A Doula is a labor assistant. The word "Doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves". Doula now refers to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth.
My very good friend Julie was going through her doula training while we were in chiropractic school together. She and I audited a birth class together at a hospital near our chiropractic school in Illinois. While in that class I was very surprised at what the women who were VERY pregnant did not know about birth and birthing and their options and choosing what their experience was going to be. For many of them this was the only class they were taking. Most just shrugged and said that the nurses and doctors would take the reins. UM>>> THE NURSES AND DOCTORS AREN'T HAVING THE BABY.... YOU ARE!!!!! HELLO! I knew that was not for me.
So many questions like cutting the cord, having our miracle child with us immediately after birth, and many a question about "protocol" that the doula will help us navigate.
Most importantly for me I want her to be there for Jesse so he can be there for me. I really like what the doula we met with today said. She is the flight attendant who remains calm in all situations. In birth there can be and will be many things that happen that you are wondering.... and might send you into a panic... which will prolong the labor (not wanted) and she is there to guide you through. Breath by breath and keep you and your support partner focused on the birth and not what is going on around you.
Another part I liked is that with a doula I will feel more comfortable laboring at home for a longer period of time. Home is where I am comfortable and familiar. Remember my friend Julie? She had her daughter at home. AWESOME!!! I'm going for the next best thing.
Research shows having a doula can result in a shorter labor with few complications, reduce negative feelings about one's childbirth experience, reduce the need for pitocin, forceps or vacuum extraction and cesarean birth, and reduce the mothers need for pain medication and/or epidural. (Hell yeah! I'm in!)
Our doula... (I guess I really did like her if I'm already calling her that) said the main thing is for me to relax and let go and let the birth happen. I tell you what that will be our toughest challenge. I like to be in control and make things happen not let them happen. I think way too much and get myself and my mind all wrapped up in what ifs. So we have six months to train my mind. I'll be much more diligent on my daily meditations and my yoga practice. Once I got through the stress of our move I let it peter off and I notice a difference.
What a journey.
Love and light,
Heidi
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