I attended my first of nine classes on birth education. I got the pleasure of meeting 6 wonderful expecting couples.

I got introduced to the president of my local Doula Collective. She’s offered to help me get plugged in and get to know other Doula’s in my area.

We covered nutrition in the class last night. We talked about how important it is to have a healthy eating regime while expecting. Main bullet points?
-High Proteins (Legumes, Meat, Dairy Products)
- Water
-High Simple Carbohydrates (veggies and Fruits)
-Water
-Juice
-Water
A balanced diet is invaluable to the development of baby and a source of strength for expecting mama. It will help her physically, mentally and emotionally. In turn it will help expecting partner as well – I know I get grumpy when I’m not eating well. Oh did I mention that water is good for an expecting mom?

For a more detailed version of this information I’ve attached a page you are more than welcome to download and print out. Put it on your fridge and write down 2 options for each suggested foods.

Elements of a Well Balanced Diet

It’s from “The Bradley Method” student work book (pg16)

Currently I’m reading a book titled ‘Gentle Birth Choices’ by Barbara Harper.

An incredible full spectrum story on the history of birth-giving. Like all living things the Birth process has had an evolving pattern of trying new things, getting rid of different aspects that don’t work for the participants and keeping what’s working.

What astounds me in this book so far is how much women’s ‘power’ has been challenged. I don’t personally consider myself as a feminist in any way and I’m learning how important it is that a woman has the freedom, support and love to make her own choices. For me it’s a no-brainer that I should be able to have a say in what happens to my body but in my reading I’m learning how much woman (in the past and present) haven’t been able to have a say in what happens in their birth process. Mostly due to an undereducated generation when it comes to giving birth,  there are many woman who don’t feel ‘qualified’ to make certain decisions when it comes to creation of their birth process.

I for one, want to learn all I can about my options before making a decisions – that’s what my mom always taught me – I can hear her right now ‘You need to have all the information before you on the table, before you can make an informed decision that will rest well with who you are and what your goals are.’

Don’t know what you want? Ok – no problem lets learn about the possibilities. Let’s rule out what you don’t want and get clear about what you do!

 Currently I am in the process of becoming certified as a Birth Doula through DONA (Doulas of North America)

June 1st: I will begin booking clients and will need to attend a few births for my certification at a discounted price!

Please email me with any questions you have.

alishamartin14@hotmail.com

There seems to be a growing awareness of Doulas. As I’ve shared my secret of becoming a doula with different people about 60% know what I’m talking about, the other 40%, well they’re just not so informed on the pregnancy world… but I like all of the responses so far of people who know what a doula is. They get a big smile on their face and say ‘Oh ya! My friend had one’ … or … ‘Yes! I’ve heard of them, they’re amazing!’. Not to toot the doula’s horn but I’m so happy that there’s been a positive sharing of doula experiences in my generation so far.

One way I describe a doula when talking to newbie’s is that they’re similar to a doula coach. Helping woman get where they want. Helping woman be who they want to be in the midst of the pregnancy. Helping woman ask for what they need. Helping woman feel comforted and surrounded by people who are for her.

Can’t wait to get to be there in my life.

Currently I’m on book #1 of my reading list.

It’s called The Birth Parnter Author: Simkin. It’s a book giving advice and suggestions to anyone who would find themselves in the position of physically being at the birth of a child. Some one whho is there as a support for the mom in labor, it gives lots of detailed information about what’s happening in mother’s body. Things like the progression of labor and what to look for.

What’s tricky about labor is that no 2 experiences are exactly the same. One birth looks completely different than the next, even within the same family. What’s consistant about labor is that it’s a process. Each one is a process with a begining, middle and end. One definition of the word process that I really like is ‘a series of natural occurrences that produce change or development’ I like this definition becuase it emphasizes that it’s NATURAL CHANGE over time. I would say it’s safe to say that there’s no manual for pregnancy or labor; which can be kind of intimidating but what’s great about this book is that it gives overall mile markers in the progress of labor. The milemarkers help anyone to sort of maybe kind of know what to expect and be looking for. For example it gives some detailed pointers about prelabor pains vs. actual labor and when to go to the hospital or call your doctor.

I’m learning that there are stages of labor with many different signs showing the moving from one stage to the next. As I read more I’ll share some details but so far I’m amazed at the body’s ability to know what to do, and the changes that happen naturally to accomodate the baby. I’m also learning that there’s a LOT of emotions flying around for the expectant mother and partner who’s helping…so much to take into consideration. For example, when a partner/doula is assisting a woman in labor, it’s extremely important to match the woman’s mood. If she’s focused and serious about her breathing…breath and focus with her. If she’s quiet and needing to rest you be quiet too. If she’s joking or in a optimistic mood be there with her; however if she’s discouraged that’s the one area the partner needs to be different in that being positive is key! Reminding her that she can do it, that she’s doing a good job and that you’re here for her.

Such great stuff please share with anyone you know that would benefit from this book!!

There are a few books that are on my upcoming reading list for my doula certification through DONA.

I was able to get the web-site’s reading list here for you. These are GREAT resources even if you’re not interested in hiring a doula. If you’re already a mom, an expectant mom or think you one day will be a mom read one of these. I love reading and learning about topics that interest me…

Must Read:

• DONA International’s Position Paper: The Birth Doula’s Contribution to Modern Maternity Care
• The Doula Book : By Klaus, Kennel & Klaus
• The Birth Partner; A Comlete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas and All Other Labor Companions : By Simkin *I highly recommend everyone read this.

Pick 1 of these:

• The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth: Kitzinger
• Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: the Complete Guide: By Simkin, Whalley, Keppler, Durham & Bolding
• The Mother of All Pregnancy Books: The Ultimate Guide to Conception, Birth and Everything in Between: By Douglas
• The Simple Guide to Having a Baby: By Whalley, Simkin & Keppler

Pick 1 of these:

• Gentle Birth Choices: A Guide to making Informed Decisions about Birthing Centers, Birth Attendants, Water Birth, Home Birth, Hospital Birth: ByHarper
• Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth: By Gaskin
• An easier Childbirth: AMother’s GUide for Brithing Normally: By Peterson
• The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth: By Goer

Pick 1 of these:

• The Breastfeeding Answer Book: By Mohrbacher
• Breastfeeding Made Simple: By Mohrbacher & Kendall
• The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book f Answers: By Newman & Pitman
• Dr. Jack Newman’s Guide to Breastfeeding: By Newman & Pitman
• The Nursing Mother’s Companion: By Huggins & Lawrence

As you can tell there’s lots of topics to read about and lots to pick from in each topic. (Which I like) – so as I order a couple I’ll fill you in on what I learn. I’m currently reading The Birth Partner…stay tuned for my thoughts!

As you’ve hopefully read in my previous post you know I have chosen to find certification through an organization called DONA but there are quite a few that I read about and considered before making my decision.

These other organizations are recognized as being an official certification process. See below:
DONA – www.dona.org  Doulas of North America

CAPPA – www.cappa.net Childbirth and Postpartum Professionals Accociation

ALACE – www.alace.org Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators

ICEA – www.icea.org   The International Childbirth Edcuation Association

Birth Works – www.birthworks.org

All of these organizations have pros and cons for their method of certifying different doulas. There are different specific things that are required to become certified; but generally they’re similar processes. See if there’s a few that you like or would consider…

As I’m reading more about doulas I have come to the conclusion that a doula’s life and profession can look many different ways. Which I think is part of what draws me to this profession. There’s a very ‘out of the box’ type of thinking partnered with this field. There’s 3 types of doulas antepartum, birth, and postpartum. There are doulas that are volunteer only and doulas who require payment. There are doulas that require actual money or will work for a trade of services. There are also doulas who are certified through an actual doula organization and doulas who are not certified but do it because they want to help others! Anyway you go you’re bound to find a doula right for you and where you are in your walk of life…

The 3 types of doulas:

1. ANTEPARTEM DOULA – hired in situations where there is a high risk pregnancy; and assists the mother in whatever needs to be taken care of in her world (within agreement of the contract) this doula helps before the birth. For example, say expectant mom ‘Sarah’ is in her 36th week of pregnancy aka – 8 months pregnant and Sarah has been prescribed by her doctor to bed rest for the last month, for whatever reason she needs to be physically putting her feet up. I’m sure Sarah would really like to be in bed resting as making a baby is a lot of work! However there might be things in Sarah’s life that are pulling her away from actually spending most of her time in bed/on the couch off her feet etc. This is where antepartem doula comes in handy. She can be hired to help do whatever’s needed so that Sarah can rest. Antepartem doulas are a newer addition to the doula world, but they are invaluable! They are known to help with light house work, laundry, and running any errands. An antepartum doula might cook some dinners and stock the freezer, that way when baby is here Sarah can just heat up the already prepped dinner for easy dinners!

2. BIRTH DOULA - hired to work with mom Sarah and her partner for the actual birth process. The birth doula is who meets with Sarah usually a couple times during weeks 32-37 to create a birth plan, help to make hospital or birthing center arrangements and, addresses any concerns Sarah may have  doula to stay all the way through the entire birth to make sure Sarah and her partner’s wishes are carried out as much as possible. There’s usually a follow up meeting after the birth for the doula to come to Sarah’s house to check on her and make herself available to the couple should any concerns arise. The doula would then have many resources for referring Sarah and her partner to.

3. POSTPARTEM DOULA – is hired to help mother Sarah and her family adjust to the new addition in their family. There’s a new rythem in the house and as expected the immediate priorities have shifted a bit to accomidate their new baby! A postpartem doula is hired to help with light house work, heating up those pre-cooked meals, or making something fresh, helping with any laundry or running of errands that are needed. Essentially a postpartem doula does what the antepartem doula did except now being other side of the birth and pregnancy mom Sarah might have different concerns or questions or needs. Maybe she needs some time to rest, needs assistance in finding a breast feeding expert, she could simply need a 2 hour block of time to take a shower or a couple hours to do a hobby that brings her mind and body balance…again whatever the mother is needing (within the agreed contract) is what a postpartem doula does.

Payment- I’m also learning that some doulas don’t necessarily charge for their services. They see their doula services as a way to serve others; doula is from the greek language meaning servant. Some do charge for their services and work out different ways of payment that work for the client. All of this should be discussed before the actual process begins. To avoid any unspoken expectations or uncomfortable situations. Some doulas are willing to provide their services while being paid through a trade of another kind of service. For example: if mom Sarah can’t pay her birth doula with actual money but her husband is a carpenter, as chance would have it birth doula has always wanted a gazeebo in her back yard…maybe they would trade the doula services for a building of a gazeebo?? This would be a situation where they would trade services as a method of payment.

Certification – Some doulas are certified through a doula orgranization and others are not. The one’s who are not usually have a lot of life experience and are comfortable walking mom Sarah through her process. Whereas there are some doulas who go through a certification process and receive training from other doulas who have been in the field much longer! Either way mom Sarah should decide what is more comfortable for her in her present situation. Maybe Sarah has an older sister who’s had 5 kids and is a great source of support and strength for her?? She may consider asking her sister to be a doula-person for her? Or she could definately find a doula in her local town to help her in her process.

With all these options available to expectant mom’s, it amazes me that there’s not more of an awareness in our society of these services. Hence my blog!!  ;0) I can see how one might waiver toward one situation or another which is why it is good that you get to decide for yourself what is important to you and what your priorities are. Maybe you have a great support system of your own but you still want a doula present in case your partner needs a break … you can consider hiring a birth doula who is in training. They usually charge less and some are even known to only require a written evalutaion from you as form of payment as they are trying to acquire expeirnece and hours for their own certification.

I myself have decided to become a Certified Doula. I am receiving my certification through a well known organization called Doulas of North America. (aka – DONA). You can read more about them on their website www.dona.org. As I get into my process of certification I’ll be happy to share with you the steps that are required.

As far as payment for me…let me just say for the record that I am open to money and trades of service as well – however I’ll only need one gazeebo in my yard. :0)

In the spirit of new discoveries and new journey’s I thought I would share a great resource that has helped me to become informed of this field of doula-tryness (Ok that’s not really a word but it sounded good in my head).

A great book I stumbled upon was written by Rachel Gurevich titled FabJob Guide to Become a Doula. She does an incredible job going over every aspect of the doula world.

She goes into detail covering things from the type of doula careers available, to resources to become certified to how to handle hard situations with clients who need help. Just looking at her table of contents gave me a good idea of what a doula does. It made me realize there was a lot to it and that I could through time, develope my own characteristics to my style and profession. For example I am a CMT (certified massage therapist) and can include massages as a part of my services. I also enjoy knitting and have considered making a baby hat for each pregnancy I’m a  part of. I’ve also entertained the idea of providing some stretching coaching as I LOVE stretching and have been an athlete for over 15 years.  These are just a few examples of the possiblities that came to me from reading this guide.

Please check out her book if you need an  introdution into becoming a doula or if you’re considering hiring one for your pregnancy I can see that it would help potential moms see what is available to them if they know what they’re looking for. I purchased an electronic version online $30 and it was worth every dollar!! Check out this fabjob website to get your copy.