https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:32:41 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-doula-at-your-vbac-and-was-it-helpful#post-2609508 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 21:13:22 +0000 QueensBee 2609508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a doula for my first LO, who ended up being breech and was born via c-section.</p> <p>I skipped the doula for my second and was able to have a successful vbac. I had extremely supportive doctors who were pushing for the vbac even more than I was! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-doula-at-your-vbac-and-was-it-helpful#post-2609484 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 20:36:02 +0000 californiadreams 2609484@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i did not have one but almost did. I thought about it a lot and my situation was the same as you - failed induction, unplanned c section with #1. Desire for VBAC for #2. But i decided against the doula because i had already decided for #2 to go with midwives instead of an OB. I figured the midwives would be that extra level of support that I didn't have with #1. At no extra cost.</p> <p>However, i was also high risk and had to also be managed by an OB, so they did a shared care model. In the end, because my blood pressure was high, it was decided that my OB would be my primary delivery person...and because of that my midwives were practically non-existent during labour, which i found to be quite disappointing and in that moment, i remember thinking i wish i had gotten a doula after all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-doula-at-your-vbac-and-was-it-helpful#post-2609374 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:44:42 +0000 NorCalWayfarer 2609374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone! This is really helpful to hear your experiences!</p> <p>Luckily my hospital offers free doulas, so I'm thinking I'll utilize their assistance without having the pressure of retaining someone beforehand. @justjules: you could look into whether your hospital offers this service or any sliding scale fees of local doulas (or ones just starting out). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-doula-at-your-vbac-and-was-it-helpful#post-2608849 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 07:48:10 +0000 justjules 2608849@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is helpful info. I really want a vbac but doulas are so expensive! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-doula-at-your-vbac-and-was-it-helpful#post-2608703 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 20:24:52 +0000 MrsBooks 2608703@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a doula for my VBAC. I feel as though the emotional support while pregnant made the cost worth it. Nobody close to me really understood why I didn't choose a repeat csection and I needed someone who understood facts about VBAC and could be a sounding board, especially in the last few weeks of pregnancy.</p> <p>I also think she gave me the confidence to plan a VBAC and a pain med free birth.</p> <p>Overall it was the right choose for my family. My husband also says he would do it again! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-doula-at-your-vbac-and-was-it-helpful#post-2608613 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 17:01:54 +0000 pastemoo 2608613@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NorCalWayfarer: Yes, and very much so, yes.<br /> And honestly I think the visits leading up to birth were more helpful even than her presence at the birth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-doula-at-your-vbac-and-was-it-helpful#post-2608612 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 16:59:51 +0000 creativemomma15 2608612@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did not have a doula and had 2 successful VBACs. My midwife and doctors were very supportive. I'll try to come back and post more after bedtime:) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-doula-at-your-vbac-and-was-it-helpful#post-2608605 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 16:35:58 +0000 wheres_c 2608605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't attempted my VBAC yet but I already retained a doula. I think she will add to the likelihood of success of a VBAC and validate that a c section was for the "right" reasons if we end up having to take that path. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-doula-at-your-vbac-and-was-it-helpful#post-2608572 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 15:36:00 +0000 lilyann 2608572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a successful VBAC at a hospital in June 2014. I was in labor for about 4 days and my doula was extremely helpful. She helped keep me present and constantly encouraged me. I highly recommend one if you can find one you mesh with! I found her by using our local ICAN private Facebook group. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-doula-at-your-vbac-and-was-it-helpful#post-2608569 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 15:29:42 +0000 Rescuemom10 2608569@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Going to follow this. I'm in the SAME BOAT. I have an estimated 61% success rate for my VBAC in December and am currently looking into a doula. I think I am going to just go for it. I want any advantage I may possibly;y have to be successful with my VBAC. I ended up going to C-secion for medical reasons, and it was very much needed. But we had complications, and I am totally fearful of a repeat of that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-doula-at-your-vbac-and-was-it-helpful#post-2608557 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 15:12:12 +0000 NorCalWayfarer 2608557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bump. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-doula-at-your-vbac-and-was-it-helpful#post-2601999 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 16:58:08 +0000 NorCalWayfarer 2601999@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did not have a doula present for my first birth, which was a failed induction (no contractions) ending up with an unscheduled c-section. I'm due with baby #2 and delivering at a hospital with a very high VBAC success rate so I'm hoping that I will have a successful VBAC. </p> <p>Just looking for input about doulas and VBACs. Did you not have a doula with baby #1 but with baby #2? Do you think it made a difference? Any and all comments/stories/suggestions welcome :-) </p>