%20(1).png)
A Low-Risk Pregnancy, Did I need a doula?
If you are coming at this thinking why do I need a doula, I know where you are coming from, this blog is the story of my first pregnancy and birth, I didn't know I needed a doula and will stay the results of not getting one will stay with me forever.
My first pregnancy was relatively low-risk.
I went to all my midwife appointments with my midwife, I did all the suggested tests and scans.
I did an NCT in-person class and an online positive hypnobirthing course.
Why did I need a Virtual Doula?
I was relatively lucky that the tests and scans I went for didn't identify any concerns that had downstream effects, had they, I would have already been halfway down a path, and I wouldn't have known how to turn myself around.
For example, I went for a gestational diabetes test, without looking into what was being suggested, the variability in reference ranges across trusts, or the other options to the fasting blood test.
If I had worked with me as a virtual doula I would have spoken to pregnant Charlotte about the other options, enabling me to make a truly informed choice.
I would have also been able to guide her towards additional information and resources to better prepare her for birth, other than the ones she blindly selected.
Overdue
I went 9 days overdue, I had multiple midwife appointments in which I was booked an induction date 'just in case'.
I was offered a sweep, and accepted, with little thought to the possible risks.
Why you need a doula when you are overdue
If I had been my Virtual Doula, I would have been in contact with pregnant Charlotte regularly, checking in and supporting her.
The induction discussions wouldn't have been a shock, and she would have been more prepared and informed going into the appointments.
She certainly wouldn't have accepted a sweep, after being provided the information on the benefits and risks (although others may have made a different choice).
Early Labour - When to go into hospital
My waters broke, a slow leak.
I rang the hospital and I went in for a check, I was told that I needed an induction if I didn't go into labour in 24 hours.
I went home, went for walks, and bounced on my birth ball, I was very aware of the ticking clock.
Why you need a doula in early labour
When my waters broke, as a virtual doula I would have discussed with pregnant Charlotte the risks and benefits of going into the hospital for a check. She may have chosen to wait at home until other signs of labour started.
If I had chosen to go into the hospital I would have been prepared for the induction chat, I would have been informed about the actual risks, and been able to make my own informed choice about whether I wanted to accept induction.
Thankfully I did go into labour within the 24-hour timeframe and I went into hospital.
Active Labour
I started labouring in the assessment unit, I had a cervical check and I was 3cm.
I was told I needed CTG monitoring as it was now over 24 hours after my waters had broken and I wasn't in active labour.
My Mum advocated for me, and they offered another exam which I accepted, and I was in active labour, so didn't need the CTG.
I laboured in the Birth Centre, I adopted active birth positions and I had gas and air.
Why you need a doula in Active Labour
A virtual doula would have already discussed with pregnant Charlotte that the intervention rates for women who attend hospital before 6cm are higher, and she probably would have chosen to go back home.
She would have been aware of the evidence, benefits and risks behind CTG monitoring, and she would have known that she didn't need 'permission' not to use it and that she had a choice.
Second Stage
My waters went fully, they were lightly stained with Meconium.
I was told my baby was in distress, and that I needed to move to the labour ward for further monitoring. We left our safe space.
In the labour ward, I was attached to a CTG, and put on a fluid drip, on my back, on a bed.
The CTG was struggling to pick up my baby's heartbeat because my own heart rate was so high, they suggested a 'clip' on the baby's head, and I agreed.
As they placed the Fetal Scalp Electrode, they found I was 10cm dilated.
I was immediately coached to push, without having the urge, after a long time of forced pushing I was told if the baby didn't arrive soon, they would need to 'help'.
I used all my strength to force my baby out.
Why you need a doula for the second stage
I would have already been aware of the risks of meconium in waters, that it was common for overdue babies, and not always a cause for concern or a sign of distress.
I would have known that it was my choice and that I did not have to transfer or accept additional monitoring if I didn't want to.
I would have known that the Fetal Scalp Electrode was a screw that pierced the baby's scalp, I would not have consented.
They wouldn't have found out I was 10cm.
I would have followed my instincts, only pushing when my body said it was time.
I wouldn't have given birth on my back.
And if I didn’t already know all this my partner could have contacted our virtual doula for on-the-spot support and information, to help us make informed decisions.
Would having a Virtual Doula have meant a different path for my birth?
It's impossible to say!
I would certainly have been more informed about my rights and options.
I would have had a more in-depth knowledge about birth, a deeper understanding than the courses I chose had given.
I may have made the same choices, but they would have been mine.
How can you work with me as a Virtual Doula?
My packages are flexible, so you can build the kind of support you need!
I offer one-off BirthBOOST calls, where you can pick my brain about anything (perhaps if you are Overdue like in my first birth, and want to know more about your options!).
My full Virtual Doula package offers 1-1 virtual support throughout pregnancy, birth and post-partum, for any and all of your questions!
Visit my website to find out more!
Who am I?
I am Charlotte, a Virtual Doula, providing bespoke evidence-based pregnancy support to families who want an empowering birth.
With 10 years + of clinical research experience, a biomedical science degree, and two hospital births under my belt, I use my knowledge to provide pregnancy support to help you make informed decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
I provide pregnancy support for all types of births, including hospital births, helping you to navigate NHS guidelines and have an empowering positive birth.
Â
Comments