What Doulas Actually Do...

[SassyMummy]

In about 2 years from now, I'm planning on TTC (So DD will be roughly 4 when I give birth my 2nd child). While 2 years is quite a while away, I want to get informed NOW so I can make the appropriate decisions which may affect my future situation.

One thing that I am thinking of having next pregnancy, is a Doula.

I want a VBAC, as I did not feel at all empowered by my c-section last time round, and I would REALLY be thrilled to give birth vaginally. I think it would just ease my mind if nothing else.

I know that, even in 2 years, I will be too poor to afford to go private...and I don't really want to. Public was fine for me last time, and I'd be happy to go private again.

However, I do feel that, considering I want something as contraversial as a VBAC, I will need added support. This is why I am considering a doula.

My question is...what do Doula's actually do?

The reason I'd like to hire a doula is for support, more than anything. Someone to back me up and support me and to speak on my behalf during the birthing process. I'm a bit of a "weak" person, and feel intimidated really easily...as does DP. I don't think either of us would be good at standing up to a doctor who is saying, "Well...maybe we should have a c-section." (Though I may just be underestimating myself, I'd prefer not to risk it).

Would a doula provide me with such support? I just really want someone there to stick up for me, and say things like, "No, sorry, she doesn't WANT a c-section unless there is an immediate danger!"

Would a doula be worth looking into?

[nemosmum]

Well Im not a doula and have never used one so cant answer your Q.s sorry

But I just wanted to say I will be having a doula next time around as I have heard such wonderful things about them! They do an awesome job:smiliedance:

Also if things are tight $ a good option is to get a Doula in training as they are usually FREE but will offer the same continuity of care iykwim

I will be watching this thread closely as I would like to be informed also before I have my next bub:D

[annsam]

Hi SassyMummy,

I can answer this for you.

Doulas vary from doula to doula but in essence "A doula will do ANYTHING YOU REQUIRE HER TO DO."

I have PMed you some info from a VBAC I supported last week as an example of what a doula will do for you. It was a little long winded and a bit personal to my client to write it on a public forum but she has not issues with anyone knowing what she experienced, it just didn't feel right to me to post it iykwim.

Basic situation she entered the hospital in very early labour, the midwife wanted to drug her up so she would 'conserve her energy' for later in labour - my client refused. The midwife was convinced she would have a repeat c/s and she was heading that way but with a few minor adjustments to the environment and refocusing her, she laboured well and achieved her VBAC drug free.

Having a doula for a VBAC is an excellent idea because of the extra emphasis on monitoring and such which can work against you. Best of luck when the time comes.

[lukaelmo]

The reason I'd like to hire a doula is for support, more than anything. Someone to back me up and support me and to speak on my behalf during the birthing process. I'm a bit of a "weak" person, and feel intimidated really easily...as does DP. I don't think either of us would be good at standing up to a doctor who is saying, "Well...maybe we should have a c-section." (Though I may just be underestimating myself, I'd prefer not to risk it).


Stacey I would like to have a doula next time for exactly the same reasons as you. I would love to try a VBAC, but know I would be too intimidated to insist while I was actually labouring. To have someone there to speak for me, knowing what I wanted would be great. Even if I did end up with another c/s, at least I would know I had tried my best.

[anita_fairy]

I am training to become a Doula and I have had a VBAC. A doula is there for you - the mother - to support her emotionally, physically and informationally. Doula services vary but you will most probably sit down with her while you are still preggers and write out a birth plan that the doula will closely stick to. If you dont want a c/s then you dont have to. I have persoanlly had a VBAC with my second. My first was born by emergency c/s as I developed pre-eclampsia at 36 weeks and I had to have my baby asap and my body wasnt ready to give birth naturally. When you have a VBAC the midwives like to keep a closer eye on you as the c/s scar can open due to the contractions. They did keep me on the bed which I wasnt too happy about but didnt have the energy at the time of labouring to say something - something a Doula might do for you. Other than that I laboured just fine. I did most of my labour at home and arrived at the hospital 8 cm dilated. They broke my waters which I consented to but now would not do again if I had the chance to do it again. I did have the gas but not that much of it. I got to lean over the back of the bed but when I had to push her out they made me lay on my back which I didnt want to - another thing the Doula could do for you. I would definitely have a Doula if I ever had any more kids. Good luck!!!

[Tracie]

Hi SassyMummy,

Good on you for starting your preparations now.....a VBAC is a wonderful goal to have and it's great that you have got time to research and find the best hospitals and careproviders to help you achieve your VBAC.

A doula could certainly be of help to you in that department - they can be very handy to have around especially in circumstances where the careproviders are a bit pushy or intimidating - a Doula can do wonders for opening up the channels of communication and ensuring that the labouring Mum and her Partner get every opportunity to make informed decisions about what happens during their labour.

(It's important to know that Doulas will never make a decision for you - they can advocate for you but decisions are always the mum's and partners to make)

As far as cost is concerned, I think it varies a bit and probably depends on how much pre-natal stuff you do together. A trainee doula is certainly an option or if you prefer to have someone more experienced, you could always discuss your financial situation and see if you can come to some sort of arrangement.

Just on the technicalities of what a Doula does (it is different for every woman and every birth)....here is a definition and a list of things she might do for you....

"Doula is a greek word referring to an experienced woman who helps other women. The word has now come to mean a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth." (From Mothering the Mother)

A Doula……..


provides support to you during your pregnancy, labor and in the postpartum period, in whatever choices you make.
provides information to enable you to make informed choices.
remains up to date on current research into birth related issues.
believes that birth is a normal physiological process and an important journey in a mother and father’s life.
maintains complete confidentiality of all details relating to your pregnancy and birth.
strives to support you during labor to ensure a positive birth experience and to help you to achieve the type of birth you would like.
does not perform any medical/clinical tasks such as blood pressure or fetal heart rate monitoring.
draws on their knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort, and communicate with the medical staff to make sure you have the information you need to make informed decisions during labor.
provides reassurance and perspective to you, makes suggestions to help labor progress, and helps with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other techniques for comfort.
is generally on call for you 24 hours a day beginning two (2) weeks before your estimated due date (EDD) up until labor begins. This means that they carry a mobile/pager at all times, and will not leave town without advising you unless it is an emergency or an event not known about at the time you enlist their services.
helps to lift the sole responsibility of the labor off the shoulders of your partner, allowing him to enjoy the whole birth process. They can help your partner to feel calm and informed, giving him ideas to continue support from beginning to end. At no time will they "take over" or deliberately exclude your partner. A doula is there to provide support to both of you at all times. Sometimes a partner likes to stay by the mother’s side during the whole of labor, while others prefer to take a break. This is your birth experience and it is important that you feel free to decide on what you want at the time.
provides birth plan information and consultation.
answers questions and makes suggestions over the phone any time before labor begins.
provides early labor support as requested, including in your home.
remains with you once active labor has begun until one to two hours after your baby is born. May take short breaks for meals and rest if time allows – this will be discussed with you at the time and your doula will not leave you if it is inappropriate.
utilises non-medical support techniques for labor and birth.
strives to maintain a calm and peaceful birth environment.
assists in providing information and supplying emotional support by telephone on postpartum care, breastfeeding, and newborn care after the birth, as requested. If they cannot help, they will be able to find the appropriate person who can. They will help to initiate the breastfeeding process, if that is what you choose to do and can put you in touch with breastfeeding consultants if you wish.


Hope that helps! Wishing you all the best with TTC and your VBAC!

[SassyMummy]

Thanks for all the information! :thumbsup:

I am pretty set on having a Doula...I just wanted to make sure that they'd provide the service that I wanted from them...I really couldn't care less about massage during labour or anything at the moment...I have never EXPERIENCED labour so perhaps that's why it doesn't concern me. (I was evening wondering if I could hire a LAWYER instead of a doula...lol...so THEY can tell the doctors to get lost! :laughing: )

I would like an ACTIVE labour though, so hopefully having a doula will enable me to have more of a chance at doing that.

I knew that a hospital could not FORCE me into doing anything, but I know that they will try to PRESSURE me...and I just don't want to cave in because I feel that I HAVE to do what they say.

I'll probably seek some advice on where to find a doula when the time comes though.

[KellyZ]

SassyMummy - there are a few places on the internet that offer directories of Doulas even in Australia.

Be sure to interview a few Doulas (or Birth Attendants as some call themselves!) and you will be sure to find someone you click with and someone who shares the same philosophies as yourself. I have a Doula interview sheet if you would like to know what to ask a Doula, don't be afraid to ask her lots of questions ;) I'm sure you will be fine though, there are many wonderful, loving and nurturing Doulas out there :)

[yummy*mummy]

hi kellyz
could u pls send me a copy 2 of those q's to ask doula's ? thanks. im due next feb, still early preggas but as i too had a em c-section im determined to have a vbac this time as in my last labour i just did wat the dr's and midwives said and i know that if i was more informed, i could have laboured and delivered naturally.
thank you
amanda :)

[nicoleE]

Is there a chance I can get a copy of the Doula Interview Sheet also? :fingerscrossed:

I know when my time comes I want to have a Doula as a support person as I am pretty sure DH is going to be pretty useless! :laughing: I figure a Doula will take some pressure off of him also so he can relax a bit and also be guided by the Doula on what he shoudl be doing (for me!!)

Cheers! :wave:

[annsam]

Questions to ask prospective doulas are on nearly any doula site you will come across, particularly US ones. Just do a google search.
Most sites questions vary a bit so its a case of sifting through them and finding what is important to your situation and most importantly finding someone you feel comfortable with.

Good luck!

[yummy*mummy]

hi all
im looking for a doula in the Bundaberg region, also any doula's in training. you can email me or reply on this thread. ive only found 1 in this area but im sure they'd be a few more..??
thanks ;)