Doulas

Doula:


A Doula is someone^[1] who provides non-medical support to women and their families during labour and childbirth, and also the postpartum period. A doula helps fill this gap by providing support to the woman and her partner or support system throughout the childbearing year. A doula does not replace the support system; instead, they help support them so that they can focus on loving and encouraging the laboring woman. Doulas can serve as a source of information during pregnancy, labor and birth. A doula assists families in gathering information about their pregnancy, labor and the options available for delivery.



P and I are in the process of interviewing Doulas. Since I have been directed into using the services of an OB rather than my preferred route of using a midwife (both P and my Dr think that based on my history, its best to go the medical route for this kiddo), and we will not have the luxury of being surrounded by family and friends for Peanuts arrival, I feel that we need a 3rd party that will act as a support and provide guidance and strength when the going gets going. 


So in classic E fashion I set up interviews with 3 different ladies, the first of which just concluded. Such lovely ladies. They have been present for 40 births and have worked at the hospital that we will deliver at. They are local and will be on call for us from the moment we secure their services and have no limited on time spent with us once labour begins.


i realized while talking with them just how nervous I am about the rest of this pregnancy and just how scary it is going to be to go into labour and deliver my child, never mind my new role as a MOTHER! 


I have to admit it. I am scared. I am a tough gal, but this has me shaking


Meeting with another doula tomorrow and will ponder our decision over a 90 minute massage and a festive weekend in Whistler. Tis the Season!



P and I are in the process of interviewing Doulas. Since I have been directed into using the services of an OB rather than my preferred route of using a midwife this time (both P and my Dr think that based on my history, its best to go the medical route for this kiddo), and we will not have the luxury of being surrounded by family and friends for Peanuts arrival, I feel that we need a 3rd party that will act as a support and provide guidance and strength when the going gets going. 


So in classic E fashion I set up interviews with 3 different ladies, the first of which just concluded. Such lovely ladies. They have been present for 40 births and have worked at the hospital that we will deliver at. They are local and will be on call for us from the moment we secure their services and have no limited on time spent with us once labour begins.


I realized while talking with them just how nervous I am about the rest of this pregnancy and just how scary it is going to be to go into labour and deliver my child, never mind my new role as a MOTHER! 


I have to admit it - I am a tough gal, but this has me shaking.


Meeting with another doula tomorrow and will ponder our decision over a 90 minute massage and a festive weekend in Whistler. Tis the Season!