Own Your Birth
Why I do what I do?
One of the most common questions I get is “What made you want to become a doula?” My standard answer is that my experience giving birth to my oldest son taught me the value of support. But it’s a little deeper than that. When I was expecting him, I did all the “right” things. I chose midwives at a local birthing center. I never skipped a prenatal appointment. I took all the classes (childbirth, breastfeeding, and prenatal yoga). I read all the books. I trusted my body would do what it wanted to do naturally.
But then it didn’t. And I got induced at 42 weeks. I had back labor because my baby was posterior (sunny side up). The midwife was in and out attending to other people. My husband and I were left mostly alone to manage this. He looked panicked and I felt like I was being ripped in half with every contraction. My labor had become a runaway train.
But then it didn’t. And I got induced at 42 weeks. I had back labor because my baby was posterior (sunny side up). The midwife was in and out attending to other people. My husband and I were left mostly alone to manage this. He looked panicked and I felt like I was being ripped in half with every contraction. My labor had become a runaway train.
What I learned
It’s true that your body will do what it wants to do naturally, but we need to set it up for success. We need to create the right environment (in your body) so that when your body is ready labor can start and progress smoothly. This is what I call my “Best Odds Plan”. This plan is the culmination of my 20 years of experience working with woman during their childbearing year. I have learned that there are 3 key elements to having an empowered birth where you make choices that are aligned or you and your baby. This is true whether you are having a planned cesarean or an unmedicated home birth. It’s not about how the baby enters the world. It’s helping the mom to be an empowered decision maker in that process.