Post-Natal Visit

I went to visit sweet little Anderson on Friday. I can't believe he is already 3 weeks old! Anderson and Mommy are doing great! We talked all about the birth and laughed about the silly things Anderson's Daddy did during the labor! It was great to catch up and kiss his sweet little cheeks!

Anderson's mommy gave me permission to share the story of his birth! Here it is from my point of view as I tell Anderson about his birthday!

I arrived at Beaumont hospital at 8 o’clock in the morning to assist during your birth. I was surprised to hear that your mom’s water had broke the night previous and labor was already on its way. Your mom was having pretty strong contractions and was 3cm dilated. At 8:30am, she asked for an epidural and was comfortable within minutes. At 9:45am, your mom was examined and to our astonishment she was already 8cm dilated and almost ready to push. Your mom was so excited to meet you. She couldn’t believe that she was going to be holding you in her arms in a few short hours. Unfortunately, it was at that time that your mom's epidural stopped working. She was in extreme amounts of pain and couldn't get any relief. I coached her through each contraction by reminding her to breathe, relax and stay calm. I also massaged her arms, hands and back-whatever she needed to relax at that time. At 12:00 noon, it was time to push. Your mom was a champ; she pushed and pushed and pushed. Finally, the doctor suggested that your mom take a little break to rest up and then she could start pushing again. At 12:30 your mom was ready to start pushing again. She was determined to get you out. Finally, during one push, I was able to see the tip of your head. Your mom was ecstatic to hear that you had reddish-blonde hair! With each push I was able to see more and more of your head. It was incredible to watch you come into this world! Then at 1:31pm you were born and handed right to your mom. She was filled with joy and started crying at the sight of you. The doctor handed the scissors to your dad to cut the umbilical cord but he declined. Then the doctor asked me if I wanted to cut the cord! I jumped at this opportunity and gently separated you from your mommy. When I told your mom how cute you were she said “Well, of course!” You were born weighing 7lbs and 19 ½ inches long. Unfortunately, you had a slight fever so the doctors took you to the NICU for further testing. It was hard for your mom to let you go, but she knew it was only to keep you healthy.

Welcome Baby Anderson!

Yesterday I was able to witness another miracle!Baby Anderson joined my doula family at 1:31pm. He weighed in a 7lbs and was 19.5 inches long! I was even privileged enough to cut his umbilical cord! What an amazing experience! Mommy and baby are doing wonderful!

Another Miraculous Birth

I will never grow tired of experiencing the miracle of birth! Here's me with baby Chloe, the newest member of my doula family.

What is a Doula?

A doula supports a woman and her partner during pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks of parenting, with reassurance, practical assistance, and information. A doula is someone you come to know well by the time of your birth, and who is there during your labor, by your side, focused solely on you and your partner. She can encourage you, remain objective, and help your partner feel more confident about how to support you. She can also assist you with practical knowledge on comfort measures for labor, such as massage and suggestions for positioning. A doula can provide information when you have questions, and can help you communicate most effectively with your medical caregivers. The main focus of a doula's role is often on the birth itself, but doula support can also be invaluable during pregnancy (especially if you face questions about tests or

complications), and after the birth when she can help out with feeding and adjusting to life with a newborn.

There are a few things a doula is not. She is not acting as a nurse or midwife, so she does not provide clinical care such as doing examinations on you or checking your baby's heartbeat. The support a doula provides fits together with, but does not replace, the care of your doctor, midwife, or nurses. Doulas do not make decisions for you, or speak for you. This is your birth, your baby, your life!
A doula supports you by providing information and explanations you may want about your choices, but it's always you who decides what's best for you.

Doulas make a difference!
The research has shown that
having a doula at your birth
can make a real difference to
the outcome.

The risk of an emergency
cesarean is reduced, as well as
the chances of other
interventions happening like
episiotomy and assisted
delivery.

How a mother interacts with
her baby, her satisfaction with
her birth and her relationship
with her partner are all rated
significantly higher with
women who have had a doula
compared to those who have
not!

Choosing A Doula

How can I pick the right doula for me? Where do I even start? You might be nervous about interviewing doulas. Or unsure what steps to take first. Start with identifying what you want from your doula. Reassurance? Physical support and comfort during labor? Specialized expertise in attending twin births or VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean)? Knowing what you want is the first step to making sure you get it! Likewise, a good doula finds out what you want and works toward that, instead of offering a "one size fits all" service. Keep in mind that the doula who is right for you may not be the one who has attended the most births, but could be the one who can offer the support you need and with whom you and your partner "click" the best. Consider the following when you're speaking to a doula you're thinking about hiring:

• how much time does she spend doing the talking during your conversation? how much time does she spend listening to you? A good doula listens a lot!

• how much does she include your partner in her questions and discussions?

• do you feel able to speak your mind with her or are you worried about what she will think?

• do you feel this is someone you would enjoy getting to know and appreciate having present at your birth?

• what kind of formal training or work experience has she had as a doula? Some doulas have had basic training with a weekend workshop, while others have done months of extensive study, and still others have been trained "on the job" with no formal schooling; is there a particular training background that is important to you? Check the website of your doula's training organization to find out more about her

formal qualifications.

If there is something specific you are looking for, or a particular concern you have, ask her how she has supported other parents in your situation. In the end, listen to your instincts!