As a doula, what kind of births have you attended?

Tiffany · 08-19-2005, 07:23 PM

This is a multiple select poll, so check all that apply.

I'm asking because I've never supported anyone at a homebirth yet, nor been in the OR during a c-section. Just curious to see what you've all been through!

tlcdoula · 08-19-2005, 07:47 PM

I have been with two clients for cesarean births, and attended my first water homebirth today - talk about exciting and beautiful!!!!

Kim Trower · 08-20-2005, 09:04 PM

In my first year mostly homebirths in my 2nd year mostly hospital. I have attended 1 section out of 2 sections with my clients. I have been at an unplanned unassisted, midwife made it 15 minutes after babe was born...and I have caught a baby in the hospital. Birth is Wild!!!!

raspberrymoondoula · 08-21-2005, 01:00 AM

only vaginal hospital so far but i have two homebirths coming up, one uc and one midwife. the uc is planning on water, and one of the hosptial ones spent a lot of time in the shower dont know if that counts as water lol

Matrescence · 08-21-2005, 07:35 PM

I've been to hospital vaginal births, homebirths and cesareans. I was allowed into the pre-op/post-op area to watch (through the window) a cesarean (hubby works in that OR) then Saturday morning with this last client I was able to wait in the nurses station and in recovery, which was awesome since this is a large hospital and usually doesn't happen! But I've never been *in* the OR for a cesarean... not sure I'd want to unless mom didn't have anyone else

~Tranquility~Doula · 08-22-2005, 09:24 AM

I've mostly been to hospital (vaginal only, so far

) and birth center births. I haven't been any homebirths yet but I'm dying to!

dorothyh · 08-23-2005, 05:13 PM

All of the births I've been to have been hospital births, and I've been in the OR for two cesarean births (one last week) It is generally not the norm here to allow a second support person in the OR, but the first time it was a planned cesarean (and the mom hired me knowing she was having a cesarean birth!) and the second time the planets all just fell into alignment, so to speak, and the dr,anestesiologist and nurse were all just fine with me being there with my client. I am hoping that that hospital sees that having a doula in there was an asset.

I have not been to any homebirths yet, but I would love to be at one!!

Dorothy Haines, CD(DONA)
www.MotherToMotherDoulas.com

AmandaB · 08-08-2006, 12:09 AM

i thought the question was our own personal experience ... I shoulsd alway read before I answer. Anyway over the past year I have attended 13 births, 10 have been hospital vaginal and 3 have been c-sections (1 i was in the OR for). I am still waiting on my homebirth (i had one but i would like to share that experience with someone else.)

erad76 · 08-08-2006, 08:02 PM

I've done a hospital - vaginal; but i was wearing riduculously too tight scrubs because we were about to go into the OR when mom said she felt like she needed to push.

RosyDoula · 08-08-2006, 10:09 PM

So far only natural vaginal hospital births.

I believe all the women I work with can though, and I work through all their fears which helps alot, and also teach positive mindframes.

gemasita · 08-09-2006, 08:57 AM

Only hospital vaginal and c-sections so far (I wasn't in the operating room for any of the c-sections).

I would LOVE to be at a homebirth. Oh, I have actually been at one birth center birth (as an observer instead of a doula) so that was nice. But I want a homebirth for myself so when I get pregnant, I will only take a birth if it's a homebirth or birth center birth (hospital would be too traumatic for me while pregnant myself).

doula Michele · 08-09-2006, 09:52 AM

All hospital births... 18 vaginal. 1 section, but I was not in the OR. I did support all through labour and 2 hours of pushing before the surgery though.

Michele

newbirth · 08-09-2006, 01:26 PM

I've only done one birth 6 years ago, which was a home waterbirth. The client I am on call for now is planning a hospital birth with CNM, but I would not be surprised if it ends up a home birth. The gals aunt is a homebirth MD, and is intending to get the mom to the hospital when she's ready to push. Because the mama is still living at home with parents, she isn't planning a home birth this time.

And then next spring, my sis is having #2, right now trying to decide between hospital with CNM (same practice my client is using) or home birth (with my midwife from last birth). She's leaning toward the home birth now, so hopefully I'll be adding another home birth to my list of experience.

I'm also going to start assisting the midwife soon. I'll be the home birth doula 'round here. lol