Our Doula
Since Steven and I plan on having a home birth, our midwife HIGHLY suggested that we look into hiring a doula. Before I go further, lets answer a few questions since many of you have probably never heard of such a thing.
1. What is a doula?
DONA.org (Doulas of N America) gives the following definition: "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."
2. What does a doula do?
Provides Emotional Support
In other words, prior to the birth my doula will come to my home and walk through basic "childbirth class" stuff. We will talk about my birth plan and what I want on D-Day. Then, when it's time, she will come to my home and help me through labor. Since I am doing this naturally she will provide emotional and physical support to me throughout my labor, reminding me how to breathe if necessary, showing me different positions that will help alleviate pain, she'll rub my back if that needs to happen, she'll get me water if I'm thirsty, food if I'm hungry... she's basically there specifically for my comfort and to help me know what to do with myself...especially since I've never done this before. She will show Steven how best to help me and will take turns with him caring for me. She will stay throughout the entirety of my labor and will even stick around for an hour or two after Annie arrives to assist with breastfeeding, etc. if need be.
So, now that you see the value of having a doula at a natural home birth, I will tell you a little about ours!
I did some searching based on some recommendations my midwife made and found a dear sweet soul willing to be our doula for "pennies." (Doulas typically cost $500-600). Her name is Nayomi. I realize her services will be worth far more than the average asking price... can you imagine being with a mom going through nautral labor.. for hours on end being their rock & support and never being able to 'wear out?" Unfortunately Steven and I just don't have that kind of cash to shell out. by the grace of God Nayomi has agreed to take us on for cheap cheap!!
Today - we met her...and the first thing she said to me was, "Oh my goodness! You're so tiny!" I am in love with her already! (perhaps I'll wear the same shirt for my week 28 photo that I wore for her today... since it apparently makes me look tiny. haha) After spending an hour talking with Nayomi I feel even more confident about our decision to birth at home ... and even more confident in my ability to actually give birth. We've only spent an hour with her but I feel a million times better/more prepared knowing that she will be here on D-Day. Her love for laboring moms and her passion for being a doula provides such great comfort for a first timer! No doubt this will be the most worthwhile money we've ever spent!
She's coming to our home in 2 weeks for the first home visit... to sit with me and talk through some of my fears and concerns - and to teach me a thing or two about what to do with myself during birth. AND just incase I forget... she'll be with me every step of the way guiding me and Steven both through what will be one of the most amazing experiences of our lives. Thank you, Lord, for women like Nayomi!
1. What is a doula?
DONA.org (Doulas of N America) gives the following definition: "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."
2. What does a doula do?
Provides Emotional Support
- Encourages the mom and partner before labor at the hospital, birth center, or home.
- Encourages the mom and partner to work together throughout labor and birth
- Supports mom and partner postpartum
- Provides assistance in family support
- Information that encourages informed consent and allows for open communication between mom and all who take part in her birth experience
- Information regarding childbirth options
- During labor
- Assistance with initial breastfeeding
- Focuses on the comfort of mom and partner throughout labor and childbirth
In other words, prior to the birth my doula will come to my home and walk through basic "childbirth class" stuff. We will talk about my birth plan and what I want on D-Day. Then, when it's time, she will come to my home and help me through labor. Since I am doing this naturally she will provide emotional and physical support to me throughout my labor, reminding me how to breathe if necessary, showing me different positions that will help alleviate pain, she'll rub my back if that needs to happen, she'll get me water if I'm thirsty, food if I'm hungry... she's basically there specifically for my comfort and to help me know what to do with myself...especially since I've never done this before. She will show Steven how best to help me and will take turns with him caring for me. She will stay throughout the entirety of my labor and will even stick around for an hour or two after Annie arrives to assist with breastfeeding, etc. if need be.
So, now that you see the value of having a doula at a natural home birth, I will tell you a little about ours!
I did some searching based on some recommendations my midwife made and found a dear sweet soul willing to be our doula for "pennies." (Doulas typically cost $500-600). Her name is Nayomi. I realize her services will be worth far more than the average asking price... can you imagine being with a mom going through nautral labor.. for hours on end being their rock & support and never being able to 'wear out?" Unfortunately Steven and I just don't have that kind of cash to shell out. by the grace of God Nayomi has agreed to take us on for cheap cheap!!
Today - we met her...and the first thing she said to me was, "Oh my goodness! You're so tiny!" I am in love with her already! (perhaps I'll wear the same shirt for my week 28 photo that I wore for her today... since it apparently makes me look tiny. haha) After spending an hour talking with Nayomi I feel even more confident about our decision to birth at home ... and even more confident in my ability to actually give birth. We've only spent an hour with her but I feel a million times better/more prepared knowing that she will be here on D-Day. Her love for laboring moms and her passion for being a doula provides such great comfort for a first timer! No doubt this will be the most worthwhile money we've ever spent!
She's coming to our home in 2 weeks for the first home visit... to sit with me and talk through some of my fears and concerns - and to teach me a thing or two about what to do with myself during birth. AND just incase I forget... she'll be with me every step of the way guiding me and Steven both through what will be one of the most amazing experiences of our lives. Thank you, Lord, for women like Nayomi!
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