Doulas and Midwives

This is a slide show that shares some beautiful moments in the birth process. It features some of my favorite people and birth photographers, Robin Baker with Birth Blessings and Catie Stephens of Vuefinder Photography. These ladies are true artists. They understand birth and know how to capture the vast beauty that few of us get to witness or remember.

I just want to remember this...

OSD- Operation Special Delivery

Operation Special Delivery, OSD

Operation Special Delivery is a program that is near and dear to my heart.  It was one of the things that drew me into the official Doula world. This is how the website describes it's services:

"Operation Special Delivery (or OSD), provides trained volunteer doulas for pregnant women whose husbands or partners have been severely injured or who have lost their lives due to the current war on terror, or who will be deployed , or unable to attend the birth due to military reasons. The doulas that are volunteering are doing so at a pro bono (free) rate, and are doing so by their own discretion"

So many of my favorite birth memories are from when I have accompanied a military mother through her "labor day".  It is an honor to join such strong, courageous women as they prepare for and give birth to their beautiful babies.  At this time I can not offer my services for free, so I am not an official OSD Doula.  I prefer to offer my services to OSD qualified couples delivering at Rancho Springs Medical Center and Loma Linda Medical Center Murrieta.  Please contact me with any questions.

These two adorable Military Dads were created by Nikki of Melonheadz Illustrations. Thank you! This is a link to the Melonheadz pinterest board!



Epidurals and a doula

I love this infographic!  We as Doulas must be doing some darn good stuff to be showing such a reduction in the chance of a C-section. I also like that it shows that a doula is for all expectant couples, no matter what their birth goals are.

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!

Partners in Birth

Just another little ditty I found that has captured so well the support that loved ones and a labor support team can give to a laboring woman.