About a month ago, I attended a doula training workshop. I left with some good business ideas, but not much else. All of the information taught is covered within the competencies of a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. If it weren't for my training with Lamaze, I would be an absolute wreck going into my births for certification. Thanks to Lamaze, I am confident in my ability to provide good support to laboring moms. It was nice to be reminded of what a great organization Lamaze really is.
I wrote a letter to Lamaze proposing that the organization offer a doula certification program to compliment their childbirth education program. They do such a great job at preparing educators, why not doulas too? I sent the letter via email on Tuesday and was pleasantly surprised to get a call from Lamaze's CEO/Executive Director on Thursday morning. We had a great discussion about the idea and whether or not it was feasible. (I'll share more about that later; first I've got some work to do!) I was so impressed at the prompt response. I feel wonderful to be a part of an organization that values it's members as much as Lamaze does!
I honestly feel that the process of becoming a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator and doula has changed many aspects of who I am in many positive ways. I hope that I can teach families half as much as Lamaze has taught me!
At the beginning of this year, I decided to join the Green River Doula Network (www.greenriverdoulas.org). This turned out to be another fabulous organization. It is great to be a part of the group of phenomenal women! There is a varied range of experience and knowledge base, which means there is almost always someone to answer a question about something I've never seen. They have great events, such as Meet the Doula Day (Sunday, May 15th at 2-4, Cradle, Northampton), fantastic programs for serving women and families in our community, and is just a really good support network.
It has been almost two years since I first set out on my journey and it just keeps getting better!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Worth doing
After attending my first meeting with the Green River Doula Network, I was feeling refreshed and re-energized in my passion for birth. I sat down at the computer to write this blog post. First the internet wouldn't open. Then I had to try three times to get to the login screen and once I finally got there, I entered the wrong password twice. I considered nixing the blog post and shutting down for the night, but I just needed to try one more thing.
It's funny how my logging on experience has paralleled what I've been thinking about being a birth professional. Sometimes you try things that don't work. Sometimes is frustrating. Often, it isn't easy. Sometimes you think it's not worth the trouble, but you push through just one more time and see that it's a worthy cause.
After providing labor support that resulted in a cesarean birth, I found myself questioning whether I would be able to make the difference that I wanted to make. Should I approach things from a different angle? How do I effectively promote safe and healthy birth? What could I do better? Is anyone listening? I felt so small working against such a huge and often dysfunctional system. How could I possibly make a difference?
Everyone has to start somewhere. This is where I am and it's a long road ahead, but it's a road worth traveling. After many conversations with the best friend anyone could as for, I realized that it won't be easy and wonderful all of the time, but it is worth the effort. Every living room conversation with a friend, every post shared on Facebook that just one person looks at, every question I'm able to answer, every person who asks "what the heck is a doula?" and then after the explanation says "I wish I had one of those!" Every one of these experiences is one step further down the road.
It's funny how my logging on experience has paralleled what I've been thinking about being a birth professional. Sometimes you try things that don't work. Sometimes is frustrating. Often, it isn't easy. Sometimes you think it's not worth the trouble, but you push through just one more time and see that it's a worthy cause.
After providing labor support that resulted in a cesarean birth, I found myself questioning whether I would be able to make the difference that I wanted to make. Should I approach things from a different angle? How do I effectively promote safe and healthy birth? What could I do better? Is anyone listening? I felt so small working against such a huge and often dysfunctional system. How could I possibly make a difference?
Everyone has to start somewhere. This is where I am and it's a long road ahead, but it's a road worth traveling. After many conversations with the best friend anyone could as for, I realized that it won't be easy and wonderful all of the time, but it is worth the effort. Every living room conversation with a friend, every post shared on Facebook that just one person looks at, every question I'm able to answer, every person who asks "what the heck is a doula?" and then after the explanation says "I wish I had one of those!" Every one of these experiences is one step further down the road.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Amazing Grace
Now that I'm certified, I have put more time and effort into getting my course into tip-top shape than I ever imagined. I spend countless hours finding resources, printing handouts, outlining, gathering materials and organizing. It seems as though each time I teach, I discover that there's just one more thing I need to make class go a little smoother. I don't dread any of it. I am still enjoying every bit of work I'm doing.
I seem to have attracted women who are late in their pregnancies. It causes some stress on my end, making sure I cover enough material to get them to the birth of their babies. I recently had a mom deliver two weeks into our six week class. I felt terrible. I felt as though I hadn't gotten to the real meat of Lamaze. I was relieved to visit her and find that she did remarkably well in her labor and birth and it seemed as though most of the information we were able to cover in our short time together, she retained and used! It was certainly an eye-opener and has directed me back to my curriculum to make a few adjustments. It also seems to have given the the opportunity to do some hands-on baby care classes, which I'm sure will be much more helpful than swaddling and diapering a doll!
Since beginning this (what I believe to be) very important work, I have been taken aback by how honored I feel to be allowed into people's homes and educate them on their pregnancy and birth. If I get too caught up in it, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the responsibility, but I am trying to focus on giving each family the best education possible. Teaching privately has allowed me to be much more personal with my students. I have the opportunity to learn about their journeys through life and pregnancy. I am fascinated by the courage that many women have. Already, they have taught me so much professionally and personally. I am continually amazed at the strength that families, and women in particular, have. So many have struggled to get pregnant, experienced loss, have health concerns or even have partners who are unable to attend the birth of their babies. These women have handled each situation with poise and grace. I am inspired by and admire their strength and positive attitudes. My journey through Lamaze has only just begun.
I seem to have attracted women who are late in their pregnancies. It causes some stress on my end, making sure I cover enough material to get them to the birth of their babies. I recently had a mom deliver two weeks into our six week class. I felt terrible. I felt as though I hadn't gotten to the real meat of Lamaze. I was relieved to visit her and find that she did remarkably well in her labor and birth and it seemed as though most of the information we were able to cover in our short time together, she retained and used! It was certainly an eye-opener and has directed me back to my curriculum to make a few adjustments. It also seems to have given the the opportunity to do some hands-on baby care classes, which I'm sure will be much more helpful than swaddling and diapering a doll!
Since beginning this (what I believe to be) very important work, I have been taken aback by how honored I feel to be allowed into people's homes and educate them on their pregnancy and birth. If I get too caught up in it, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the responsibility, but I am trying to focus on giving each family the best education possible. Teaching privately has allowed me to be much more personal with my students. I have the opportunity to learn about their journeys through life and pregnancy. I am fascinated by the courage that many women have. Already, they have taught me so much professionally and personally. I am continually amazed at the strength that families, and women in particular, have. So many have struggled to get pregnant, experienced loss, have health concerns or even have partners who are unable to attend the birth of their babies. These women have handled each situation with poise and grace. I am inspired by and admire their strength and positive attitudes. My journey through Lamaze has only just begun.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Certification
I just checked lamaze.org and the exam results are posted. I am thrilled that I passed and can really begin the next part of my journey!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Healthy Birth Practices
This evening, I found myself in the gym flipping through the stations on the TV attached to the elliptical. I had doubt that I would find much on at eight o'clock on a Friday night. I happened upon MTV's 16 and Pregnant. This is a show I have watched bits and pieces of in the past, but have never been able to watch a full episode. I don't care for the program for a number of reasons, but found myself getting very involved tonight. A year ago, I would not have been thinking about Lamaze's Healthy Birth Practices while watching this show, but that is exactly what I was doing tonight.
The staff was good about asking the mom about who she planned to have with her for support (care practice #3) and when her over-bearing mother tried to avoid certain questions, the nurse offered to answer questions in private with the pregnant teen. However, I cringed when the nurse pointed out that "all of the equipment that we need for delivery is in the room." (Care practice #4)(The episode is here and the hospital tour is at about 15:30) I couldn't help but think of how many babies were born before there was any equipment. While it is used for some very good reasons in some births and some women take comfort in the information it provides, I can't shake the notion that women's bodies are designed to birth babies. The equipment doesn't change that fact.
Some time after receiving an epidural, it was time to push. It wasn't surprising to see directed pushing being used, but there was one moment that stood out. The nurse wanted Mom to start pushing and Mom was waiting until she could focus inwardly before beginning. I was proud of her for taking control of the situation and pushing when and how she needed to (care practice 5).
Finally, a beautiful baby girl emerged. The doctor held her up for Mom to see, had the grandmother cut the cord and took the baby to the warmer. Due to the magic of television, it is unclear how much time the baby was there but when the hospital staff was done, they brought a completely bundled baby to see her mom for the first time. I immediately thought "Number 6! No separation of Mom and Baby with unlimited opportunity to breastfeed." (Healthy Birth Practice #6) A year ago, that thought never would have crossed my mind.
I recently posted on childbirth as it is portrayed in programming for preschoolers. Watching this show led me to consider similar questions about childbirth in programs for teens. I wonder if there are any episodes showing young moms who chose unmediated births or even home births. If not, what impact would including different types of birth have on teens?
As always, I want to emphasize that each woman should choose how she handles the birth of her child. My goal is to make sure that families have evidence-based information to make their own decisions. Much of the information I have learned in the past 10 months would have changed the questions I asked and the ways in which I chose to advocate for myself during the birth of my own children.
The staff was good about asking the mom about who she planned to have with her for support (care practice #3) and when her over-bearing mother tried to avoid certain questions, the nurse offered to answer questions in private with the pregnant teen. However, I cringed when the nurse pointed out that "all of the equipment that we need for delivery is in the room." (Care practice #4)(The episode is here and the hospital tour is at about 15:30) I couldn't help but think of how many babies were born before there was any equipment. While it is used for some very good reasons in some births and some women take comfort in the information it provides, I can't shake the notion that women's bodies are designed to birth babies. The equipment doesn't change that fact.
Some time after receiving an epidural, it was time to push. It wasn't surprising to see directed pushing being used, but there was one moment that stood out. The nurse wanted Mom to start pushing and Mom was waiting until she could focus inwardly before beginning. I was proud of her for taking control of the situation and pushing when and how she needed to (care practice 5).
Finally, a beautiful baby girl emerged. The doctor held her up for Mom to see, had the grandmother cut the cord and took the baby to the warmer. Due to the magic of television, it is unclear how much time the baby was there but when the hospital staff was done, they brought a completely bundled baby to see her mom for the first time. I immediately thought "Number 6! No separation of Mom and Baby with unlimited opportunity to breastfeed." (Healthy Birth Practice #6) A year ago, that thought never would have crossed my mind.
I recently posted on childbirth as it is portrayed in programming for preschoolers. Watching this show led me to consider similar questions about childbirth in programs for teens. I wonder if there are any episodes showing young moms who chose unmediated births or even home births. If not, what impact would including different types of birth have on teens?
As always, I want to emphasize that each woman should choose how she handles the birth of her child. My goal is to make sure that families have evidence-based information to make their own decisions. Much of the information I have learned in the past 10 months would have changed the questions I asked and the ways in which I chose to advocate for myself during the birth of my own children.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Postpatrum Depression
The Department of Health and Human Services says that "about 13% of pregnant women and new mothers have depression." The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologist states that 70 - 80% of women experience the "baby blues." More recent studies seem to be indicating that Postpartum Depression is even more prevalent. There is no doubt that postpartum depression is a concern for pregnant and new moms, but what may surprise some people is that dads can suffer from depression after the arrival of a new baby as well.
CNN posted this article about postpartum depression in men. It is clear from the article that more research is needed. What causes this depression? Does the medicalization of birth play a factor? Are we educating and/or preparing men as well as we should be for the arrival of their babies? How can we incorporate adequate screening for depression for a couple into prenatal and postpartum care? As childbirth educators, how can we address this in our classes and what should we be looking for? These are questions I don't have the answers to, but would be interested in seeing the research surrounding the subject.
You can read a Lamaze article on Postpartum Depression and Baby Blues here.
CNN posted this article about postpartum depression in men. It is clear from the article that more research is needed. What causes this depression? Does the medicalization of birth play a factor? Are we educating and/or preparing men as well as we should be for the arrival of their babies? How can we incorporate adequate screening for depression for a couple into prenatal and postpartum care? As childbirth educators, how can we address this in our classes and what should we be looking for? These are questions I don't have the answers to, but would be interested in seeing the research surrounding the subject.
You can read a Lamaze article on Postpartum Depression and Baby Blues here.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Children's Programming
It has been a while since my last post. The exam is done and after a fantastic opportunity to meet with Lamaze's Certification Council, I have returned to blogging.
I have begun reading Jennifer Block's Pushed once again. I started this book a few months ago, but chose to read some other things to prepare for certification. I recommend that anyone wishing to have a safe and healthy birth read it before even getting pregnant. It includes great, evidence-based information that everyone should know before making their birthing decisions. With this reading comes an increased awareness of birth in the word around me.
In the past two days, I have watched two separate children's cartoons in which a mom is having a second baby. A year ago, I never would have thought twice about the way the birthing process is portrayed, but since beginning my journey through Lamaze, things have changed.
We are always seeing birth portrayed in the media and too often it is presented with very little variation. Women see other women laboring in a hospital bed connected to IVs, monitors and with epidurals. While this is the reality for many women, it is not what all women want. I believe there should be a variety of birthing experiences presented in the media and it may aid women in advocating for the types of births they wish to achieve.
While viewing these cartoons with my son, it occurred to me that we are perpetuating the cycle with our children. In both cases, the parents went to the hospital to have a baby. In one case, the mom was having contractions that were somewhat unrealistic. I'm not suggesting we need to be too graphic or detailed, but smiles and "ohs" are also not what children may see while their moms are in labor. We may be setting our children up to be frightened when what they see is so different from what they imagined. In the second program, the new big sister went to visit her new baby brother in the "baby hospital." They passed two nurseries filled with babies before getting to the third nursery where the new baby slept with six others.
I understand that cartoons are not aimed at an adult audience, but perhaps by varying birthing locations (i.e. hospital, home birth, birthing center) and portraying more "ideal" situations, such as visiting baby who is cuddled up with Mom we can help to guide a generation of children to know that there are a variety of birthing options and choices that can be made. By presenting the safe and healthy arrival of a new family member in a variety of ways we may help our children have different expectations for a birthing experience and perhaps be good advocates for themselves when the time comes.
I know that there are a few concerns with this. First off, I could eliminate the television viewing and solve the problem. I'm expecting a lot from a children's cartoon. The reality is, my kids watch TV and I want what they are viewing to expose them to many different things presented in many different ways. This is true not just of birthing experiences, but of all information presented in children's programming. What do you think?
I have begun reading Jennifer Block's Pushed once again. I started this book a few months ago, but chose to read some other things to prepare for certification. I recommend that anyone wishing to have a safe and healthy birth read it before even getting pregnant. It includes great, evidence-based information that everyone should know before making their birthing decisions. With this reading comes an increased awareness of birth in the word around me.
In the past two days, I have watched two separate children's cartoons in which a mom is having a second baby. A year ago, I never would have thought twice about the way the birthing process is portrayed, but since beginning my journey through Lamaze, things have changed.
We are always seeing birth portrayed in the media and too often it is presented with very little variation. Women see other women laboring in a hospital bed connected to IVs, monitors and with epidurals. While this is the reality for many women, it is not what all women want. I believe there should be a variety of birthing experiences presented in the media and it may aid women in advocating for the types of births they wish to achieve.
While viewing these cartoons with my son, it occurred to me that we are perpetuating the cycle with our children. In both cases, the parents went to the hospital to have a baby. In one case, the mom was having contractions that were somewhat unrealistic. I'm not suggesting we need to be too graphic or detailed, but smiles and "ohs" are also not what children may see while their moms are in labor. We may be setting our children up to be frightened when what they see is so different from what they imagined. In the second program, the new big sister went to visit her new baby brother in the "baby hospital." They passed two nurseries filled with babies before getting to the third nursery where the new baby slept with six others.
I understand that cartoons are not aimed at an adult audience, but perhaps by varying birthing locations (i.e. hospital, home birth, birthing center) and portraying more "ideal" situations, such as visiting baby who is cuddled up with Mom we can help to guide a generation of children to know that there are a variety of birthing options and choices that can be made. By presenting the safe and healthy arrival of a new family member in a variety of ways we may help our children have different expectations for a birthing experience and perhaps be good advocates for themselves when the time comes.
I know that there are a few concerns with this. First off, I could eliminate the television viewing and solve the problem. I'm expecting a lot from a children's cartoon. The reality is, my kids watch TV and I want what they are viewing to expose them to many different things presented in many different ways. This is true not just of birthing experiences, but of all information presented in children's programming. What do you think?
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