When I started to attend births 24 years ago, I never imagined I would see so many babies come into the world. What has been the toughest part of this passion? First of all - remembering everyone's name! Honestly, the older I get, the worse it is to remember names. But after all these years, I can still remember something from almost every birth I have ever attended.
Today was a real treat. I had worked with this couple on their first birth and felt privileged to be asked back for number 2. And this was a very typical second birth. Mom called me at 5:30am, 30 minutes after going into labor. And baby was born about 80 minutes later. All went well and I was so happy to share their journey again.
And today was a milestone for me - baby #700. Some have teased me that after l000 I'll quit - but who knows. I just know I'm thrilled to have had a part in so many birth stories over the years. If you are expecting - I hope you'll consider having a doula as a part of your birth. It will not only add to your cherished memory - but hers!
Cyndi Whitwell has been working as a childbirth labor doula since 1986 and has assisted hundreds of families in their birth process. She is certified through The Academy of Certified Birth Educators & Labor Support Professionals and Doulas of North America. She works in the greater Sacramento, California region as far west as Davis and Woodland, and east to Roseville, Folsom and Placerville. She has attended births in over 18 medical facilities and homebirths.
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
Cyndi's main web site: www.cyndidoula.net
Email contact: cyndi@cyndidoula.net
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