Doula, VBAC, Hospital, & other info... (Greenville, Easley: obgyn, live, delivery)

[littlebirdsmama]

Hi, I had an emergency c-section with my first baby at St. Francis Eastside, & I feel it was totally unnecessary. The Labor & Delivery nurses were a nightmare. It wasn't the best experience, & this time around, I want to be a little more prepared. I'm not pregnant yet, but my husband & I are planning to start trying to conceive soon, & I want to be as prepared as I can be, this time around. My daughter is 16 months old now, & she's a handful, so I won't have a whole lot of time to research these things later on, & I thought it would be a good idea to start looking into it now.

I'm wondering if any of you could offer some (much needed) advice? To begin with, does anyone have any recommendations for a doula in the upstate? I'm in the Easley area, but plan to have the baby in either Greenville or Greer. I'm looking for someone who is knowledgeable, casual/laid-back, compassionate, & not too expensive...someone who can help make this a better experience for us, than we experienced the last time. We really just need someone who would be in our corner, guiding/navigating us through this experience & helping it all come together the way that we would like for it to.

With that being said, I would really, really like to try to have a VBAC this time around. Does anyone have recommendations for an OB/GYN & a hospital, where VBACs are encouraged, & performed successfully? Also, any recommendations about affordability? We'd be paying out of pocket. I think a midwife wouldn't be an option since I would want an epidural, & also since I did have a c-section before, but I'm not sure? Any info on experiences or suggestions, feedback, etc, would be SO greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!

[Annica]

I would talk to the doctors at Greer OB/GYN. I've heard that they and Greer Hospital in general are more VBAC friendly - Greer OB/GYN

I have a friend who's training to be a doula, if you'd like her contact info, please message me.

[markdeca]

Actually, you can have a midwife! Check out Greenville Midwifery! They take VBACS and they are CNMs who ONLY deliver in the hospital. They are totally supportive of whatever birth you want and will not blink twice if you request an epidural.

Ive seen a lot of OBs in the area (long story) and the Greenville Midwives were WONDERFUL compared to all the doctors. Each appointment lasted 30 minutes and they actually sat down and discussed everything with you and made sure there were no questions. Such a difference from the 5 minute ob sessions ive experienced in the past. They even let you have a free meet and greet with them to see if it is for you.

Dr. Stafford at cornerstone does not do VBACS. I don't recommend him anyway...personality of a wet towel.

[Gaelcat]

For going a traditional doctor route, I'd recommend either Dr. Harris or Dr. Wright at Greer OB. It is a practice known for supporting VBACs. I was able to have two totally unmedicated natural deliveries, both times using Greer OB. I found them to be wonderful. I used a doula both times, and think they are invaluable at helping you have a good birth experience.