As I'm finishing up a well earned vacation, I'm reminded of a common question I am asked. "What happens if you are not available for my birth?"
Good question. Having supported families for decades I can say that having to bring a back up doula into the process is rare. All hard working doulas take their responsibility to be available very seriously. That means any plans we make are always "tentative". We know we are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Dental appointments, parent teacher conferences, giving family a ride to the doctor, special dinners out..all have to be cancelled if a family has a need.
But this continuous schedule can be stressful after a long period of time, a break is needed. I try to get out of town twice a year. When I return, I'm happy once again to be on call for the families who have chosen to have doula support.
But while away, I make sure that I have a dedicated doula on call for these families. So what happens if I'm not available? Another hard working and qualified doula will be available to support them.
I'm back on call at midnight and continuously until the next great vacation is planned. Thanks to all those wonderful doulas who provide backup so I can get away and regroup! Thanks to all the families who have chosen doula support but also support my getting away for a vacation!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Induction
The word "induction" can strike fear in the heart of many expectant moms. There are two main fears - that the pain will be unmanageable and that starting with an intervention will lead to many more.
So when is induction a good plan?
No matter how wonderful our plans can be for an intervention free birth - sometimes a mom's health or a baby's health dictate a change in plans. So when either mom or baby are compromised, an induction can be a good plan.
In working with your medical team, make sure you understand the details. How will the induction start? Are there several options in beginning this process? If one doesn't start labor - what is the next step? Will this be a slow process allowing labor to kick in - or are there medical reasons that it needs to be moved along more quickly?
Will you be allowed to eat up to a certain point, if labor does not start by evening, do you have the option to turn everything off, shower, eat and sleep before starting again.
What will your limitations be with the method of induction chosen? Will you be able to move around? Will you need constant monitoring?
These are all questions to discuss to come to a medically sound, safe process of induction.
I've seen many families go through an induction unmedicated and with a happy ending. There are definitely inductions that don't lead to many more interventions. But if that happens, just keep asking questions so that you feel informed of the choices made.
Having a doula to support you through this process can be a great help. But in any case, be well - and try not to fear that induction can lead to a bad memory of your birth.
So when is induction a good plan?
No matter how wonderful our plans can be for an intervention free birth - sometimes a mom's health or a baby's health dictate a change in plans. So when either mom or baby are compromised, an induction can be a good plan.
In working with your medical team, make sure you understand the details. How will the induction start? Are there several options in beginning this process? If one doesn't start labor - what is the next step? Will this be a slow process allowing labor to kick in - or are there medical reasons that it needs to be moved along more quickly?
Will you be allowed to eat up to a certain point, if labor does not start by evening, do you have the option to turn everything off, shower, eat and sleep before starting again.
What will your limitations be with the method of induction chosen? Will you be able to move around? Will you need constant monitoring?
These are all questions to discuss to come to a medically sound, safe process of induction.
I've seen many families go through an induction unmedicated and with a happy ending. There are definitely inductions that don't lead to many more interventions. But if that happens, just keep asking questions so that you feel informed of the choices made.
Having a doula to support you through this process can be a great help. But in any case, be well - and try not to fear that induction can lead to a bad memory of your birth.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
PATIENCE
All parents know how important the quality of patience is needed when raising children. But where does that lesson start? Soon after conception.
Are you not sure you are pregnant? Perhaps you have to have patience in having this reality verified. Then patience on having the pregnancy become well established. Patience on telling family and friends may be needed.
Patience on learning if you are expecting a boy or a girl - or even more patience if you decide to delay that information until the birth itself.
But the most patience has to be exercised when the due date is approaching. Allowing labor to start on it's own can be so helpful to having a safer, easier delivery. Each day may seem like a year - the phone may be ringing off the hook from family and friends who are just "checking" on you. This can make it more difficult to be patiently waiting.
When labor does start - being patient in allowing it to increase at it's own pace is important.
But this can also be difficult. This can be difficult on the doula also - to be on alert but not needed yet.
But in the end, the more labor is allowed to set the pace, the better the birth can turn out.
So learning this lesson of patience in pregnancy/labor can be a great starting point for your new life as a parent. Take a breath - enjoy the lesson - and have a great day!
Are you not sure you are pregnant? Perhaps you have to have patience in having this reality verified. Then patience on having the pregnancy become well established. Patience on telling family and friends may be needed.
Patience on learning if you are expecting a boy or a girl - or even more patience if you decide to delay that information until the birth itself.
But the most patience has to be exercised when the due date is approaching. Allowing labor to start on it's own can be so helpful to having a safer, easier delivery. Each day may seem like a year - the phone may be ringing off the hook from family and friends who are just "checking" on you. This can make it more difficult to be patiently waiting.
When labor does start - being patient in allowing it to increase at it's own pace is important.
But this can also be difficult. This can be difficult on the doula also - to be on alert but not needed yet.
But in the end, the more labor is allowed to set the pace, the better the birth can turn out.
So learning this lesson of patience in pregnancy/labor can be a great starting point for your new life as a parent. Take a breath - enjoy the lesson - and have a great day!
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