Sunday, June 14, 2009

My doula Training

As some of you know, I recently decided to do something for myself. i have been searching for that something for awhile, and the second I saw it I KNEW!!! I wanted to be a Doula. Now some of you are asking, What the heck is a doula.. so here is an explanation.

What is a doula?
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily

WHY WOULD I USE ONE?
Women have complex needs during childbirth and the weeks that follow. In addition to medical care and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. They need individualized care based on their circumstances and preferences.
DONA International doulas are educated and experienced in childbirth and the postpartum period. We are prepared to provide physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth, as well as to families in the weeks following childbirth. We offer a loving touch, positioning and comfort measures that make childbearing women and families feel nurtured and cared for.

Now i know from my 3 birthing experiences. That 1) all of them were different 2) I KNOW without a doubt, especially with Ella's birth, I could have benefited from having a doula. Now firstly i want everyone to know, that we are not saying the dads suck! We are not, Dayna was great in labour, and I could not have done it without him been there. But he was not sure what he was supposesd to do or his role. And wouldn't it have been great for both of us, if he didn't have to worry about 'coaching' and doing and saying the right thing, but just be there for me, with no worries. Plus, then i didn't have to worry about what he was worrying about!! With Ella's birth, It was very strong and very fast, and I was seriously out of control. I could hear myself and i was thinking what am i doing. Dayna was shocked and didn't have a clue how to respond. I was hysterical, and just having someone there, who knew how to calm me, who knew some things that would get me through...ooohh i would have been bliss! lol

So i took the course, it was long, and intense, but so rewarding, emotional, and just right for me. I can now attend births :) I have to have 3 births as part of my certification. Until i get some experience the charge will be very minimal. So if you know anyone who wants a Doula, pretty much free of charge, give me a call!! In lethbridge right now the rates for Doula's is $500-600 per birth. In Calgary $900 per birth. So my rates right now... SWEET! lol

Anyways, I truly am thrilled to be doing this.

9 comments:

Lynn said...

Congratulations on accomplishing a HUGE goal! That is awesome.

We had a sister in our ward who was a doula. She was VERY popular. : D She has moved away out of the city and so one less doula means more of a need for you. *wink*

I wish you ALL the best!

Lynn said...

P.S. Okay....I don't think I wrote that right, now that I see it on paper.

I meant....now that there is more of a need for a doula in the city due to one less one....there is more of a chance the YOU will be needed. LOL!

Tiffany said...

Great job Heidi...you would make a great doula...way to follow through with your goal.

The Gibb Family said...

Very exciting!! I'm glad you found something you love and went with it!! Good luck with everything - You will be GREAT!!

Michelle at peek-a-boob said...

Oh Heidi you will be SO great at that! I can just see it you sweet thing! Good for you!

Jodi Pilling said...

That is SO awesome. Good for you for doing something for yourself. Hey I have a freind who is having a baby in July. I will let her know about you.

Angie said...

That is so awesome Heidi! You will be great!

Heather said...

YOU are soo awesome! i am soo excited for you! seriously, it is a BIG HUGE accomplishment! you are awesome! you will be SOO WONDERFUL! I WISH you lived closer for SOOOO many reasons. BUT, i would LOVE to have you as my doula! love you girl!!!

Antonia said...

That is awesome! I had two of my friends that are doula's at Emily's birth and it was great! I can totally see you doing this!