 What is a Birth doula? Do I need to hire one? My friends say it was the best thing they ever did! I hope to answer those questions here and what I, as your Doula could offer: Doula verse Midwife? A doula is a person trained to advise, inform, and offer emotional and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and after the birth of her child. A midwife is a specially trained and licensed professional, who provide government-funded primary care to pregnant woman and their newborns. I don’t think I’ll need one, I have my partner and/or mom in the room… That’s wonderful that you have an amazing support team already! As a doula, I want to help THEM support YOU! I will be encouraging them, giving them a break (especially in long birthing processes), rubbing their back as they rub yours if needed, making sure they are fed, coaching them on breathing techniques to better support you! Essentially, support for the support team! What is my partner’s role if have a doula? I believe the partner is the second most important person in the room! It is so important for them to be a part of the birthing process! But sometimes they have questions or concerns during the process; I’m there to support them and give them the confidence boost they need in the wonderful and amazing experience that being present at a birth can be! If you want them more present in comforting you, YES! Please! I’ll coach them if needed, or fade to the background! Your partner is who knows you best in the room! These are your family moments and I want them to be special!  I think I’m ready to give birth? You are more than ready to give birth! Trust your body, it knows exactly what to do! Trust me (as your doula) to handle everything else! I’m not sure how I feel leading up to my birth… As a doula, one of my main missions is to empower woman of how wonderful our bodies are! The fact that we can create and GROW humans in OUR body, can only mean we CAN birth with OUR bodies! My job is to encourage woman to feel confident and ready for the birthing process, bring peace and calmness to the birth, and leave feeling supported, respected, heard, powerful, strong and safe. A great quote I love said so perfectly from a friend is, "I am here to remember my great, great, great, great, great grandmothers who birthed their babies all by themselves. To remember my power as a woman in my ability to create life. I am here to lift up other women to remember how normal and natural birth is intended to be. To teach others about how magical our bodies are and that they are so wise. The body knows how to birth a baby. Everyone, and everything, else just needs to get out of the way." – Jaycee Clarkson from Unfurl Wellness How can a doula help me with my birth plan? Did you know there is no “have to” in birth? Our medical culture surrounding birth has become routine procedures and guidelines that are not individually based. As a doula I bring knowledge and experience in birth related topics to help guide you in YOUR choices for YOUR birth to create an “Informed Choice Birth Plan”. Topics of conversation include but not limited to: Delayed cord clamping, limited fetal monitoring, limited vaginal exams, epidurals, pain medications, inducement and other medical procedures, skin to skin, etc. Don’t know where to even start or what these mean or your options!? Great…I can help! What does a doula do before I’m in the birthing process? This is my favourite part! Encouraging, inspiring, and preparing you for one of the most important moments in your life! We will discuss in our monthly meetings prior to birth: Assistance in identifying your goals and values, exercise and nutrition during pregnancy, creating an “Informed Choice Birth Plan,” stages of labour and what to expect, the possibility of a C-Section, birth partners education and role, empowering mother to feel confident for birth and fourth trimester expectations. Have questions, concerns, need encouraging? Our monthly meetings can help prepare you to feel confident and ready for your birth! What does a doula do during my birthing process? My job is to provide physical and emotional support during your labour process. The greatest analogy I heard was “a doulas role is to stand at the back of the room and hug the room. What does the room need?” A doula looks and finds where she is needed. Every birth is different, one woman may want constant support (I bring massagers and birthing aids with me), another for me to go play with her other children or walk the dog. I help create the space needed at each birth. I also advocate your wishes and your birth plan on your behalf to midwives or hospital staff and am in constant communication with the team on the progress and success of your birth. I also set the mood of the room by lighting candles, putting on music and or decorating. I’m there for it all, 24/7 on call from 38 weeks until birth.
What does a doula do after I’ve given birth? I will schedule one “Wellness Check In” within your home to discuss feeding, sleep, and answer any of your questions, etc.) This is not my first birth, why do I need a doula? There are many reasons woman opt for a doula the second or third time around. They realized what they missed! They know what they want this round, or they realize they don’t know what they need and want and want to be educated on how to make their other births lead to a better outcome. Can I call or text my doula? Absolutely! I’m here 24/7 for you leading up to the birth! Do you do photography at my birth? Yes! If you’d like to add a birth photography package, just ask! I’d love to capture those special and first moments for you! Something a little better than a phone selfie! They can be as intimate or discreet as you prefer! *See my RAISE Photography packages for Maternity, Birth, Newborn and Fresh48!   |
Taryn BennettWife. Mama. Doula. Writer. Blogger. Singer. Christian. Archives
October 2023
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