Why Am I a Doula?

Hello,
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My name is Taryn and I am a Birth Doula and Photographer. 
 
But I also have many other titles: wife, mother, sister, friend, homeschool teacher, christian, singer, to name a few. 
 
While you could easily read my bio to read a bit about me. I want to write more about me as a doula; my heart and my passion. 
 
Why am I doula? 

​As you might have seen or read, I have three boys. During my first pregnancy (2013), I was that typically mom googling everything, coming to the doctors’ appointments with a list of questions, lying awake fearful of everything. I prepared and bought every single gadget available, and I researched every topic I could think of when it came to having a baby. 
 
What I didn’t do: Research what was available to me at the hospital, what I could ask for or say no to. What procedures were and the pros and cons to them. I didn’t understand labour or what to expect. I had no education on the philosophy of birth or coping mechanisms. I mean, I knew I had to get to 10 centimetres dilated but didn’t actual know how long a body took to get there or how. Let’s just say I went in blind and had no idea I was going in blind! I thought I was prepared?! 
 
Then came my second (2016). I knew my body could birth a baby. There was less fear, less questions. Did I educate myself and learn from my previous birth? No. Did I understand how a body works as a “second time” birther? No. Did I prepare myself mentally for life with two? No. 

​Then came my third (2018). I know what I’m doing now! (Nope, Haha). I had a birth plan this time though! I’d like no epidural. That was it. Did I finally research my other options?! No. 

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​Did I have someone to ask those options and educate me that there even WERE options?

No. 
 
This is why I do what I do. I love to educate woman, help them to feel equipped, ready, and supported for their labours. But mostly EMPOWERED! 
 
I love to teach woman about their bodies and the philosophy of birth. What can labour look like; What to expect!  
 
I love to educate! What are these interventions and what are the pros and cons? When should we tap into science and when should we let nature do its thing? I love providing examples of how I’ve seen these interventions be helpful and not. I love encouraging my mommas to get of Doctor Google and be their resource!
 
I also love letting you know and empowering you, that you are the… 
 
Decision maker in your birth!
 
That you can say NO and or ask for more information. 99% of the time there is time to decide! 
 
I love talking to mommas about what recovery will be like (been there!), what to expect when it comes to feeding and sleeping schedules. I’m a breastfeeding educator (I also breastfed for over 7 years myself), and I love to encourage families with an honest reality of what that first week could look like. 
 
I also equip moms with mental health check ins and postpartum education. 
 
For those second or third time (plus) mommas, I love to go over their previous births and dive into what may have gone “wrong” and encourage what went well! We chat about where we can learn from those experiences (how our body did or the decisions we made) and create a plan for the next birth. *I have VBAC training (Vaginal Birth after Caesarian) and love achieving my clients goals with them! 
 
In labour, I model breathing techniques, give massages, and access pressure points, bring coping tools like a tens machine, and create a calming birthing space with the use of music, diming lights and quiet. 
 
I love that in moments with my families I can say “Yes, I’ve been there. Experienced that too. I hear you. I get it.” 
 
I've had an epidural and I've had two unmedicated births. I understand the sweet relief and meeting your baby on an epidural. And I also understand those last 10 minutes of OUCH! But I can hold your hand and say…
 
 “I got you; I've been through this. You will get through this!” 

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While I went into my births “blind.” I will say I had the encouragement from my grandmother, who was a midwife in South Africa. She encouraged natural approaches to pregnancy, labour, and newborn life. 
 
I carry on her tips, education, and love for woman now in my community! 
 
I strive to connect with my clients and be their “village.” To be their constant support, their resource, a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, 24/7 text support the whole pregnancy! 
 
I come to labour armed with all those coping tools, positive energy, calming presence and advocate your wishes.
 
*Side note: as a Birth Photographer, I capture those first moments, so you can just enjoy them! I take pictures as intimate or discreet as preferred. 
 
My goal as a birth doula. Is to not make you afraid for the day. But enjoy the day as this is the day you meet your newest little love of your life. 
 
I help you prepare, calm those nerves and be your constant unwavering support, no matter what location of birth and or what’s on your birth plans. 
 
My goal is to support woman, love on woman and be a friend through it all.
 
Someone you can trust; someone you can rely on. ​

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I’m also there to support the partners! I look for the “deer in headlights” look and reassure them when things are normal. Or educate them when they have questions. I love to show them how they can help and then step back and let them support you. I love to “tap in” when they need a break and make sure they are eating and drinking!
 
Overall, I just love joining families in the most special day of their lives! It’s such an honour to join these special spaces, welcoming a new family member. 
 
Some people say, “oh a long birth, that must suck!”
 
Whether long or short, if I can make a difference in someone’s story; make any type of impact by even the smallest thing like dimming the lights or closing the door, I know I was needed, and joy just fills my heart. 
 
There is a need for doulas. I am a proud doula, who’s ready for all the sleepless nights and welcoming babies into the world.

​It’s an honour; it’s a privilege, it’s my passion. 

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