I will be the first person to tell you that I'm quite passionately against inductions (unless medically necessary). There are many reasons I say this, but most importantly because I believe our bodies were designed to have babies and know how to go into labor when they're ready. Induction also increases the risk of interventions and c-section. Recently, I was pleasantly surprised by two inductions done with integrity and with the best interest of mom and baby at the heart of it all.
This past week I had the incredible honor of being the doula for two amazing families. Client #1 was due July 9th and had a midwife. Client #2 was due July 14th and had a female doctor. I knew there was a chance they may go into labor on the same day, but honestly, there is NO formula to this job. You schedule clients 2 weeks apart who go on the same day or who are due 2 days from each other that go into labor weeks apart.
I had met with both women prior to their birth as I do all my clients. We talked about their wishes for birth, stages and phases of labor, comfort measures we would likely try during labor, newborn procedures, and the postpartum period. Both women were planning for a natural birth. By natural I mean going into labor on their own and no interventions (artificial rupture of membranes (AROM), minimal fetal monitoring, no epidural, no episiotomy, etc.) during labor or delivery. Basically they wanted to allow their bodies to do it's thing. They both were educating themselves by reading books, taking classes, and asking questions.
So, having said all of that, here's how their births went down ;)
Client #1 (we'll call her M):
July 9th came and went. M was really quite calm and okay with going past her due date and really was expecting it. She knew it was typical for first time moms to go 8 days over their "due date" (yes, I put this in quotes because it's *such* an estimation...we will talk more about this later). 7 days past, 8 days past, 9 days past. M was doing everything she could think of to try to get baby to make her entrance. She tried walking, squatting, evening primrose oil, among other things. Her midwives were just fine with letting her go 2 weeks past her date, but wanted her to come in sporadically over that last week for a non-stress test and biophysical profile. At 10 days past, on July 19th, M went in for the tests to be sure baby was okay. The test results showed that M's amniotic fluid was low and she would need to be induced that evening.
M was adamant, from the very beginning, that she did not want to be induced. She had hoped to labor at home as long as possible and get to the hospital just in time to deliver. M was understandably upset. We talked through what the induction would be like and ways we could make it as natural as possible. M would be induced with cervadil (a cervix ripening agent) on Tuesday evening and then would start Pitocin on Wednesday morning. M's midwife assured her that if her body would take over, they would be willing to turn off the Pitocin and allow her to labor on her own.
At 9:00pm on Tuesday the cervidil was in inserted. At 9:30pm, M started having contractions! The midwives were not expecting that the cervidil would work to send her into labor, but indeed it did! This was such an answer to prayers!! M labored through the night and her husband called me about 3:00am to let me know that contractions were getting intense and they would probably need me around 6:00am. I got a call about 4:00am and was told I needed to come earlier. I got my stuff together and out the door I went.
I arrived at the hospital about 5:00am. M was definitely in labor and working like a champ through her contractions. At 6:20am (when the Pitocin was suppose to be started), the nurse checked M's cervix and found she was 4cm dilated. She was doing this!! They decided her body was clearly in labor and Pitocin was not needed.
M continued to breathe through her contractions. She tried several different positions on the bed and birth ball. She was doing really great. The pain was getting more intense and M was starting to question herself (which is typical of all mom's at some point in labor). She had hoped to be able to get into the water at this point, but unfortunately baby had had a couple of decelerations in heart rate so she had to keep the monitors on the whole time. Instead she breathed deep, rocked her hips, and her amazing supportive husband encouraged her through each contraction.
About 7:30am M's pain became quite intense and she said she was feeling ready to push this baby out. The nurses checked her cervix and found her to be at 9cm. They *very* quickly called the midwife, who had to travel to get to the hospital. By 8:00am the midwife had arrived and M began to push. At 8:20am baby was born! Baby's cord had been very tightly around her neck and she was having trouble breathing, so she went right to the NICU team and then soon to the NICU ward. Not long and they had baby breathing and back with her mommy where she belonged! It was a scary little bit, but dad was a huge support to mom. They truly were an amazing team!
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I share this beautiful birth story because I think it's so important for women to hear and see that 1) some inductions ARE necessary and 2) just because you're being induced does not mean your dream of a natural labor and delivery fly out the window. With an open dialogue with your care provider (PRIOR to the day of birth as well as the day of), education, and a great support team you *can* have the birth you hoped for.
I also VERY MUCH believe that M was able to deliver her baby naturally because she waited as long as possible to allow her body time to be ready to labor.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Why I Became a Doula
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.
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.
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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