Lamaze has done a great job with this ...
Common sense tells us and research confirms that the Six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices featured in these video clips and print materials are tried-and-true ways to make birth as safe and healthy as possible.
Check out this page for some great video clips and even some printable material!
This is definitely worth your time to check this out!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The hardest part of being a doula- part 2
I have written before about being on call being a difficult issue for doulas. Many times I get a call from someone wanting to be a doula. But besides the erratic schedules, the need for excellent childcare and a supportive partner- it is essential they understand the idea of being on call. We are on call "officially" for the due month- which is 38 weeks to 42 weeks- but of course if a mom goes prematurely we make sure she has a doula, even if her primary is not available. But there was a conversation today that I wanted to share with you.
When you are a doula, you may be hire months in advance of the woman's due month. We have folks who hire us as early as 12 weeks- we will not accept a retainer prior to this time. But things come up sometimes unexpectedly. I am not talking about illness or family emergencies- I mean things like a friend's wedding, a special concert, a last moment opportunity for a vacation, etc. But in Labor of Love's business workings- we ask that when you are hired by a couple, you are fully available during her due month- meaning those things you want to do that arise are back burnered to the mom in labor. The exception to this is of course if when you are hired- you enlighten a couple to a possible date conflict within their due month and they hire you irregardless- knowing you will have a back up in place when that special event occurs.
Well we discussed as a group today the idea of a couple hiring the group- not a specific doula. We came by this idea based on two things. First since this is a difficult if not the most difficult part of doula work it would make our lives so much easier if we knew specific days we would be on call and days we could be free to do other things without worry about not being there for a mom. Second,we get couples all the time who attend the Meet the Doula Tea and say they would be be happy with any of us.
But as we discussed the logistics of offering this as a potential service at a lower rate than the average doula in our group, we realized it benefited us as doulas but was not in the best interest of the couples. Already moms often have no idea who will be the care provider on call when they go into labor. In fact there are several groups who now share call with other groups- meaning you will not have ever even met the doctor who shows up to catch your baby- he or she has never read your birth plan- has no idea what your birth ideals are- and really is not that concerned about it. Their job is to show up and catch your baby and make medical decisions for you but is not invested in your birth experience outside of that.
Often times a woman will even entertain the idea of induction with all of those risks in order to get her preferred doctor. Although that is not guaranteed either since often inductions go longer than expected and the shift change of on call changes too. The last thing we would want is someone to consider an induction to get their favorite doula who would be on call. The risk of induction is somehow out weighed by the familiarity of desire for those who will attend her. This is awful.
Continuity of care is something we offer. We will stay with you during the duration of your labor- no matter how long. I talked with a doula with another group in town recently who has small children- she said she would not be able to attend a mom irregardless of the length of her labor... she said she would call another "fresh" doula in place. We may call in help to allow us a power nap with the mom still fully supported- at no additional cost to the mom- if her labor went unusually long- but that is rare. We have found we make 97% of our births- the other 3% are covered during those rare occasions when an emergency arises for the primary doula- by a back up doula. The fantastic thing about our company is we have several wonderful doulas who folks get to have met at the teas we do bimonthly.
Penny Simkin was quoted in a publication the IHS Provider page 155 "Doulas “hold women” by supporting them emotionally during their pregnancy, labor, and birth. The doula meets with her expectant mother one or more times before the birth and discusses the mother’s expectations or ideas of what the birth will be like, and issues of importance, such as pain medication preferences or infant feeding choices. During these meetings the doula supplements information the mother has learned in prenatal classes and explores misinformation she may have gleaned from what she has heard or read. The doula empowers the client to eat well, observe healthy lifestyle practices, and exercise, all to prepare for a healthy and positive birth experience. A doula may use this time to enhance communication within the woman’s support network, including family and partner, and/or may give advice about how to communicate effectively with the medical staff.
During early labor, the doula and her birthing partner stay in close contact until the mother needs additional support, at which time the doula will join her, meeting the mother at her birth place. She will then stay throughout the entire labor and birth and for up to two hours during the postpartum period. She will talk about normal contractions with the mother and will provide an objective viewpoint. Knowledge of what is normal replaces fear of the unknown. The doula listens to the mother and responds to her needs. The presence of the doula, who is calm and committed to the mother’s well-being, counteracts the effects of elevated stress hormones (adrenaline and noradrenaline), which are released when the mother becomes anxious, fearful, or insecure. A trusting, relaxed mother is able to continue producing oxytocin, which then keeps the labor in its normal rhythm, with the perception of pain diminished greatly. Most importantly, the doula lessens the anxiety of the laboring woman with quiet reassurance and enhancement of the unique talents and strengths the laboring mother brings to the birth."
And at Labor of Love we agree."She will then stay throughout the entire labor and birth and for up to two hours during the postpartum period."
That relationship, "supporting them emotionally during their pregnancy, labor, and birth." is essential and one we are not willing to compromise by having a varying and rotation of doulas on call for the mom. We love having a well established relationship built prior to the labor and birth. We love the phone calls, the personal talks, the emails along the journey.
So, although it would make our lives easier- we realized it would not be easier for the moms themselves. We want to be the consistent,non variable support to couples in their labor and birth. We want them to know we will do our very best to be with them- the doula they selected as their primary- and insure that is our goal. If it makes our life a bit more difficult, then so be it- we love the work we do. For us it is our calling. We love being with women in birth. We feel blessed to do it. Our families are understanding although it is difficult for them at times. But if they love us and they understand our work is in our hearts and gives us that which we need- they support us none the less.
So, know where our hearts are- with you... for you... in support of you.
When you are a doula, you may be hire months in advance of the woman's due month. We have folks who hire us as early as 12 weeks- we will not accept a retainer prior to this time. But things come up sometimes unexpectedly. I am not talking about illness or family emergencies- I mean things like a friend's wedding, a special concert, a last moment opportunity for a vacation, etc. But in Labor of Love's business workings- we ask that when you are hired by a couple, you are fully available during her due month- meaning those things you want to do that arise are back burnered to the mom in labor. The exception to this is of course if when you are hired- you enlighten a couple to a possible date conflict within their due month and they hire you irregardless- knowing you will have a back up in place when that special event occurs.
Well we discussed as a group today the idea of a couple hiring the group- not a specific doula. We came by this idea based on two things. First since this is a difficult if not the most difficult part of doula work it would make our lives so much easier if we knew specific days we would be on call and days we could be free to do other things without worry about not being there for a mom. Second,we get couples all the time who attend the Meet the Doula Tea and say they would be be happy with any of us.
But as we discussed the logistics of offering this as a potential service at a lower rate than the average doula in our group, we realized it benefited us as doulas but was not in the best interest of the couples. Already moms often have no idea who will be the care provider on call when they go into labor. In fact there are several groups who now share call with other groups- meaning you will not have ever even met the doctor who shows up to catch your baby- he or she has never read your birth plan- has no idea what your birth ideals are- and really is not that concerned about it. Their job is to show up and catch your baby and make medical decisions for you but is not invested in your birth experience outside of that.
Often times a woman will even entertain the idea of induction with all of those risks in order to get her preferred doctor. Although that is not guaranteed either since often inductions go longer than expected and the shift change of on call changes too. The last thing we would want is someone to consider an induction to get their favorite doula who would be on call. The risk of induction is somehow out weighed by the familiarity of desire for those who will attend her. This is awful.
Continuity of care is something we offer. We will stay with you during the duration of your labor- no matter how long. I talked with a doula with another group in town recently who has small children- she said she would not be able to attend a mom irregardless of the length of her labor... she said she would call another "fresh" doula in place. We may call in help to allow us a power nap with the mom still fully supported- at no additional cost to the mom- if her labor went unusually long- but that is rare. We have found we make 97% of our births- the other 3% are covered during those rare occasions when an emergency arises for the primary doula- by a back up doula. The fantastic thing about our company is we have several wonderful doulas who folks get to have met at the teas we do bimonthly.
Penny Simkin was quoted in a publication the IHS Provider page 155 "Doulas “hold women” by supporting them emotionally during their pregnancy, labor, and birth. The doula meets with her expectant mother one or more times before the birth and discusses the mother’s expectations or ideas of what the birth will be like, and issues of importance, such as pain medication preferences or infant feeding choices. During these meetings the doula supplements information the mother has learned in prenatal classes and explores misinformation she may have gleaned from what she has heard or read. The doula empowers the client to eat well, observe healthy lifestyle practices, and exercise, all to prepare for a healthy and positive birth experience. A doula may use this time to enhance communication within the woman’s support network, including family and partner, and/or may give advice about how to communicate effectively with the medical staff.
During early labor, the doula and her birthing partner stay in close contact until the mother needs additional support, at which time the doula will join her, meeting the mother at her birth place. She will then stay throughout the entire labor and birth and for up to two hours during the postpartum period. She will talk about normal contractions with the mother and will provide an objective viewpoint. Knowledge of what is normal replaces fear of the unknown. The doula listens to the mother and responds to her needs. The presence of the doula, who is calm and committed to the mother’s well-being, counteracts the effects of elevated stress hormones (adrenaline and noradrenaline), which are released when the mother becomes anxious, fearful, or insecure. A trusting, relaxed mother is able to continue producing oxytocin, which then keeps the labor in its normal rhythm, with the perception of pain diminished greatly. Most importantly, the doula lessens the anxiety of the laboring woman with quiet reassurance and enhancement of the unique talents and strengths the laboring mother brings to the birth."
And at Labor of Love we agree."She will then stay throughout the entire labor and birth and for up to two hours during the postpartum period."
That relationship, "supporting them emotionally during their pregnancy, labor, and birth." is essential and one we are not willing to compromise by having a varying and rotation of doulas on call for the mom. We love having a well established relationship built prior to the labor and birth. We love the phone calls, the personal talks, the emails along the journey.
So, although it would make our lives easier- we realized it would not be easier for the moms themselves. We want to be the consistent,non variable support to couples in their labor and birth. We want them to know we will do our very best to be with them- the doula they selected as their primary- and insure that is our goal. If it makes our life a bit more difficult, then so be it- we love the work we do. For us it is our calling. We love being with women in birth. We feel blessed to do it. Our families are understanding although it is difficult for them at times. But if they love us and they understand our work is in our hearts and gives us that which we need- they support us none the less.
So, know where our hearts are- with you... for you... in support of you.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
ACOG changes their tune on inductions
We know that inductions can lead to two problems- babies who were truly not ready and due date guesses that were wrong- leading to a baby who needs help and therefore earns a stay in the nursery or NICU. Or a mom whose body was not ready and her body did not comply with being forced into labor and therefore her failed induction led to a surgical birth by cesarean. I adore the Cochrane Datebase of evidence practiced medicine. And I adore Medscape which reports new guidelines by the medical societies set up by their specialties- the ACOG guidelines have now changed regarding inductions. I wonder if this was due to the ever increasing premature infants that are being born across the US and also the escalating cesarean birth rates.
So read ahead the newest guidelines regarding induction:
July 23, 2009 — On July 21, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued revised guidelines on when and how to induce labor in pregnant women. The updated recommendations are published as a Practice Bulletin, "Induction of Labor," in the August issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology. The bulletin aims to guide physicians regarding their choice of induction methods that may be most suitable in specific settings and to elucidate the safety requirements, risks, and benefits of various regimens to induce labor.
Benefits vs Risks of Labor Induction
For the last 2 decades, the rate of labor induction in the United States has more than doubled, with more than 22% of all pregnant women in 2006 having labor induced. This increase in use necessitates a careful review of indications, risks, and benefits.
The goal of labor induction is to stimulate uterine contractions before the spontaneous onset of labor, resulting in vaginal delivery. The benefits of labor induction must be weighed against the potential maternal and fetal risks associated with this procedure. When the benefits of expeditious delivery are greater than the risks of continuing the pregnancy, inducing labor can be justified as a therapeutic intervention.
"There are certain health conditions, in either the woman or the fetus, where the benefit of inducing labor is clear-cut," coauthor Susan Ramin, MD, from the University of Texas Medical School in Houston, said in a news release. "And, there are some nonmedical situations in which induction also may be prudent, for instance, in rural areas where the distance to the hospital is just too great to risk waiting for spontaneous labor to happen at home."
Recommendations Based on Sound Evidence
Based on evidence from methodologically sound outcomes-based research, the bulletin attempts to review current methods for cervical ripening and for inducing labor and to summarize the efficacy of these approaches. Also highlighted are indications for and contraindications to inducting labor, pharmacologic characteristics of various agents used for cervical ripening, regimens used for labor induction, and the requirements for safe clinical use of these techniques.
The bulletin authors searched the MEDLINE database, the Cochrane Library, and ACOG's own internal resources and documents to identify pertinent English-language articles published between January 1985 and January 2009. Although articles reporting results of original research were given priority, review articles and commentaries were also consulted, as were guidelines published by organizations or institutions such as ACOG and the National Institutes of Health. However, abstracts of research presented at symposia and scientific conferences were excluded. Expert opinions from obstetrician- gynecologists were used when reliable research evidence was not available.
Indications for Labor Induction
Possible indications for labor induction may include gestational or chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, diabetes, premature rupture of membranes, severe fetal growth restriction, and postterm pregnancy. However, physicians should decide whether labor induction is warranted on a case-by-case basis, after consideration of maternal and infant conditions, cervical status, gestational age, and other factors.
Contraindications to labor induction include transverse fetal position, umbilical cord prolapse, active genital herpes infection, placenta previa, and a history of previous myomectomy.
When labor induction is deemed necessary, the gestational age of the fetus should be determined to be at least 39 weeks, or there must be evidence of fetal lung maturity.
The first step in labor induction is cervical ripening using drugs or mechanical cervical dilators to dilate the cervix sufficiently before labor is induced. The next step is to induce labor using oxytocin, membrane stripping, rupture of the amniotic membrane, or nipple stimulation.
Misoprostol, which is approved for treatment of peptic ulcers, is often used off-label for cervical ripening as well as for labor induction. In women who have had any previous cesarean delivery, however, inducing labor with misoprostol may increase risk for uterine rupture and should therefore be avoided.
Clinical Recommendations
Specific clinical recommendations and conclusions, all based on good and consistent scientific evidence (level A), are as follows:
* For cervical ripening and labor induction, prostaglandin E (PGE) analogues are effective.
* When labor induction is indicated, low-dose or high-dose oxytocin regimens are appropriate.
* Regardless of Bishop score, the most efficient method of labor induction before 28 weeks of gestation appears to be vaginal misoprostol. However, infusion of high-dose oxytocin is also an acceptable option.
* For cervical ripening and induction of labor, an appropriate initial dose of misoprostol is approximately 25 µg, with frequency of administration not to exceed 1 dose every 3 to 6 hours.
* For induction of labor in women with premature rupture of membranes, intravaginal PGE2 appears to be safe and effective.
* In women with previous cesarean delivery or major uterine surgery, the use of misoprostol should be avoided in the third trimester because it has been linked to a greater risk for uterine rupture.
* The Foley catheter is a reasonable, effective option to promote cervical ripening and labor induction.
An additional clinical recommendation, based on limited or inconsistent evidence (level B), is that misoprostol, 50 µg every 6 hours, to induce labor may be appropriate in some situations. However, higher doses are linked to a greater risk for uterine tachysystole with fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations and other complications.
As a proposed performance measure, the guidelines authors suggest that the percentage of patients in whom gestational age is established by clinical criteria when labor is induced for logistic or psychosocial indications.
"A physician capable of performing a cesarean should be readily available any time induction is used in the event that the induction isn't successful in producing a vaginal delivery," Dr. Ramin concluded. "These guidelines will help physicians utilize the most appropriate method depending on the unique characteristics of the pregnant woman and her fetus."
Obstet Gynecol. 2009;114:386- 397.
Authors and Disclosures
Journalist
Laurie Barclay, MD
Laurie Barclay, MD, is a freelance writer and reviewer for Medscape.
Disclosure: Laurie Barclay, MD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
So read ahead the newest guidelines regarding induction:
July 23, 2009 — On July 21, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued revised guidelines on when and how to induce labor in pregnant women. The updated recommendations are published as a Practice Bulletin, "Induction of Labor," in the August issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology. The bulletin aims to guide physicians regarding their choice of induction methods that may be most suitable in specific settings and to elucidate the safety requirements, risks, and benefits of various regimens to induce labor.
Benefits vs Risks of Labor Induction
For the last 2 decades, the rate of labor induction in the United States has more than doubled, with more than 22% of all pregnant women in 2006 having labor induced. This increase in use necessitates a careful review of indications, risks, and benefits.
The goal of labor induction is to stimulate uterine contractions before the spontaneous onset of labor, resulting in vaginal delivery. The benefits of labor induction must be weighed against the potential maternal and fetal risks associated with this procedure. When the benefits of expeditious delivery are greater than the risks of continuing the pregnancy, inducing labor can be justified as a therapeutic intervention.
"There are certain health conditions, in either the woman or the fetus, where the benefit of inducing labor is clear-cut," coauthor Susan Ramin, MD, from the University of Texas Medical School in Houston, said in a news release. "And, there are some nonmedical situations in which induction also may be prudent, for instance, in rural areas where the distance to the hospital is just too great to risk waiting for spontaneous labor to happen at home."
Recommendations Based on Sound Evidence
Based on evidence from methodologically sound outcomes-based research, the bulletin attempts to review current methods for cervical ripening and for inducing labor and to summarize the efficacy of these approaches. Also highlighted are indications for and contraindications to inducting labor, pharmacologic characteristics of various agents used for cervical ripening, regimens used for labor induction, and the requirements for safe clinical use of these techniques.
The bulletin authors searched the MEDLINE database, the Cochrane Library, and ACOG's own internal resources and documents to identify pertinent English-language articles published between January 1985 and January 2009. Although articles reporting results of original research were given priority, review articles and commentaries were also consulted, as were guidelines published by organizations or institutions such as ACOG and the National Institutes of Health. However, abstracts of research presented at symposia and scientific conferences were excluded. Expert opinions from obstetrician- gynecologists were used when reliable research evidence was not available.
Indications for Labor Induction
Possible indications for labor induction may include gestational or chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, diabetes, premature rupture of membranes, severe fetal growth restriction, and postterm pregnancy. However, physicians should decide whether labor induction is warranted on a case-by-case basis, after consideration of maternal and infant conditions, cervical status, gestational age, and other factors.
Contraindications to labor induction include transverse fetal position, umbilical cord prolapse, active genital herpes infection, placenta previa, and a history of previous myomectomy.
When labor induction is deemed necessary, the gestational age of the fetus should be determined to be at least 39 weeks, or there must be evidence of fetal lung maturity.
The first step in labor induction is cervical ripening using drugs or mechanical cervical dilators to dilate the cervix sufficiently before labor is induced. The next step is to induce labor using oxytocin, membrane stripping, rupture of the amniotic membrane, or nipple stimulation.
Misoprostol, which is approved for treatment of peptic ulcers, is often used off-label for cervical ripening as well as for labor induction. In women who have had any previous cesarean delivery, however, inducing labor with misoprostol may increase risk for uterine rupture and should therefore be avoided.
Clinical Recommendations
Specific clinical recommendations and conclusions, all based on good and consistent scientific evidence (level A), are as follows:
* For cervical ripening and labor induction, prostaglandin E (PGE) analogues are effective.
* When labor induction is indicated, low-dose or high-dose oxytocin regimens are appropriate.
* Regardless of Bishop score, the most efficient method of labor induction before 28 weeks of gestation appears to be vaginal misoprostol. However, infusion of high-dose oxytocin is also an acceptable option.
* For cervical ripening and induction of labor, an appropriate initial dose of misoprostol is approximately 25 µg, with frequency of administration not to exceed 1 dose every 3 to 6 hours.
* For induction of labor in women with premature rupture of membranes, intravaginal PGE2 appears to be safe and effective.
* In women with previous cesarean delivery or major uterine surgery, the use of misoprostol should be avoided in the third trimester because it has been linked to a greater risk for uterine rupture.
* The Foley catheter is a reasonable, effective option to promote cervical ripening and labor induction.
An additional clinical recommendation, based on limited or inconsistent evidence (level B), is that misoprostol, 50 µg every 6 hours, to induce labor may be appropriate in some situations. However, higher doses are linked to a greater risk for uterine tachysystole with fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations and other complications.
As a proposed performance measure, the guidelines authors suggest that the percentage of patients in whom gestational age is established by clinical criteria when labor is induced for logistic or psychosocial indications.
"A physician capable of performing a cesarean should be readily available any time induction is used in the event that the induction isn't successful in producing a vaginal delivery," Dr. Ramin concluded. "These guidelines will help physicians utilize the most appropriate method depending on the unique characteristics of the pregnant woman and her fetus."
Obstet Gynecol. 2009;114:386- 397.
Authors and Disclosures
Journalist
Laurie Barclay, MD
Laurie Barclay, MD, is a freelance writer and reviewer for Medscape.
Disclosure: Laurie Barclay, MD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Real Savvy Women
A few years ago I had the pleasure of being a part of a PBS special show about doulas. Here is the link you can view and enjoy!
I was interviewed a few years ago with a client who I have been the doula for two times previously. Here is a video online you can access to see it! http://www.realsavvymoms.com/season-5/episode-2/doulas/
If the link stops working above- then go to
Real Savvy Moms is the location of the video- I wish I could upload it but it won't upload here- so go to this link- click on watch videos on the left hand sidebar. Then click on pregnancy. Then in the section at the top in the middle- it says search by topic. Put in Doulas. Then click on Doulas. The segment has Penny Simkin in it as well as me!
It is the video we usually show at our teas. Hope you can figure this convoluted way of finding it to watch it.
I was interviewed a few years ago with a client who I have been the doula for two times previously. Here is a video online you can access to see it! http://www.realsavvymoms.com/season-5/episode-2/doulas/
If the link stops working above- then go to
Real Savvy Moms is the location of the video- I wish I could upload it but it won't upload here- so go to this link- click on watch videos on the left hand sidebar. Then click on pregnancy. Then in the section at the top in the middle- it says search by topic. Put in Doulas. Then click on Doulas. The segment has Penny Simkin in it as well as me!
It is the video we usually show at our teas. Hope you can figure this convoluted way of finding it to watch it.
Friday, July 10, 2009
New Educational Tools
A great new resource! Childbirth Preparation videos
This is a collaboration by InJoy Birth & Parenting Videos in partnership with Lamaze International and brings the Six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices to life. Check them out!
This is a collaboration by InJoy Birth & Parenting Videos in partnership with Lamaze International and brings the Six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices to life. Check them out!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Lee's Letter About Teresa
Teresa was an invaluable resource during our birth experience!
Although this was our first birth and we have never known anything
different, we would never think to do anything differently from here
on out. First time parents-to-be NEED to have a doula present for
their birth experience. If you are first time parents-to-be, you NEED
to, no matter how much you know about the medical and birth industry.
I don't care if you yourself are a doula, midwife, or OB-GYN. So much
of your knowledge, research, and preparation just sort of goes out the
window when your baby actually starts making his or her entrance. If
you want to be at all in control of your birth (you should not just
let yourself be at the whim of an intervention-hungry obstetrician),
you need to be informed, and a doula will help you continue to be
informed in the heat of the moment(s).
It was so helpful to have a professional there who could keep a level
head and steady hand. Her experienced presence was worth a good
portion of her fee; my wife labored better when Teresa was present,
even when Teresa was not actively helping in some way. She even
helped turn the baby from posterior facing to anterior facing! For
those who don't know, that means Teresa helped turn the baby to avoid
dreaded back labor. TWICE. Our goal was pretty much a party line
completely unmedicated, intervention-free natural birth. Teresa
helped us achieve that goal. For anyone on the fence about hiring a
doula, do it. If not Teresa, someone from Labor of Love.
Although this was our first birth and we have never known anything
different, we would never think to do anything differently from here
on out. First time parents-to-be NEED to have a doula present for
their birth experience. If you are first time parents-to-be, you NEED
to, no matter how much you know about the medical and birth industry.
I don't care if you yourself are a doula, midwife, or OB-GYN. So much
of your knowledge, research, and preparation just sort of goes out the
window when your baby actually starts making his or her entrance. If
you want to be at all in control of your birth (you should not just
let yourself be at the whim of an intervention-hungry obstetrician),
you need to be informed, and a doula will help you continue to be
informed in the heat of the moment(s).
It was so helpful to have a professional there who could keep a level
head and steady hand. Her experienced presence was worth a good
portion of her fee; my wife labored better when Teresa was present,
even when Teresa was not actively helping in some way. She even
helped turn the baby from posterior facing to anterior facing! For
those who don't know, that means Teresa helped turn the baby to avoid
dreaded back labor. TWICE. Our goal was pretty much a party line
completely unmedicated, intervention-free natural birth. Teresa
helped us achieve that goal. For anyone on the fence about hiring a
doula, do it. If not Teresa, someone from Labor of Love.
Sawyer Hawk Lloyd's birth
Born in the water at 7:37 am
7 lbs, 8 oz
19.5 inches
Well, I was going to bed on Sunday night at 40 weeks and one day overdue, and Shane and I joked about the full moon that was high in the sky that night! I woke up at 3:15 am thinking that i had just had a contraction. I laid there for a few minutes, and sure enough, another came, so I got out of bed without waking Shane and went downstairs to start timing them. They were really mild but coming really close together...like every 3 minutes or less, and so I checked email and facebook and waited 45 minutes or so until I felt like they were really starting to be something. I went upstairs around 4 am and woke Shane up and called my parents and our doula.
7 lbs, 8 oz
19.5 inches
Well, I was going to bed on Sunday night at 40 weeks and one day overdue, and Shane and I joked about the full moon that was high in the sky that night! I woke up at 3:15 am thinking that i had just had a contraction. I laid there for a few minutes, and sure enough, another came, so I got out of bed without waking Shane and went downstairs to start timing them. They were really mild but coming really close together...like every 3 minutes or less, and so I checked email and facebook and waited 45 minutes or so until I felt like they were really starting to be something. I went upstairs around 4 am and woke Shane up and called my parents and our doula.
Melody Gives Birth to Abigail
Melody did not sleep well on 6/1. She had contractions off and on once she awakened but she knew it was early. She went for a walk with Luna and the contractions intensified and then diminished. She went on a second walk with Sherwin and Luna and the intensity returned and stayed strong. At 4:30pm she decided to call the on call midwife. Sherry suggested they come in to be checked. What they did not know was Sherry when on call stayed at the hospital, so she often had couples come in even it she thought it may be too early. I had wished they had called me first. It sounded like early prodromal labor to me still when I did talk to them.
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