Labor Day Fears

 

Do you wish you could run away whenever you think about giving birth?

 

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”
― Marie Curie

 

The birth of our children is a joyous and wonderful time in our lives- the beginning and growing of our families.  As I talk with expectant families there is always some sort of fear of labor and delivery that is shared.  This breaks my heart! As a birth Doula it is my job to ensure the most successful and peaceful birth possible by removing fear.  Through education before the “labor day” we become comfortable and confident in our abilities. During two prenatal meetings we discuss all concerns and questions that the expectant mother and father have.  Although we may not always be able to control how things progress we can be ready to understand and make the most of it.

Every woman’s needs and birth goals are different.  Whether it is an intervention free birth or a planned cesarean or anything in between every laboring couple deserves respect and support. By letting go of fear a laboring mother is freed to experience labor under the best possible conditions. The presence of a Doula frees the expectant father to be able to provide for and comfort his partner- to be her hero.  There is always at least once during a birth that a father will give me a worried look- I love being able to reassure him that all is normal and progressing how it needs to.   

Before, during and after the birth I give educational, emotional and physical support.  I provide full body massage, acupressure, different laboring positions and breathing techniques.  Some mothers also find relief through rebozo work, aroma therapy, visualizations and affirmations. No two labors are alike, not even with repeat clients!  My responsibility is to respond to the unique needs of the laboring couple- to be an assistant, a guide, a comforter.

I am proud to be a Murrieta Doula serving the families of the Inland Empire. Deep discounts given to military families.  I also enjoy bartering!