I hired a doula for my first baby. She was helpful, especially since I was nervous and didn't know what to expect. She helped comfort me and gave me lots of encouragement. I tried to have a natural vaginal birth but unfortunately ended up with a C-section. She never made me feel bad about not succeeding with my childbirth goal, and was there to support me through it all.

For my second child, I want to try for a VBAC. I'm not sure if I should hire a doula again, simply because it's not cheap and I'm not sure how much I'll need her. I feel like I remember my labor well, and my husband is more familiar with the process, so he'll be more helpful this time around. However, having a doula could be nice, since it would be an extra person advocating for me and encouraging me.

For those of you who hired a doula for the first baby, did you hire one the second time? If so, did you think it was helpful?