I was 17 when I walked into a childbirth class. Little did I know that this would change me forever. Not just becoming a mother at the young age of 17 but change my whole perspective on life. I wanted to be a music teacher. I was in band for years. It was the only thing I had a passion for. And then I had Gabe..... I had always had the fantasy of having children. But I only wanted one and I wanted a boy. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have 8 kids. Now that I am becoming a doula I see in my own births where a doula would have been beneficial. I wish that I would have had the education, physical and emotional support that a doula can give. I remember walking in the childbirth class. The women were quite older but they were all very polite to me. I remember sitting down and getting ready to watch a video on birth. I was scared to death. I didn't know a thing about childbirth. But as I sat there, Brian next to me, I couldn't believe how beautiful it was. And then a few months later Gabriel was here and I was astounded! 36 hours of labor and he was finally here and I was exhausted. I wish I could tell the 17 year old me that I had choices. I had the choice to choose natural birth, an epidural, an unmedicated birth, a water birth, whatever but I felt like because I was so young the choice was taken away. From this day on I knew I wanted to be a doula/midwife. I knew I wanted to help women in their choices for their perfect birth. I want women to be empowered by their birth no matter what age they are and know that they have choices! If you are reading this and you are not sure about what a Doula does let me clarify a few things.
What is a doula?
The word doula is a Greek word meaning women's servant. Women have been serving others in childbirth for many centuries and have proven that support from another woman has a positive impact on the labor process. A doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. The doula's purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience. So if you are deciding if you would like a doula here are some questions to ask a potential doula:
- What training have they had?
- What services do you provide?
- What are your fees?
- Are you available for my due date?
- What made you decide to become a doula?
- Would you be available to meet before to go over a birth plan?
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