner's Mother), or someone connected personally to you in some way, can be a double-edged sword; it has wonderful positives, but it can also put added pressure and stress on you, and the person can be a little too emotionally involved to be an effective support (not always, just sometimes). This is your birth and since the support people we select have the capacity to impact so deeply on our experience, we need to be 100% comfortable and confident in the people we select. And if anyone around you fails to be understanding of this...well, that just proves they weren't the right support people for you in the first place! :)

[kadownie]

I agree with you Felicity- my mother is a midwife-- she was a wonderful support for me during pregnancy and birth- but there were times when I wish that she would have just let me make my decisions without giving her personal opinion- because she was so close to me, it was easier for her to upset me. I would have her again in an instant as my support person, but our relationship is such that I can tell her when she's being inappropriate- but I know that's not always easy for others with MIL etc. You need people in your birth that you feel comfy and relaxed with- helps tremendously!

[jessi]

well i told my partner i dont want her there, and that id be much more comfortable with someone else.... say a friend or another doula there.


He said he was fine with me not wanting her there (after some time) but said if she cant be there, then no-one else can. SO... what can I do?

Looks like its just me and him... Mum said the midwives etc will help out and be a great support and not interfere etc... Id still like to have a doula at the ready though,in case I need one...

Are there any trainee Doulas on the Gold Coast, or close to??

[kadownie]

My hubby was like that as well- though as the birth approached he decided that he couldn't do it alone- and decided that my mother could attend- he now is really grateful that she was there. Every man is different. My DH didn't want Mum there because he felt that she would take away from his experience.

Try asking your partner what his issues are with having someone else there? Obvioulsy he's not going to have a problem with the midwives and doctors- so maybe a doula would be more appropriate for you-

having the right suppport during birth makes such a big difference to, not only your birth, but how you feel about your birth.

Even if you don't have a doula attend with you at birth- you could use a doula to help you be informed of the choices that you have throughout pregnancy and labour etc.

I tried with my DH not to push the point too much- I didn't want to fight him because he's very strong willed- I am so grateful that he came around.

I'll cross my fingers for you!

[jessi]

My DH didn't want Mum there because he felt that she would take away from his experience.

Try asking your partner what his issues are with having someone else there? Obvioulsy he's not going to have a problem with the midwives and doctors- so maybe a doula would be more appropriate for you-

having the right suppport during birth makes such a big difference to, not only your birth, but how you feel about your birth.



He says that having someone else there- that would take away from our experience. And that if we are going to get a Doula, it may as well be his mother- as she wont interfere and she will let it be 'our thing'...
I might just have to organise someone else, and just tell him I have a doula. He'll just have to get used to the idea I guess. (strong willed man also... geez, where do they come from!!)

Thank you for the email also- I will get back to you! :)

[DoulaFelicity]

Hi Jessi :) ,

Maybe if your partner did some research and reading on the actual role of a Doula (ie: they are there to support your partner as well as to support you, and would never try to "take over" from him or to negate his role in the birth), and the benefits to both of you in having a Doula present, he may feel differently? Often the Dads who are initially most resistant to the concept of a Doula become the biggest supporters of Doulas once they are better informed and have actually met with a Doula. ;)

Also (and there's no way to say this other than matter of factly), whilst your partner is obviously an important part of both you and your baby's life, he is not the one experiencing labour or pushing the baby out of his vagina. When he is pregnant, and does give birth, I'm sure you'll support his wishes to the best of your abilities. ;) Until then, this is your body, your physical, spiritual, emotional and mental wellbeing (as well as your baby's), and you have to make the decisions that you feel 100% comfortable with, and that are best for the safety and wellbeing of you and your child. Your partner's role is to educate himself and support you in your decisions (unless of course you decide you'd like to give birth whilst tightrope walking over piranha infested waters, for instance :laughing: ).

Since the support of a Doula provides well documented benefits for the safety of you and your child, to attempt to stop you from hiring one seems to be plain silly. Here's some statistics on the benefits of having a trained Doula that you might like to pass on to him:-

50% reduction in the cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in oxytocin use
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery

You might also suggest meeting with a Doula (or Doulas, until you find one you "click" with), and having her speak with yourself and your partner at length; sometimes that alone is enough to allay any doubts or fears in the Father's mind.

Some reading:-

"The Doula Book - How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Labour" - by Marshall Klaus, John H Kennell, and Phyllis H Klaus

"The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" - by Henci Goer

"The Doula Advantage - Your Complete Guide to Having an Empowered and Positive Birth With the Help of a Professional Childbirth Assistant" - by Rachel Gurevich

"Birthing From Within" - by Pam England and Rob Horowitz

"Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" - by Ina May Gaskin

At the end of the day, Jessi, you're a birthing woman, and your intuition will tell you exactly what you need. Listen to that little voice inside that is trying to guide you. Always follow it's advice. And above all - don't doubt yourself, your wishes, your abilities, or your feelings.

[kadownie]

Beautifully put Felicity!

[kadownie]

Jessi- I found this article called "Dads and Doulas" on the birthcentral website

http://www.birthcentral.com.au/library/articles/dads&doulas.pdf

Your partner might like to have a read