I met with an expectant couple today, a couple that I have been working with since early on in their pregnancy. They are so cool, so fun to be around and so flexible -- today we met at a park, so the kids could play! They have awesome dreams for this birth and it's been fun to walk alongside them on this journey. As a doula, my job is so amazing, I get to listen, encourage, empower and help couples gather the information that they need to feel confident to go into this amazing experience with gumption (that is a word, right?) and confidence to have the birth they want! That looks different for every couple, it doesn't matter where on the spectrum the birth falls -- my support is there unconditionally. I love it! I hope they love feeling that unconditional support too.
I have learned a lot this past year as a doula. I know I am a hands-on learner -- the last year, attending births has proven that, even more. From my first birth, where I literally felt like a fish out of water, to my last birth in May 2010 where I felt like it finally all came together. I was more confident in my abilities, more focused on my clients, more able to just BE there, not always doing, not always talking (in fact, I talk less at births, believe it or not!) -- just being what they need to feel supported, emotionally, physically and informationally (hmm?).
As a birth doula I know I make a difference. I've seen it, I've lived it, I've heard about it... here are some stats about doulas that have been recorded...
- 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
- 25% shorter labor
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 40% reduction in oxytocin use
- 30% reduction in analgesia use
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery
Yay for pregnant women, Yay for pregnant couples, Yay for birth doulas! Yay for babies -- who make it all worthwhile!
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