VBAC Care Providers
Choosing a care provider is one of the most important steps you'll take in your VBAC journey and with the hundreds of care providers you have to choose from in the Phoenix area we understand the search may seem a bit daunting. While ICAN cannot endorse any care providers, we have complied a list of care providers who we know have been supportive of VBAC and have helped one or more of our members have a VBAC in the last 3 years. We are happy to share this information with you as a starting point to your research into finding the care provider that best suits you and your family's needs. We also encourage you to reach out to other members of our chapter who have used these care providers and hear their experience. Check our birth stories page, join us on facebook and/or attend a meeting. There are many options for VBAC (VBA2C, VBAMC) in Phoenix, and some truly wonderful care providers. Also, please note that this is not a comprehensive list and I'm sure there are other doctors in the Phoenix area who are supportive of VBAC. If you have or have had a good VBAC experience with someone not on our list please let us know so we can add them.
Childbirth Education Classes
We have compiled a list of Childbirth Education Classes that regular attendees of our meetings have enjoyed and found helpful. Please feel free to contact ICAN of Phoenix with any additional questions or if you would like to contact someone for a reference.
| cbe_classes.pdf |
Doulas
A doula is a woman who helps women and families through their birth. There are certifications that doulas can obtain, though they are not required for a doula to attend a birth as she is not providing any medical care or advice. For more information on what a doula is and does vista DONA.
Just how much of an impact can a doula have on your birth? Studies have been conducted and this is what they found:
"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." - John H. Kennell, MD
Just how much of an impact can a doula have on your birth? Studies have been conducted and this is what they found:
- 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
- 25% shorter labor
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 40% reduction in oxytocin use
- 30% reduction in analgesia use
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery
"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." - John H. Kennell, MD
How do you find a doula?
The websites below are a great place to start when looking for a doula. Word of mouth, the ICAN facebook group, and maybe even your care provider are also great resources. Most doulas in the Phoenix area charge between $400-$800 for their services and some offer more services than others, like massage or monitrice services. Please do not let cost deter you. Check with your insurance, many insurance companies are now covering doula services. Also, talk with your doula, many are willing to work out a payment plan or offer a sliding scale. You may also consider hiring a doula working on her certification. These doulas often offer their services at a discounted rate as they need births to complete their certification.
Doula Match - http://doulamatch.net/list/birth/az
DONA International (International organization that certifies doulas)
The websites below are a great place to start when looking for a doula. Word of mouth, the ICAN facebook group, and maybe even your care provider are also great resources. Most doulas in the Phoenix area charge between $400-$800 for their services and some offer more services than others, like massage or monitrice services. Please do not let cost deter you. Check with your insurance, many insurance companies are now covering doula services. Also, talk with your doula, many are willing to work out a payment plan or offer a sliding scale. You may also consider hiring a doula working on her certification. These doulas often offer their services at a discounted rate as they need births to complete their certification.
Doula Match - http://doulamatch.net/list/birth/az
DONA International (International organization that certifies doulas)