No Local Midwives...Is Just a Doula Sufficient?

I think using an OB with a doula is a great way to combine a lack of medical intervention with the medical backup should an emergency arise. I know many people who use, and love, doulas. They know their wishes will be respected and someone is there to look out for them.

If the doctor feels you're sufficiently educated on childbirth options it can work. I did it twice, because I had to. Make sure your doula is very outspoken but pleasant with the hospital staff, and you should be good to go!

I had my first child at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park. I was living in LaGrange Park, so the drive wasn't too bad. I didn't need any medical intervention, and I had a wonderful birth experience.

With my second and third children, I gave birth at Edward Hospital. When I told the staff that I didn't plan on getting an epidural, they were surprised, because it's not very common there. With my second baby, I was induced, and the labor was painful but fairly quick. I didn't use pain medication, but I started to regret that decision while I was in the final pushes. With my third child, I went into labor on my own, and the delivery was surprisingly easy.

I don't think I could have endured the pain of labor with my second child unless I had a good experience the first time around. Since you had a successful birth experience with your first child, I'd say that you have a much better chance at having your next baby without medical intervention. Sorry I don't have the names of any doulas for you. Good luck to you!

I also delivered w/West Suburban Midwives. I would call them and ask for recommendations, rather than the hospitals. The hospitals may not know or may not be allowed to say. Most have pretty strict rules about giving recommendations or information, and you may not be getting accurate info.

I would not use a doula for delivery purposes since a doula has zero medical training. Two of my friends are doulas, one is a midwife. The midwife knows what she is doing, doulas are there for support only. So, if your medical Dr is attending, then it should be okay to also have a doula. If you are thinking of using a doula in place of a Dr or midwife, don't risk it.

I had my first child at a hospital with and OBGYN and did not have any medication/intervention. I didn't even have a doula, but I have a husband who is a trained yoga instructor and we did a workshop before my son was born about positions and relaxation and I did prenatal yoga throughout my pregnancy. I think you can certainly do it at a hospital with an OBGYN, I would meet with several ahead of time and find out things like c-section rates, rate of natural delivery, etc and do the same with the hospital where you would be delivering. Some hospitals now have birthing tubs, birth balls available, etc and are very encouraging of natural childbirth. I don't think you need a midwife to do it and a doula will definitely help. Plus, if anything it is easier the second time around because you won't second guess your ability to do it as much, you know what your body is capable of. Best of luck!

With my second child, I went into the hospital to give birth, and I was extremely lucky to get a nurse who was also a 12-year certified doula. It was a beautiful experience, and the best birth (out of four, mind you) by far of any of our children. I ended up having a completely natural, very short labor and birth, and an extremely easy, peaceful recovery, and I credit it to my wonderful doula/nurse. If I could have found a doula for the next two births, I would have jumped at the chance.

She stayed with me throughout the entire labor. She had the calmest, kindest demeanor, and she kept me totally relaxed the entire time (even as the baby was crowning, which is quite an accomplishment, if you ask me). She was amazing! I don't know how you would begin to find someone like that, but if you could, I'd recommend it without question.

If you are in a hospital setting and they are ok with it, than it should be fine because she could get medical help if needed. If it is a home birth than no, because a midwife has medical training a doula does not.

I have had both my children at Hinsdale Adventist with Dr. Steven Daube at OMG Women's Health. I believe he also works out of Bolingbrook. Had a C-section the first time, but was determined NOT to do the same with the second. Worked with a midwife for my second pregnancy and had plans for a V-bac (they were incredibley supportive). I had a succssesful V-bac with Dr. Daube instead of the midwife (becasue I went so quick.) No meds either. They are fantastic, they have two Doulas on staff as well. stop by their site if you like. http://omgwh.com/

I would highly recommend West Suburban Midwives. I live in Chicago and went to Oak Park to deliver. I had my daughter without medication. Great experience.

Midwives deliver at Hinsdale Hospital. That's where I delivered. The 3 midwives that deliver out of Hinsdale are at West Suburban Women's Health in Willowbrook.

Hinsdale Hospital is a local hospital and they allow Midwives. I delivered there and so have 3 of my friends with the midwives from West Suburban Women's Health (630) 654-BABY. They are incredible. Hinsdale is less than a 30 min drive for you.

If you prefer a home birth, you could go to Homefirst in Naperville and they will work with you for a home birth. A friend had 4 children at home with them. I was at one of the births.

That's probably a good option - just talk to the doctor ahead of time and make your wishes known, and commit ahead of time to yourself that you're doing this intervention-free. Since you did with your first, it should be easy this time around. You could also do a homebirth with a midwife - I had my second at home and loved it!