Chloe Holmander

9/11/2024

I had a c-section with my first son on 2019 overseas. It wasn't a good experience at all. I just said yes to everything that the doctor say because I thought I didn't have a choice which is false. So when I found out I was pregnant on March 2023 I did my own research about VBAC.

We lived in Cabell County in WV and we didn't have any families here and my husband worked over the road at the time. So finding a doula around was the best thing to do since I don't know how to drive. I found two doulas actually not too far from us and I chose Miss Starcher even when I know she's just new. We had a video call to get to know each other and also about how I'd like my birthing experience to be. She didn't really mention about how the payments would be, I actually opened up that topic and she's very kind to say that it's up to me to decide. But of course there was an initial payment which everyone can afford. We used Venmo for the payment installments; She sends messages to some links about VBAC and encouragement for me when I was losing hope on getting a VBAC. I was 36 weeks when my water started leaking so I told my doula about it and she immediately start to get ready. She came over to the hospital the same day that I went. She brought some things that could help me feel relaxed and also for my labor. I gave birth via VBAC the second day. She helped me all throughout my labor up until I give birth. I wouldn't be able to manage all the long pains of labor (no epidural) if I didn't have her around and also my husband. 

For me, when it comes on finding a doula look for someone around and also for the cost. It doesn't matter if the doula is just new or have many experiences. It's more about the connection between the two of you. And I got that from my doula.