Every day I start with the intention of writing something - anything! - but it hasn't happened. The more days that go by the more upset I get with myself for not writing - about the kids, our life right now, the garden, birth stuff, etc.
So I'm going back to making lists - because that has always worked in the past to get me back into writing. If you see something of particular interest - leave me a comment and let me know you'd like the rest of the story and I'll make an effort to write it out.
Maddie's 4th Birthday party - the birthday garden
Wyatt's naked romp at my parents house - "I spit it out mommy," as he pointed to the puddle of pee on the floor.
Gardening adventures - what's growing, seeds, etc.
Doula certification on hold...
Wyatt's upcoming trip to see a pediatric ENT at UAB (University of Alabama-Birmingham)
La Leche League Leader accreditation
The drama in the birth community and other petty onslaughts (might only be available through LJ).
Grandma Grace is back - and oh so happy to visit with Wyatt on Mardi Gras.
"No- I not take a nap!" and other dramatics by the two-year old in the house.
"Excuse me, you don't talk to your mother that way!" and other interesting things Maddie says to her brother and others - but doesn't practice herself.
Dear Madeleine - on your 4th Birthday (this will be written in the next week).
Busy season for Mike coming up - lots of away time from us - starting in mid-march (gone for 2+weeks then)
Showing posts with label birthing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label birthing. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Me- a Doula?
What's a doula? I know you're probably wondering just what I'm talking about. According to Doula's of North America - DONA - "The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they initiate] breastfeeding more easily."
Now with that understanding - why me? Why would I - mom of 2 babies born by cesearean decide to become one who nurtures and supports a woman in labor?
I believe that the power a woman possesses to bring forth life - exists no matter how her child enters the world. Birth is a miracle no matter the setting, the manner - the outcome is the same - a mother is born and a child is born.
Some moms desire a completely unmedicated or "natural" childbirth - while others have no qualms over accepting medication. Some- an increasing number here in the USA - are choosing to have the most intervening of births - cesearean - whether it's because there is a legitimate medical reason or even because it's more convenient - although much more difficult and risky.
The role of a doula is to support a woman in labor and during childbirth - whether they give birth medicated, unmedicated or by surgery - it is still childbirth - for after all a child is still born. In addition to helping to offer physical and emotional support a doula will often take pictures during the birth - chronicling what takes place and later presenting the new parents with their birth story - written from an objective viewpoint.
During prenatal consultations a doula will often offer information about choices a mother will make about her birthing wishes - including writing a birth plan. Once in labor - the doula will often help facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner and health care providers.
For me - becoming a doula seems a natural progression from being a lactation counselor. Already trained in breastfeeding issues - of which the birth experience can play a large role - I feel that assisting moms in labor, childbirth and the post partum moments will be a compliment to skills I already possess.
My openmindedness when it comes to birth is also a plus. I'm a firm believer in unmedicated childbirth - because research says that it is what is best for mom and for baby - and also for the breastfeeding relationship.
It's not what happened for me - but I can tell you that I wish I would have had a doula - even though I had c-sections. It would have been nice to have someone with me when I was strapped to the operating table - before my husband was allowed in the room - and was vomiting while laying on my back. I couldn't talk for fear of choking and no one was paying any attention to me at that moment. I would have had less anxiety about what was happening around me if a trained professional was near me explaining what was happening next and making sure that I was comfortable.
Even though I know that unmedicated births are the best option for moms and babies I am also keenly aware that those kinds of births aren't happening that often in our local area - and for that matter across the country.
Every woman who wants a doula - should have one - regardless of the type of birth she is planning or ends up having. Circumstances change and emergencies arise requiring medical interventions.
I will never limit myself as a doula - only offering to work with clients who want a particular type of birth. Whether you desire an unmedicated birth or are planning on a cesearean or epidural - I will support and encourage you the entire way. I can offer my clients the past experience of going through 2 cesearean births, 4 years of breastfeeding my own children along with formal education in lactation, professional training as a birth and post partum doula (2009) along with a compassionate, patient nature. On the subject of more practical skills - I offer my experience as a photographer and journalist/creative writer to help capture the images of the moment and write a beautiful birth story for you.
I want to continue helping moms and babies - that's why I am becoming a doula. The miracle of birth fascinates me - and I know that as a doula I will continue to make a difference in the lives of women - one mom and one baby at a time.
It's not about the way you give birth - but how you feel about your birth experience - a doula's job is to make sure your birth is memorable no matter what the situation.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they initiate] breastfeeding more easily."
Now with that understanding - why me? Why would I - mom of 2 babies born by cesearean decide to become one who nurtures and supports a woman in labor?
I believe that the power a woman possesses to bring forth life - exists no matter how her child enters the world. Birth is a miracle no matter the setting, the manner - the outcome is the same - a mother is born and a child is born.
Some moms desire a completely unmedicated or "natural" childbirth - while others have no qualms over accepting medication. Some- an increasing number here in the USA - are choosing to have the most intervening of births - cesearean - whether it's because there is a legitimate medical reason or even because it's more convenient - although much more difficult and risky.
The role of a doula is to support a woman in labor and during childbirth - whether they give birth medicated, unmedicated or by surgery - it is still childbirth - for after all a child is still born. In addition to helping to offer physical and emotional support a doula will often take pictures during the birth - chronicling what takes place and later presenting the new parents with their birth story - written from an objective viewpoint.
During prenatal consultations a doula will often offer information about choices a mother will make about her birthing wishes - including writing a birth plan. Once in labor - the doula will often help facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner and health care providers.
For me - becoming a doula seems a natural progression from being a lactation counselor. Already trained in breastfeeding issues - of which the birth experience can play a large role - I feel that assisting moms in labor, childbirth and the post partum moments will be a compliment to skills I already possess.
My openmindedness when it comes to birth is also a plus. I'm a firm believer in unmedicated childbirth - because research says that it is what is best for mom and for baby - and also for the breastfeeding relationship.
It's not what happened for me - but I can tell you that I wish I would have had a doula - even though I had c-sections. It would have been nice to have someone with me when I was strapped to the operating table - before my husband was allowed in the room - and was vomiting while laying on my back. I couldn't talk for fear of choking and no one was paying any attention to me at that moment. I would have had less anxiety about what was happening around me if a trained professional was near me explaining what was happening next and making sure that I was comfortable.
Even though I know that unmedicated births are the best option for moms and babies I am also keenly aware that those kinds of births aren't happening that often in our local area - and for that matter across the country.
Every woman who wants a doula - should have one - regardless of the type of birth she is planning or ends up having. Circumstances change and emergencies arise requiring medical interventions.
I will never limit myself as a doula - only offering to work with clients who want a particular type of birth. Whether you desire an unmedicated birth or are planning on a cesearean or epidural - I will support and encourage you the entire way. I can offer my clients the past experience of going through 2 cesearean births, 4 years of breastfeeding my own children along with formal education in lactation, professional training as a birth and post partum doula (2009) along with a compassionate, patient nature. On the subject of more practical skills - I offer my experience as a photographer and journalist/creative writer to help capture the images of the moment and write a beautiful birth story for you.
I want to continue helping moms and babies - that's why I am becoming a doula. The miracle of birth fascinates me - and I know that as a doula I will continue to make a difference in the lives of women - one mom and one baby at a time.
It's not about the way you give birth - but how you feel about your birth experience - a doula's job is to make sure your birth is memorable no matter what the situation.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
"Natural" Birth
I've struggled with my perceptions about what is normal in birth and what is acceptable. Maddie has always been curious about my scar - asking what it was and I've always been very up front with her about it.
It's where the doctor cut into my belly to help you be born - is what I've always told her.
My daughter knows more about breast feeding than most toddlers - she's often with me when I'm assisting a new mom with positioning and questions. For that same reason - my husband is almost as knowledgeable (and actually thinks he knows as much, he is silly sometimes!).
But I'll admit that for all the knowledge I have now - education I did not have when I was pregnant with Maddie nor was it anything shared with me during my pregnancy with Wyatt - normal, natural childbirth is not something we know in this family.
Our "natural" is birth by c-section. For whatever reason - that's just our normal at this point. If there's ever another baby (secretly hoping still) and if I can at least find a doctor who will let me try - I'll attempt a VBAC and probably take a Bradley class even though I have read the book. As much as I'd like - there will be no home births for us and no midwife care either because my history is too complicated and risky. My tendency towards pre-term labor is enough to scare any midwife away! Add in all the other issues I've faced during both pregnancies my dream of a "normal" pregnancy and birth just might not be possible - but I can still hope, right? I'm thinking I might head to The Farm and see if they'll take me!
I digress...
Back to our "normal and natural" -
This afternoon Maddie was standing in front of the mirror - telling herself a story and goes on to say that she went to the hospital to have a baby and the doctor cut it out of her tummy. I quickly jumped in to explain to her that most babies are not "cut" out of their mommies tummies, but that their moms push them out.
She refused to change her story.
So I am conflicted.
Yes there is a problem in this country with too many c-sections for non-medical reasons. I've had one of those births. It was my choice - I own my decision. I have dealt with the guilt and remorse I've experienced and I'm at peace with it. I can't change it - so why stress over it?
What I haven't considered is the fact that this is how my daughter was born - it's her experience. How would she or will she feel when she hears someone criticize how she was born? Her birth is just as beautiful and special as any other baby's birth - because the birth of a baby is always a beautiful and awe-inspiring event - no matter how they enter the world.
Her birth is hers - no one else's. It might not be the "norm" but it's her "normal." It doesn't mean that she'll go on to make a similar choice for herself and I hope that she's exposed to more choices in childbirthing options than what I was when I was expecting her.
So my dear Madeleine - it's ok to know how you were born and there is no shame in it for you or your loving mother. Not all babies are born the way you were so that makes you extra special. You are loved and will always be loved no matter the choices you make in your life.
If I ever forget that you have the right to remind me that I am not holding up my oath and pledge of motherhood - to love unconditionally. I love you.
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