My decision to become a doula was a very natural progression of experiences, thoughts, and ideas in my life. I have always had an extreme love for babies. There is something so magical about a newborn baby. From womb to world. New mommies and their way of nurturing as well as their choices in raising their new child has always been very interesting to me.
I had no idea there was such a thing as a doula when I was pregnant with my daughter. I knew I wanted to birth naturally and was very passionate about that, but went into the hospital *completely* naive of things to come. While I did have a natural birth (med-free), it was not without a fight from my doctors. Upon leaving the hospital, I had this nagging feeling of, "that should never have to be the experience women have when giving birth". I felt that women should be educated and be able to make the choices best for them and their baby without someone telling them, without good reason, that those choices are not a possibility. Or worse yet, scaring women into making choices they never intended.
Little did I know, there are women out there helping to educate and advocate for mommas in the birth room. Women who love other women and believe in them. Doulas. One of my favorite words in the entire world.
I can't remember who told me about doulas, but from the moment I understood what they do I knew that was my calling. I knew I wanted to stand beside and stand up for and hold the hands of mommas who have educated themselves and know what they wanted from their birth experience. Women who choose to have their babies at home, women who choose to get an epidural, mommas who choose to have their babies naturally in the hospital, women who need a c-section for medical reasons, mommas who want a vaginal birth after a cesarean, and the list continues to go on. There are many choices in birth. My passion is helping women have the birth they have decided is best for them and their baby, not what someone else says is best.
The fact is, birth is unpredictable. There are times when what we planned doesn't actually happen. What we had hoped doesn't come to fruition. As a doula, it's *so* important to me that in those moments women understand what their choices are and they make the decision that's right for them and their baby. So when it's all said and done, momma and baby are together, she looks back on her birth experience and says "Yeah, I did that! I made those choices. It wasn't exactly how we planned, but it was beautiful and empowering and I did it."
I was trained as a doula in April of 2010 and have attended two births since training (with several more on the horizon). In just those two experiences, my love for birth and my philosophy as a doula has grown leaps and bounds. I love birth. I love mommas and new babies. I love being there for families. I love seeing mommas go inside of themselves and channel a strength they never imagined they had - hence the name of my doula business ;). I love helping husbands be the best support person they can be. I just LOVE being a doula. Could I say "love" any more? It's true. My heart overflows just thinking of the possibilities.
Until next time,
Love wins.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
What the heck is a doula?
Most of the time when I tell people I am training to be a doula they look at me with their head cocked to the side, one eyebrow raised and ask, "What's that?" So, I thought it only fitting that I take my first post on this blog to explain what exactly a doula is.
The word doula comes from the Greek word meaning "female slave". These women were the most highly regarded servants and supported the mistress during her births. From the beginning of mankind women have been surrounded and cared for by other women during childbirth. Today the word refers to a professional labor assistant.
What does a doula do?
Most doulas meet their clients a few months before baby is due. This gives the doula and client time to establish a trusting relationship. Typically during this time the doula: meets with the client, answers questions, helps mom work through any fears or concerns she has, explains what her role will be during labor, makes herself available by email or phone. Some doulas will help families with writing a birth plan. While doulas never perform medical procedures or give medical advice, they are trained in the knowledge of the medical aspect of birth and can give their clients a better understanding of the procedures, interventions, and problems that may arise in late pregnancy and labor.
During labor and delivery doulas provide continuous care to the mother at all times. They help provide comfort through pain relief techniques such as massage, position changes, aromatherapy, etc. Doulas also encourage dads/partners to get involved and offer reassurance. Doulas are advocates for mom during labor. She understands what mom wants (because they have discussed it prior to delivery) and while she does not speak for mom, she helps encourage mom to ask questions and be fully informed before making decisions. Some doulas offer to take pictures during labor and delivery if families so desire.
Doulas normally stay for a short while after birth to help begin breastfeeding and to encourage the bond between baby and family.
The main goal of a doula is to help families have a positive, safe, empowering birth experience, whether the mother wants an un-medicated birth or plans to have a ceserean section. Whatever birth you decide is best for you, a doula can help to make that reality.
Why use a doula?
Studies have shown that women supported by a doula during labor not only have a more positive birth experience, but they also experience:
What about dad?
Dads are becoming much more involved in the birthing process and it's often a fear that the doula will take dad's place. The truth is that doulas make it easier for dad to be involved exactly how he wants, rather than having to play "labor coach". Doulas help give dad the freedom to support mom in whatever way he feels comfortable. Doulas give suggestions for comfort measures, a break when he gets tired, etc. Doulas are a compliment to dads and help to enhance their experience. With a doula there, dad can support moms emotionally without feeling the pressure of having to remember everything they learned in childbirth class!
The word doula comes from the Greek word meaning "female slave". These women were the most highly regarded servants and supported the mistress during her births. From the beginning of mankind women have been surrounded and cared for by other women during childbirth. Today the word refers to a professional labor assistant.
What does a doula do?
Most doulas meet their clients a few months before baby is due. This gives the doula and client time to establish a trusting relationship. Typically during this time the doula: meets with the client, answers questions, helps mom work through any fears or concerns she has, explains what her role will be during labor, makes herself available by email or phone. Some doulas will help families with writing a birth plan. While doulas never perform medical procedures or give medical advice, they are trained in the knowledge of the medical aspect of birth and can give their clients a better understanding of the procedures, interventions, and problems that may arise in late pregnancy and labor.
During labor and delivery doulas provide continuous care to the mother at all times. They help provide comfort through pain relief techniques such as massage, position changes, aromatherapy, etc. Doulas also encourage dads/partners to get involved and offer reassurance. Doulas are advocates for mom during labor. She understands what mom wants (because they have discussed it prior to delivery) and while she does not speak for mom, she helps encourage mom to ask questions and be fully informed before making decisions. Some doulas offer to take pictures during labor and delivery if families so desire.
Doulas normally stay for a short while after birth to help begin breastfeeding and to encourage the bond between baby and family.
The main goal of a doula is to help families have a positive, safe, empowering birth experience, whether the mother wants an un-medicated birth or plans to have a ceserean section. Whatever birth you decide is best for you, a doula can help to make that reality.
Why use a doula?
Studies have shown that women supported by a doula during labor not only have a more positive birth experience, but they also experience:
- 50% reduction in c-section rate
- 25% shorter labor
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 40% reduction in Pitocin use
- 30% reduction in analgesia use
- 40% reduction in instrumental deliveries
What about dad?
Dads are becoming much more involved in the birthing process and it's often a fear that the doula will take dad's place. The truth is that doulas make it easier for dad to be involved exactly how he wants, rather than having to play "labor coach". Doulas help give dad the freedom to support mom in whatever way he feels comfortable. Doulas give suggestions for comfort measures, a break when he gets tired, etc. Doulas are a compliment to dads and help to enhance their experience. With a doula there, dad can support moms emotionally without feeling the pressure of having to remember everything they learned in childbirth class!
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