Birth & Me
The first time I gave birth, it was a long labor. I was young and uninformed, with no idea what to expect from pregnancy, labor, birth or a baby. As I entered my second day of labor, my progress had "stalled" and it was suggested to me that I have a cesarean, for the safety of my baby. I tearfully agreed to the surgery, not ready to give up on labor, but exhausted and worried about my daughter's health.
Disappointed in myself and feeling like a failure, I struggled to breastfeed and bond with my baby. As I dealt with the sadness I had about this experience, I educated myself about modern labor and birth. I found that not only were my conflicted feelings normal, but they were part of the same sentiment expressed by many women who had had difficult or traumatic births. I found that with more information and a little bit of support, my cesarean might have been avoided.
A litte over a year after becoming a mother myself, I set out to help other mothers. I had heard of doulas during my first pregnancy, but was unsure about them and had worried about the extra cost. I realized that my birth might have gone much differently if I had hired a doula, and that I could help other women have better births if I became a doula myself. I completed my training and started attending births and realized that I had found more than an occupation; I had found a vocation.
My cesarean baby is seven years old now, and I've had two more children, two homebirth VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). I have helped other women and healed myself. Having seen the difference that a well-informed birth attendant who supports a laboring mother's choices can make, I truly believe that every woman can benefit from the work of doulas.
Since I began my training as a doula, I have completed DONA's (Doulas of North America) required doula training workshop in 2004 and the required reading that is part of their certification process. I have also continued my education through self study, community interaction, and mentorship. In 2009, I attended a Prenatal Massage workshop at the Boulder School of Massage Therapy. Most recently, I attendedthe 2011 ICAN(International Cesarean Awareness Network) Conference in St. Louis, MO. During the two day conference, I attended multiple educational sessions on birth support, cesarean prevention, and obstetrical research.
Disappointed in myself and feeling like a failure, I struggled to breastfeed and bond with my baby. As I dealt with the sadness I had about this experience, I educated myself about modern labor and birth. I found that not only were my conflicted feelings normal, but they were part of the same sentiment expressed by many women who had had difficult or traumatic births. I found that with more information and a little bit of support, my cesarean might have been avoided.
A litte over a year after becoming a mother myself, I set out to help other mothers. I had heard of doulas during my first pregnancy, but was unsure about them and had worried about the extra cost. I realized that my birth might have gone much differently if I had hired a doula, and that I could help other women have better births if I became a doula myself. I completed my training and started attending births and realized that I had found more than an occupation; I had found a vocation.
My cesarean baby is seven years old now, and I've had two more children, two homebirth VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). I have helped other women and healed myself. Having seen the difference that a well-informed birth attendant who supports a laboring mother's choices can make, I truly believe that every woman can benefit from the work of doulas.
Since I began my training as a doula, I have completed DONA's (Doulas of North America) required doula training workshop in 2004 and the required reading that is part of their certification process. I have also continued my education through self study, community interaction, and mentorship. In 2009, I attended a Prenatal Massage workshop at the Boulder School of Massage Therapy. Most recently, I attendedthe 2011 ICAN(International Cesarean Awareness Network) Conference in St. Louis, MO. During the two day conference, I attended multiple educational sessions on birth support, cesarean prevention, and obstetrical research.