A. While the baby is growing inside of it’s mama is called the ‘Gestation’ period. It’s broken into 3 sections. The first trimester (Months 1-3), second trimester (Months 4-6, and the third trimester (Months 7-9).  Throughout the gestation period (aka Pregnancy) the body is going through a kajillion (is that a word?) changes.

B. During all these changes there are many things you can do for promoting comfort as many of these changes are uncomfortable. The changes sometimes happen gradually and sometimes they happen suddenly. Some of the changes can cause the following uncomfortable situations:
a. heartburn

b. gas

c. bleeding gums

d. varicose veins

e. leg cramps

f. hemorrhoids

g. fatigue

h. constipation

i. backache

j. weight gain (obviously)…. ;0)

C. We also covered The Coach’s Role which was great because all of the 6 expecting mothers have partner’s who are there to support the mama’s. So it kind of helped the partners get a feel for how they can best serve the expecting mom while being pregnant and transitioning into labor/contractions and delivery. I think the thing I took away from it the most (which I’ve never heard before) is that as a Doula and or coach/partner in trainng…I can try to keep the mother’s stress as low as possible and that will help her to feel safe to be able to be vulnerable. That’s to be my number 1 goal. Cause how vulnerable is it that someone is in labor?? SO VULNERABLE!

Option 1

Price: Currently I am asking for a $100 deposit. I will only hold this until you go into labor and call me. To guarantee that I get some experience. Once I’m at the birth I’ll rip up the check.

2 prenatal visits

Continual phone/email contact

Support thruought labor and delivery

1 postnatal visit for follow up

Option 2

Price: $220 this includes the 100 deposit (like above).

2 prenatal visits

2 massages (can be used at any time) before or after birthing Support thruought labor and delivery

1 postnatal visit for follow up

]]> http://douladoesit.com/2013/01/doula-service-packages/feed/ 0 http://douladoesit.com/2013/01/birth-education-part-1/ http://douladoesit.com/2013/01/birth-education-part-1/#comments Fri, 18 Jan 2013 17:39:00 +0000 alisha http://douladoesit.com/?p=146 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)

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!

Depending on how along you are in pregnancy I can work on massaging the baby as well but would mostly focus on you and your body’s sore spots/needs.

Please see this article written last year 4/2011 from the American Pregnancy Association that breaks down the main points of prenatal massage…it’s really great to know the pros and cons.

Massage therapy can also be used after someone has given birth to help the body with all the soreness associated with giving birth. Sometimes a massage therapist can give you a deal for purchasing 2 massages at once (one for before and after birth)…

http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/prenatalmassage.html

 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

I have been a CMT (certified massage therapist) since 2008. Receiving my certificate from The Fair Oaks Massage Institute has allowed me to work on my craft with many inhome massages.

I love the gift of touch and value it in my everyday life. I believe some hurt/stress/and injuries can be healed through the power of touch. . . I enjoy helping other people to lessen the pain they are in or in some cases completely remove the pain through careful massage and working of the muscles to loosen.

I offer swedish massage and prenatal massage. I can come to you or you are welcome to come to me. I have a portable table service. I am in the Sacramento California area and am willing to travel anywhere within a 20 mile radius.

Rates are as follows:

1 Hour: $60.00

1/2 Hour: $40.00

Special Situations:

December 1-31st:  2 massages can be purchased for $60

February 1-14th: 2 massages can be purchased for $60

During these times of the year 2 massages can be purchased for yourself or given as a gift to someone else. You can purchase in pairs as many as you like. They can be redeemed at anytime during the year as long as they’re purchased within the dates listed above.

Email me with any questions you may have about my services: alishamartin14@hotmail.com or 916-860-9160

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.

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!!

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!