Thursday, January 7, 2010

I'm going to become a DOULA!

I've been back and forth about this decision for awhile now. It was always a thought I had after I had Elora. I think the only reason why I didn't know if I should do it is because of my confidence and knowledge. But a wonderful person in the Birthing community assured me that I would learn along the way. In the 41 weeks that I was pregnant, I learned SO much about pregnancy, my body and child birth. It was so intriguing to me. I was always on the internet researching different ideas and options. I was constantly ordering books on amazon to read. I would like to be a birth and postpartum Doula. Best of both worlds!

A doula is an assistant who provides various forms of non-medical and non-midwifery support (physical and emotional) in the childbirth process.

I'm very excited about this decision and I can not wait to learn more! I believe that every woman should have a Doula. When Brandon and I first found out I was pregnant we researched like crazy. We wanted the best for myself and our baby. I was set on Chandler Hospital since it was closest to Maricopa. I didn't know much about pregnancy and child birth. I just went to my prenatal appointments and figured being treated like a number was "okay". Boy, was I WRONG! Brandon researched reputable mid-wives in the East Valley. We came across Stephanie Soderblum in Mesa. We scheduled an interview and met with her the next week. As soon as we left the parking lot, Brandon and I looked at each other and KNEW we wanted her to be my mid-wife. Brandon said "Let's do it!". That was THE best decision of our lives (Of course next to saying "I DO" haha) We decided to have a home birth with a mid-wife. 


As soon as we told everyone the news, we had so many mixed reactions. We didn't let anyone affect our decision. We were confident, I was confident in my body and with Stephanie. I researched what a Doula was. I found some Doulas that I was interested in and scheduled interviews with them. Of course the first one we met was the one! Sandra made me feel comfortable and I could talk to her about my feelings. We were set with an amazing birth team!


During my labor, Sandra was there for me, right by my side. She massaged my back to help me relax and get some rest before the big push. She made sure I was comfortable and at ease. She knew what kind of birth I wanted and I trusted her completely. I believe the wonderful birth I had has a lot to do with having a Doula there. Of course Brandon was there, but there were times where I didn't want him watching me labor. I remember at one point when I was in the water, I looked at him and told him to go away haha. But he knew I meant that in the kindest way possible.


I'm ecstatic to attend the workshop and complete everything I need to become a certified Doula!

2010 is going to be an amazing year!

1 comment:

  1. This is SO exciting! Congratulations on becoming a Doula! You will be an amazing! Can not wait to see you and Elora and catch up! Big hugs

    ReplyDelete