Saturday, April 19, 2008

New Baby and A Great Doula Experience!!

I haven't talked much on this blog about my obsession with pregnancy, birth and nursing, but I would like to share a little. I delivered my first baby at a hospital with an epidural and the next 3 at a birthing center (no epidural). I have always been pretty fascinated with the whole experience. I really wanted to be a part of a delivery that wasn't mine, so I started to let other women come and be part of my delivery. You know, kind of a "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours" deal. It worked. Soon afterward, I was able to witness the birthing process of a friend of mine. I loved the experience so much, I kept asking my friends if I could attend.
Well, it turns out that I actually was helpful during labor. I really enjoy helping the mother carry out her birth plan and remind her that she has choices in her medical care (you don't have to do everything they think you should). I also love being a birthing coach and assisting in the relaxation and focusing during the pain of labor. Amazingly, I started to gain a little bit of a reputation. This is good news to me because I just keep getting the opportunity to be a part of one of God's most awesome miracles!
Now that I realize what a passion this is of mine, I am planning on becoming licensed to be a doula once my children are a little bit older.
It is amazing to me how different and incredible every birth experience is.
Well, I said all that to say this, my most recent opportunity to be involved in this journey was yesterday with my friend Kelly. To read the whole story, you'll have to check out her blog and give her a big congratulations!! The baby is adorable and she did incredible!!

7 comments:

Brandi said...

You did a great job, too! You are definitely gifted in this area, sweet friend!

Love you. .and glad you were there for both of my births!

Bran

Unknown said...

That is so fun, i am sure kelly is so thankful!

Niall MacC said...

Just had a quick peep at the baby, great photos! Sounds like what you are doing is wonderful and I am sure God is using you to give calm and support to women when needed. Keep up the good work!

Mom Knows Everything said...

I went natural for my first child and not by choice. She came too fast and got stuck, but by then it was too late and they had to get her out immediately. With my son I got the epidural as soon as I got to the hospital and luckily I did because I had difficulties with him too. I always wanted to have a quiet peaceful delivery, but I guess it wasn't in the cards for me. :o(

Anonymous said...

I think being a doula would be so neat...I think you'll be great and I think it's wonderful that you are going to pursue it!!

lifelaughterchaos said...

That's awesome that you want to do that! My desire on a scale of 1 to 10 is a negative one. I absolutely hate watching people in pain. I am a huge huge believer in the epidural. I love my epidural;) I would be a horrible doula. If my patient would complain that they were in pain, I would say..then get some meds!!;)

Yes, God created us all different. Perhaps I should become a licensed epidural giver.;)

By the way, how long is the training for a doula? Perhaps you could go to be a nurse and specialize in delivery. Holy money. My hubby is acutally a nurse. The women nurses that can work PRN (without benefits) make beaucoup bucks!

Cassie - Homeschooling Four said...

Billie,

Training to be a doula is actually not too long. You have to certified which I believe is only taking a couple classes. I may go into being a mid-wife after being a doula a while. Becoming a mid-wife involves a lot of school!! It's like becoming a nurse or doctor. That would be my long term goal.