Your Atlanta Doula
Your Atlanta Doula
Atlanta, GA
ph: (678) 632-BIRTH
alt: (858) 353-9626
youratla
I Think I Would Like to Have a Birth Doula.
What Should I Expect?
Every birth is different; however, there are many things about birth that a doula typically sees during the natural progression of labor. It is the background and training of a doula, combined with her keen sense of birth that will assist you in finding the answers to questions such as:
1. Is this "real" labor?
2. When should I go to the hospital?
3. Is what I am feeling normal?
4. How far apart are my contractions?
5. Should I call my OB or midwife?
6. Is it time to have our sitter to pick up the kids?
7. Can I take a bath or shower?
8. Can I eat anything?
9. How much longer will this last?
10. How can I relieve this discomfort and/or pain?
The Doula Timeline
(an example)
ARRIVAL
As your birth doula, Leigh will arrive at your house, or at the place of birth, whenever you feel the need to have her present. Upon signing the birth contract, Leigh makes it very clear that she is there to serve you in every way possible during this special and joyous occasion. If this is your first birth, you may find that having her there during the early active stage of labor is comforting. A more experienced mom may however, only want to meet once the active phase is well under way. No matter what you choose, the main thing to remember is that you call the shots. This is your birth, and as your birth doula, Leigh will respect your wishes for her presence, or for her to simply "hold the birth space."
Q. What is holding the birth space?
A. As a doula my intention is to hold a safe, informed, gentle and honest space for you to prepare and explore, to be more curious, to learn to listen to your body, and to allow your own process to gently unfold.
Once Leigh arrives, whether that is to your home or the hospital, she will quietly enter the room, observe the laboring mother, and make an assessment as to how she may be of assistance. Examples of things that Leigh may do are:
-Comfort the laboring mother with verbal reminders of how she will soon be meeting her precious baby
-Provide gentle massage to alleviate discomfort or pain during contractions
-Use aromatherapy to create harmony and relaxation in the environment
-Dim the lights, or perhaps open the curtains to stimulate or ease the labor vibe
-Run a bath and encourage the laboring mother to soak her aches and pains away. (Leigh likes to call this aqua Dural versus epidural.)
-Support the birth partner or any other family members present
-Clear the room of too many family members when the laboring mother feels the presence of others is overwhelming
-Encourage hydration and food intake so that the laboring mother and baby maintain the calories and energy to endure the labor itself
-Support the laboring mother physically through position changes, manual compressions, hot and cold alternations, acupressure, and yoga positioning
-Keep the focus of the birth positive and the environment surrounding the birth sacred
Leigh may also do things more simplistic, such as:
-Tidy the room so that the laboring mother feels a sense of togetherness
-Warm a meal for the laboring mother or her partner
-Support the birth partner during times when s/he may need rest or when anxiety may kick in
-Make sure that siblings are where the family wishes for them to be, or watch over siblings and explain the laboring process to them in terms they will easily understand
-Straighten or change bed linens if soiled, or request additional sheets or blankets when in a hospital setting
-Play music created by the family for the occasion, or light a special candle given during a Blessingway or Baby Shower
-Take pictures to be treasured as keepsakes when requested in advance
TRANSITION TO THE PLACE OF BIRTH
If Leigh was called to support you while still in your home, at some point the question will arise, "is it time to go to the hospital or birth center?" unless you are having a home birth. Leigh will help you to determine when the timing is right based on discussions of your birth wishes during prenatal visits; however, you know your body better than anyone else....and when you say, "let's go," the transition to your birth setting will begin.
If you are birthing WITHOUT a birth partner, Leigh will drive you to the hospital or birth center, and will stay with you throughout your time away from home. She will also see to it that you are brought back to your home upon hospital release, and that you and your little one are doing well before she ends her birth doula role with you. YOU WILL NOT BE ALONE, unless you request otherwise. Leigh will stay with you, support you, and celebrate with you every step of the way.
If you are birthing WITH a birth partner, Leigh will follow behind you in her car to the place of birth. She will stay with you until approximately 2 hours after the birth, or whenever you feel comfortable in releasing Leigh from her birth doula role with you.
WE ARE THERE, NOW WHAT?
Once in the hospital or birth center, Leigh will actively resume her role as your birth doula, working as a team player with the staff to ensure the birth outcome that you desire. This may entail basic things, such as assisting you with hospital check in, providing insurance information to triage so that your partner may remain by your side, carrying handbags or a piece of luggage to your room, etc. Once the administrative issues have been taken care of, recreating the intimate birth environment is Leigh's number one priority so that you can once again find your way back to your inner birth goddess.
Once your labor progresses to the point of pushing, your body will guide you, and Leigh will support you. That support comes through various means:
-Physically supporting your body in various pushing positions, and/or guiding your partner in this role
-Verbally reminding you of your inner strength and power
-Allowing you the time and space to birth as your body and your baby determine necessary
-Advocating for you with staff members, when necessary, to encourage the support and follow through of your desired birth plan
-Using cool or warm cloths as a comfort measure
-Providing a focal point during the peak of contractions
-Taking photographs or preparing the camera when requested
THE BABY IS HERE! WHERE IS LEIGH?
Once your baby is snuggled in your arms, the golden hour begins. You will intimately begin getting to know one another for the very first time. Your new baby will see your face for the very first time as s/he lies close to your breast. The smells of your body will delight his or her senses, and your precious little one may just make his or her way to your breast for nourishment and comfort.
During this golden hour, Leigh will be present, but you will not necessarily hear or see her. One birth family stated that "Leigh became an invisible presence of peace during the golden hour." While you may not realize her presence in the room, she is there to support you with any questions you may have - be it for yourself, or for your little one. Leigh tries in every way to ensure that this very special, once in a lifetime moment, is truly reserved for you and for your baby.
Approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours after the birth, Leigh will say goodbye. She makes sure that you are comfortable and that all of your birthing needs have been met prior to leaving, and when you see her the next time, on day 4 or 5 of your parenting journey, you will then be seeing her as a postpartum client.
Doulas Make Birth Better
Women have been serving other women in childbirth for centuries and have proven that this support from another woman has positive effects on the labor process. Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter, with fewer complications, less unnecessary medical interventions, babies are healthier, and they breastfeed more easily.
Your Atlanta Doula
Atlanta, GA
ph: (678) 632-BIRTH
alt: (858) 353-9626
youratla
