After deciding to hire a doula to help achieve a Vbac I'm afraid I haven't been very impressed with the ones I've had contact with, be in email or phone.

I've gotten a fair bit of "you wont get a Vbac in a private hospital without a doula" and a reasonable amount of "i'm here to help you really understand the process"

I have the full support of my Ob and my DH in achieving a Vbac - no one thinks it wont happen although i know hospitals have their own timelines and rules with what they will "allow" a labouring woman with a previous c/s to go through we feel OK about working within these parameters (OK because we don't know what full blown labour will be like obviosuly and could totally change our (my) mind at that point!)

I know exactly how the process of labour happens and don't need any help understanding it in more latin terms than I already know.

Apart from being an extra person I've paid to hold my hand, what exactly will a doula do? And more importantly, do you know any who aren't negative and live in Melbourne rather than saying they live in Melbourne but what they mean is a 2 hour drive from Melbourne and expect me to go to them?

Sorry, I started out thinking it would be great but two days of research and phone calls and I'm ready to give it all up and save the money for an after-birth spa retreat or something

I did read the other Melbourne Doula thread but didn't find anyone on there nearby or available - I am still waiting to meet Kelly from Belly Belly who sounds OK in her email but also started the email with a negative statistic (something about how many women with or without doulas have succesful Vbacs). I just don't want this pregnancy filled with negatively-based emotions for getting a doula in - there seems to be an attitidue that I CANT do it without one and I find that quite aggressive and feel like taking it on as a dare even if it is true that would be the hormones turning me back in to a 16 year old!

Thanks for your advice and information and I'm sorry if I've offended any Doula's, i have only spoken IRL to 4 so it's not a big number, I'm sure most of you are just lovely

Can't help very much except to say that your choice of care provider (ie, the doctor or midwife that you choose) PLUS your motivation, commitment, belief in self-efficacy and drive to achieve a VBAC will determine your success. Nothing more, nothing less. Perhaps a good friend / sister / your mum could support you - someone who believes more in your abilities, rather than their own. Good luck.

Yes, I agree.
Believe in yourself, find a care provider whom is on the same page as you and surround yourself with support from someone who is not attempting to promote themselves by telling you what is 'not possible'.
VBAC's are an every day occurance in the private and public system.

Thanks so much for your responses ladies - I think I might call it quits on the whole Doula thing and stick with DH (who is all up to date on medical stuff and not scared of anything so I'm sure will be fine - in fact, is he was fine during the c/s he'll probably find a vbac nicer!)

Good luck jen42---I hope you have a wonderful VBAC.

You know what is right / best for you. Talk to your dr, get some good support around you (DP, sister, mum, friend etc) and believe in yourself and you'll be fine!

Hi jen42,
I have just sent you a private message.