Decisions
What is it about being half-way through pregnancy that suddenly makes me think that we have to:
- Register for a childbirth class
- Hire a doula
- Find childcare
- Take over and revitalize the local chapter of La Leche League
No, we've not actually accomplished any of those things, but suddenly, I'm stressing about all of them.
What is a doula?
ReplyDeleteBasically, a doula does what all the neighbor-ladies and other women in your tribe used to do, back in the day.
ReplyDeleteFrom the website of DONA International (the doula association):
Women across the globe appreciate and value the experience of having a doula – a knowledgeable, experienced companion – who stays with them through labor, birth and beyond. Birth doulas offer emotional support, encouragement and wisdom throughout labor and birth. Postpartum doulas support women and families through the transformation that a new baby brings to a family.
A birth doula is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.
The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek, meaning “Woman’s servant.” Throughout history and in much of the world today, a cadre of women support a woman through labor and birth, giving back rubs and providing continuous emotional support. Like their historical counterparts, DONA International birth doulas know how to help a woman in labor feel better. However, today’s doulas are much more diverse than their predecessors. DONA International membership includes men and women from a wide range of ages and cultural backgrounds.
I thought that Shrike would do that!
ReplyDeleteShrike will certainly be there to support me emotionally, but she's never done this before either, so she doesn't have a big bag o'tricks of things to suggest or a wealth of reassurances at hand.
ReplyDeleteThe doula will be able to not only help me, but will help her to help me.
On the other hand, the docs, midwives and nurses to have all that experience, but they don't have the time available to sit in my room and be with me.
A doula kind of bridges that gap. She's got lots of experience and know-how, but is dedicated to helping that one mom.
I see the doula's role as being much like the role that an old-time midwife or neighbor-ladies or tribeswomen might play - but with an anesthesiologist and operating room right down the hall, if necessary.
Again, from the DONA website:
Does a doula replace nursing staff?
No. Doulas do not replace nurses or other medical staff. Doulas do not perform clinical or medical tasks such as taking blood pressure or temperature, monitoring fetal heart rate, doing vaginal examinations or providing postpartum clinical care. They are there to comfort and support the mother and to enhance communication between the mother and medical professionals.
Does a doula make decisions on my behalf?
A doula does not make decisions for clients or intervene in their clinical care. She provides informational and emotional support, while respecting a woman’s decisions.
Will a doula make my partner feel unnecessary?
No, a doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner, and plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth to the extent he/she feels comfortable.
and
Where does the word “doula” come from?
The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek, meaning “Woman’s servant.”
Throughout history and in much of the world today, a cadre of women support a woman through labor and birth, giving back rubs and providing continuous emotional support. Like their historical counterparts, DONA International birth doulas know how to help a woman in labor feel better.
However, today’s doulas are much more diverse than their predecessors. DONA International membership includes men and women from a wide range of ages and cultural backgrounds.
That said, we have to see if we like this one lady from Shrike'sWorkTown, or if we don't, whether there's another one nearby.
ReplyDeleteAnd will have to find out what she costs and consider that factor.
I think we may set up a consultation with her for early August.
Alternatively, you can worry that the baby is going to get here before her room is ready and then you can spend three hours "stripping" some furniture until you finally realize the biodegradable "stripper" you are using is for water-based paints. Not so much for oil-based stains. You realize this only after slathering each piece of furniture three or four times. Man, I am tired of being me. When do I get to be someone else? Poor Ellie. If only she had Whozat's genes. Arggghhhh
ReplyDeleteOh, honey. . . .
ReplyDeleteI thought we weren't going to strip that changing table at all, just sand / prime / paint.
I really don't think it needs to be stripped first.
It's good to be pregnant and not allowed around chemicals such as "strippers", isn't it. Though I taught chemistry throughout my pregnancies with you and your brother and worked as a chemist while pregnant with Lady Kay. Hmm, does that tell us anything?
ReplyDelete