How I Serve
Every labor doula offers support during childbirth, but this looks different for every doula, every woman, and every birth. A doula's care comes from the heart, so the way you are supported is unique. Besides the details I include in my services, here's what you can expect from me as your doula:
Before the Birth
Emotional Support and Peer Counseling In birth, your body will be working harder then it ever has, and your physical endurance will be tried and reinforced as you accomplish the feat of bringing your baby to your arms. Think for a moment of a time when you pushed yourself past what you thought was your limit--perhaps you were jogging or playing a sport. Your muscles hurt, your lungs ached and you wanted to stop. Remember your inner dialogue, what you told yourself that enabled you to go a little further. Though this was physical, your emotional reserves carried you through and you found physical strength you possessed but hadn't yet acknowledged. Now apply this to your upcoming birth, which will indeed be a marathon. What might surface during labor that will hold you back, make you doubt your body's abilities? What do you need to remind yourself of so you can birth with confidence and power? What truths do you need to fully accept now? I am here to help you explore the various facets of your upcoming birth experience. I am here to listen and guide you as you prepare yourself for a strong, confident labor. |
During Labor
During your labor I am at your service. We will explore comfort measures and address any worries you have beforehand so that I can effectively meet your needs when you go into labor. When I am with you, I am supporting you woman-to-woman, which I feel is a part of Jesus' design for community. I will be available to you throughout your labor, offering hands-on support or simply "holding the sacred space". This means stepping back to give you and your husband some space, in acknowledgement of the sacred union between you and your spouse. My goal is to balance these two types of support as you desire. This might mean disappearing between contractions or staying with you at all times. You can ask me to do anything. In the moment, you can dismiss me and without worry as to how I will perceive it. Sometimes a doula is most helpful when she is invisible. On the other hand, you might decide that you want me to massage your back or legs during every contraction, or hold your hand while your husband does. I am also here to help give your husband a few moments to grab a bite to eat, or to go out and get food for him so that he can stay with you. My participation is completely catered to your wants and needs. |
Immediately After Your Baby's Arrival
Again, I can witness these first moments with you or I can stand back until you ask for me. The first minutes of your baby's life are yours to cherish, as you begin the lifelong process of getting to know your child. I will stay with you or at the place of birth for a couple of hours, until you are comfortable. I am also available to support your transition back home with your new bundle. Learn more about this service here. |