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A Low-Risk Pregnancy
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 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.
A Doula would have spoken to me about the other options, enabling me to make a truly informed choice.
A Doula would have also been able to guide me towards additional information and resources to better prepare me for birth, other than the ones I 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.
Virtual Doula Support when you are overdue
If I had had a Doula, they would have been in contact with me regularly, checking in and supporting me.
The induction discussions wouldn't have been a shock, and I would have been more prepared and informed going into the appointments.
I certainly wouldn't have accepted a sweep, after being provided the information on the benefits and risks.
Early Labour - When to go into hospital
My waters broke, a slow leak.
I rang the hospital and I went into the hospital 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.
What Virtual Doula Support might have looked like in early labour
When my waters broke, a Doula would have discussed the risks and benefits of going into the hospital for a check. I 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 4cm.
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.
Doula support in Active Labour
A Doula would have informed me that the intervention rates for women who attend hospital before 6cm are higher, and I probably would have chosen to go back home.
I would have been aware of the evidence, benefits and risks behind CTG monitoring, and I would have known that I didn't need 'permission' not to use it and that I had a choice.
Second Stage
My waters went, 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.
What I would have known if I had a Doula
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.
Would having a 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!
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