This is from my December DONA 'International Doula' magazine...and it left me in tears:
From a Doula's Son
by Shayne Siermachesky
My mother is the matriarch of a family tree that is all boys and worries that her life's work will be lost on her sons. I am her eldest son and on the brink of manhood. My mother is a doula; a woman who deals in pain, bulging bellies, emotional extremes and the epiphany of new life. I am here to tell her that all hope is not lost - your boys have been listening and quietly learning for years. For all those other doulas out there who have only birthed males, I am also here to tell you that your sons have been listening and learning as well - you are educating a whole new generation of fathers.
To quote Penny Simkin, "Let me tell you about birth." (Yes, I have seen many a video and read many of her books, as it's hard not to; they're pretty much in every nook and cranny in the house!) Following my mother's quiet guidance and implementing my male perspective of birth, this is what I hold in my heart. I can hep create a child, but I cannot push it from my body. I can love a child; however, it will not grow under my heart, but in it. I can empathize, comfort and advocate for my future wife, but I will only be an observer in that momentous journey to becoming a parent. I can love my partner the ony way a man can love a woman, but I understand and trust the bond that only women share. I can feed, clothe and protect my child, but I will never know what it is like to nourish a child at my breast. Most importantly, I know that there will be no babies born in my family without the services of a doula.
Over the last dozen years I have also been given quite the education. I know that Friedman's Curve isn't on a highway somewhere. I know the seven cardinal movements are not in any way a sexual position. I get that birth is not and never was, a sporting event. I know what Ferguson's Reflex is, what a Montgomery Gland is for and what the MacRobert's Maneuver does. I know that you smile when I catch an episode of TLC's "A Baby Story" and yell at the TV, telling the woman lying in the bed to get up and squat. What I didn't know for years was that you were igniting a passion in me as you were feeding your own. You have taught me to follow my heart in whatever career gives me great joy and satisfaction - thank you.
Mom, while I will never be a doula, nor be as intimate with birth as you are on a daily basis, I have been listening and learning. You have taught us boys well. And yes, I will try to marry a midwife.
Shayne Siermachesky is the 17 year old son of Loree Siermachesky, CD(DONA). he lives in Medicine Hat, Alberta and hopes to havea future in health care when he graduates from high School in June 2010.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Testimonies
Birth clients:
Dave and Michelle Leatherman - "There simply are no words to describe the help and encouragement my wife and I received from Kristen. From the very first time we met Kristen we instantly felt at ease and were comforted by her personality and how she interacted with us. We knew we had the perfect fit for our needs."Things were stressful enough for both of us towards the end of the pregnancy as we had some scares with ultrasounds in addition to me recovering from shoulder surgery. Kristen was able to help us BOTH through this experience, encouraging my wife and reinforcing many of the Bradley Method techniques we had learned, while keeping me calm and encouraging breaks, rest, or to simply step outside and get a breathe of fresh air.
"There is no doubt in my mind that things would not have gone as smoothly as they did without the help of Kristen. It was also very relaxing and reassuring to know we had someone who we trusted and shared the same views and birth plan as we did, and did not hesitate to express that to any of the hospital’s medical staff when needed. When it’s your first time going through the experience of child birth, you tend to think you’re well prepared and know exactly what to do. Though we felt we were adequately prepared, our situation was unique in that we had to make a crucial decision based on my wife’s high blood pressure. Our intent was to do everything we possibly could naturally, however we made a decision to move forward with an epidural in order to keep my wife’s blood pressure down (which was skyrocketing) and also keep the baby healthy without any high risk.
"Having Kristen there to talk us through this and let us make the decision was SO helpful. We were able to get an honest opinion, and were able to calmly talk through all our options. I cannot stress enough how important this was to us as a couple! We felt like we had someone who was not only an advocate for our child, but an advocate for our entire family, and that was overwhelmingly helpful. All in all, just knowing that someone was physically there to assist with anything we could ever need or ask for was a huge blessing to us both. There’s no question we will use Kristen’s services again- the only question is “When are we ready to have our second child”??"
Arianne- "I was able to have a successful VBAC with the help of Kristen. She was extremely helpful through the difficult contractions, and was supportive throughout the whole process. It made giving birth to my second daughter a wonderful experience."
Joy - "Kristen kept contact with me the months before and gave encouraging advice when my ob wanted to do something that went against my birth plan. My labor began at home. I called Kristen to let her know contractions had started. She gave me peace of mind to continue to labor at home until I needed to go to the hospital. She was calm and reassuring throughout the labor until we welcomed Genevieve into the world. Having her as my doula eased the anxiety I had about giving birth for both myself and my husband. My birth plan was followed and we have a healthy baby girl. I continue to be in contact with her as she watches Genevieve grow."
Postpartum clients:
The Hooviks- "After the birth of our son, I stayed in the hospital for 9.5 days due to other complications. The stress and burdens of not only being a new parent, but being sick and completely dependent upon my spouse was unbearable; not only for me, but for my spouse as well. When we brought Kristen into the hospital to meet with us, we knew that she was going to be an answered prayer. Kristen took care of our tiny new baby while I slept, rested, and healed. She helped with dishes, and other "fun" stuff. And emotionally, she was a blessing to my scared and exhausted body. I was encouraged, educated, reassured, and we really couldn't have made it through without her. Thanks a million Kristen, you're the best!!"
Caitrin Rames- "Our experience with having a post-partum doula was that it made a huge difference in our stress levels. Knowing that someone was coming by on a regular basis to check in and help out was reassuring and incredibly helpful! It's always easier when you know help will eventually arrive!!"
Erin Hale - "First of all you were very professional and made both Josh and I feel very comfortable. You had great ideas for during my pregnancy to help with back pain, fatigue etc. I also liked the ideas to help with the labor. Some were new and some were not and they helped in ways that I did not need an epidural. I felt more prepared to tell the Dr and nurses on my birthing plan (I didn't even know what one was with my first).
"Postpartum I really liked having you come and answer questions in person where if I had to call my Dr I had to wait for a call back. I had never seen baby massage and felt that it helped my daughter through when she was uncomfortable. Thank so much for the great experience!"
Caitrin Rames- "Our experience with having a post-partum doula was that it made a huge difference in our stress levels. Knowing that someone was coming by on a regular basis to check in and help out was reassuring and incredibly helpful! It's always easier when you know help will eventually arrive!!"
Erin Hale - "First of all you were very professional and made both Josh and I feel very comfortable. You had great ideas for during my pregnancy to help with back pain, fatigue etc. I also liked the ideas to help with the labor. Some were new and some were not and they helped in ways that I did not need an epidural. I felt more prepared to tell the Dr and nurses on my birthing plan (I didn't even know what one was with my first).
"Postpartum I really liked having you come and answer questions in person where if I had to call my Dr I had to wait for a call back. I had never seen baby massage and felt that it helped my daughter through when she was uncomfortable. Thank so much for the great experience!"
Monday, November 2, 2009
H1N1
Here's a great article I found via Birthsource:
Today's Research: H1N1 & Pregnancy
Confusing and controversial...that is how one childbirth educator put it when trying to answer questions in class about the H1N1 virus and whether to vaccinate if pregnant.
"It (the question) puts us between a rock and a hard place," says this childbirth educator (who we'll call Sally) who wanted to remain nameless. "I work and teach for a hospital. And I know the "party line", but the actual research is not so clear!"
A recent article in the Orange County Register (California) highlight a part of the professional controversy. Dr. Bob Sears' opinion differs from others: "As a doctor, we swear an oath to 'First, do no harm.' So I have a hard time recommending a treatment that doesn't show it causes no harm," he said. "It's not just the H1N1 vaccine that's not been tested. The regular flu vaccine has not been tested in pregnant women, either, to show that it's safe in babies. That kind of boggles my mind, because the regular flu vaccine has been around for years, and there have been plenty of opportunities for the companies to do some safety testing on them so pregnant women can feel more comfortable about them."
Dr. Felice L. Gersh, an OB/GYN at Women's Medical Group of Irvine who has been practicing for 28 years, echoes the assessment of governmental health agencies, who say the vaccine is safe and are mounting a campaign to urge pregnant women to get the H1N1 and seasonal-flu vaccines. Gersh said Sears and other doctors skeptical of the H1N1 vaccine are "going against the weight of scientific evidence."
"Sometimes in medicine, as in life, you have to go with your best guess using available data," she said. "Everything can't be signed, sealed and guaranteed. This is a judgment call. And all the data is in favor of getting the vaccine."
The Center For Disease Control has an excellent website with answers to questions about the H1N1 and also the vaccine. While thimerosal may not be in the single dose vials or the nasal spray, it will be in the multi-dose vials. The vaccine may also contain formaldehyde and egg byproducts.
There are some key lifestyle modifications that could help expectant women with promoting a healthy immune system and thus minimizing or eliminating the H1N1: (1) hydrate yourself with at least 64 fl oz or more; (2) wash hands thoroughly with warm/hot water and bar soap (avoid antibacterial soaps). Dry on paper towels and throw them away. (3) increase the probiotics in the diet. 70% of our immune system is in the colon. Probiotics can be consumed via cultured dairy products such as yogurts and fermented foods such as sauerkraut. For more information, click to the article on Pregnancy and the H1N1 virus at Midwifery Today.
And these helpful tips for the general public from Donna Walls RN, IBCLC, Certified Aromatherapist/Herbalist of Mother Earth Sundries:
1) wash hands frequently- PLEASE use soap. avoid the hand sanitizers- many contain Triclosan which is linked to breast and other reproductive cancers. If you need a "travel" container, purchase a small 1 ounce bottle or jar and put 1 oz of water with 30 drops of lavender essential oil for a safe, effective hand cleaner when there is no water close by!
2) boost you immune system. Try and herbal immune booster- astragalus is a great one. Taken as teas, capsules or tinctures this herb has proven to boost you body's ability to fight off all kinds of infections. Do not use echinacea regularly- it do not prevent colds or flu, although if taken at the onset of symptoms, it will reduce the length and severity of the symptoms. Both these herbs are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
3) try a steam of eucalyptus essential oil. Place a pan of water (about 1" of water) on the stove and bring to a simmer. Add 10-12 drops of pure eucalyptus essential oil and inhale the steam for 1-2 minutes. Repeat 2-3 times a day as needed. You might also look into a nasal rinse with the Neti Pot. it's a great way to flush germs out of the nose.
As with all controversies, an educator gives to her clients the research or shows access to the research. This paves the way to the client(s) making the best choice based on the knowledge available. Sally agreed, "It is difficult to give an answer when all of the data is not available. And with the media, it makes it even harder."
Today's Research: H1N1 & Pregnancy
Confusing and controversial...that is how one childbirth educator put it when trying to answer questions in class about the H1N1 virus and whether to vaccinate if pregnant.
"It (the question) puts us between a rock and a hard place," says this childbirth educator (who we'll call Sally) who wanted to remain nameless. "I work and teach for a hospital. And I know the "party line", but the actual research is not so clear!"
A recent article in the Orange County Register (California) highlight a part of the professional controversy. Dr. Bob Sears' opinion differs from others: "As a doctor, we swear an oath to 'First, do no harm.' So I have a hard time recommending a treatment that doesn't show it causes no harm," he said. "It's not just the H1N1 vaccine that's not been tested. The regular flu vaccine has not been tested in pregnant women, either, to show that it's safe in babies. That kind of boggles my mind, because the regular flu vaccine has been around for years, and there have been plenty of opportunities for the companies to do some safety testing on them so pregnant women can feel more comfortable about them."
Dr. Felice L. Gersh, an OB/GYN at Women's Medical Group of Irvine who has been practicing for 28 years, echoes the assessment of governmental health agencies, who say the vaccine is safe and are mounting a campaign to urge pregnant women to get the H1N1 and seasonal-flu vaccines. Gersh said Sears and other doctors skeptical of the H1N1 vaccine are "going against the weight of scientific evidence."
"Sometimes in medicine, as in life, you have to go with your best guess using available data," she said. "Everything can't be signed, sealed and guaranteed. This is a judgment call. And all the data is in favor of getting the vaccine."
The Center For Disease Control has an excellent website with answers to questions about the H1N1 and also the vaccine. While thimerosal may not be in the single dose vials or the nasal spray, it will be in the multi-dose vials. The vaccine may also contain formaldehyde and egg byproducts.
There are some key lifestyle modifications that could help expectant women with promoting a healthy immune system and thus minimizing or eliminating the H1N1: (1) hydrate yourself with at least 64 fl oz or more; (2) wash hands thoroughly with warm/hot water and bar soap (avoid antibacterial soaps). Dry on paper towels and throw them away. (3) increase the probiotics in the diet. 70% of our immune system is in the colon. Probiotics can be consumed via cultured dairy products such as yogurts and fermented foods such as sauerkraut. For more information, click to the article on Pregnancy and the H1N1 virus at Midwifery Today.
And these helpful tips for the general public from Donna Walls RN, IBCLC, Certified Aromatherapist/Herbalist of Mother Earth Sundries:
1) wash hands frequently- PLEASE use soap. avoid the hand sanitizers- many contain Triclosan which is linked to breast and other reproductive cancers. If you need a "travel" container, purchase a small 1 ounce bottle or jar and put 1 oz of water with 30 drops of lavender essential oil for a safe, effective hand cleaner when there is no water close by!
2) boost you immune system. Try and herbal immune booster- astragalus is a great one. Taken as teas, capsules or tinctures this herb has proven to boost you body's ability to fight off all kinds of infections. Do not use echinacea regularly- it do not prevent colds or flu, although if taken at the onset of symptoms, it will reduce the length and severity of the symptoms. Both these herbs are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
3) try a steam of eucalyptus essential oil. Place a pan of water (about 1" of water) on the stove and bring to a simmer. Add 10-12 drops of pure eucalyptus essential oil and inhale the steam for 1-2 minutes. Repeat 2-3 times a day as needed. You might also look into a nasal rinse with the Neti Pot. it's a great way to flush germs out of the nose.
As with all controversies, an educator gives to her clients the research or shows access to the research. This paves the way to the client(s) making the best choice based on the knowledge available. Sally agreed, "It is difficult to give an answer when all of the data is not available. And with the media, it makes it even harder."
Thursday, October 22, 2009
What an amazing day - Here comes baby M
I've joked to several clients that I'm a "speedy" doula. Most of my births have been around the 4 hour mark, give or take a few hours. However, I knew that a long one would happen, it was only a matter of time.
Baby M was my first overnighter. I arrived at the hospital at 6pm, about 6 hours after the induction began. The mom really didn't want pain medication, though we talked a lot about how pitocin is generally pretty darn painful. But since she wanted to wait, I didn't push - instead we worked through each contraction with positioning, massage and lots of encouragement. Progress was slow and around midnight she decided to get an epidural. And that's when things began to really progress. I'm so thankful for medication and what it can do! Also, when you decide to induce with medication, it's very hard not to need medication to get through it. And our ultimate goal was a VBAC - so again, we had to keep that in mind.
After we were settled, we rested through the night (the best you can in a hospital, anyway!) Around 7am she was complete! We waited to labor the baby down and do a little practice pushing. At 8:30am we noticed some odd swelling on the sides of mom's head. The doctors (and staff, and me!) were completely baffled - but decided to err on the side of caution. So, to help mom push without putting too much stress on her head (the swelling increased with pushing), they used a vacuum extractor. At 10:15 and after two strong pushes, baby girl M was born - gorgeous and hollering!
Dad was brilliant, holding her right away and singing her a beautiful melody. Mom did a great job and accomplished so much in those 24 hours of labor! Thankfully the swelling subsided as soon as labor was complete, nursing was established in record time and a few hours later I left the happy family on a crisp and snowy October 10th!
Happy birthday, baby M!
Baby M was my first overnighter. I arrived at the hospital at 6pm, about 6 hours after the induction began. The mom really didn't want pain medication, though we talked a lot about how pitocin is generally pretty darn painful. But since she wanted to wait, I didn't push - instead we worked through each contraction with positioning, massage and lots of encouragement. Progress was slow and around midnight she decided to get an epidural. And that's when things began to really progress. I'm so thankful for medication and what it can do! Also, when you decide to induce with medication, it's very hard not to need medication to get through it. And our ultimate goal was a VBAC - so again, we had to keep that in mind.
After we were settled, we rested through the night (the best you can in a hospital, anyway!) Around 7am she was complete! We waited to labor the baby down and do a little practice pushing. At 8:30am we noticed some odd swelling on the sides of mom's head. The doctors (and staff, and me!) were completely baffled - but decided to err on the side of caution. So, to help mom push without putting too much stress on her head (the swelling increased with pushing), they used a vacuum extractor. At 10:15 and after two strong pushes, baby girl M was born - gorgeous and hollering!
Dad was brilliant, holding her right away and singing her a beautiful melody. Mom did a great job and accomplished so much in those 24 hours of labor! Thankfully the swelling subsided as soon as labor was complete, nursing was established in record time and a few hours later I left the happy family on a crisp and snowy October 10th!
Happy birthday, baby M!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Welcome to the World, Baby S!
October 2-
On a misty Autumn day, beautiful baby girl S was born. Her mama was so strong - having to change her plan for a drug-free birth due to complications in her labor - this first time mama labored through like a master. The epidural saved the day and not only took away her pain, but also her complications! Thank God!
Just a few hours later, easily laboring down her sweet girl, her baby came into the world without a sound. Bright eyed, turning pinker by the second and completely quiet. Dad cut the cord and a family was born.
It's so amazing to enter a room of two and leave with three. I love my calling.
On a misty Autumn day, beautiful baby girl S was born. Her mama was so strong - having to change her plan for a drug-free birth due to complications in her labor - this first time mama labored through like a master. The epidural saved the day and not only took away her pain, but also her complications! Thank God!
Just a few hours later, easily laboring down her sweet girl, her baby came into the world without a sound. Bright eyed, turning pinker by the second and completely quiet. Dad cut the cord and a family was born.
It's so amazing to enter a room of two and leave with three. I love my calling.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
What does a doula do?
Each doula is unique in her own business and ideology of the birth process. And each client is also unique in her needs!
As your birth doula, I will work with you and your partner to discover what kind of birth you desire, and do everything I can to help you experience it. This includes writing a birth plan to reflect your wants and needs for your birth.
As your birth doula I will:
- Answer any phone calls or emails during your pregnancy
- Set up at least two prenatal visit with you and your partner (this can also include going to a doctor or midwife appointment with you)
- Remain on call for two weeks before and two weeks after your due date
- Provide a back-up doula in the event I am unable to attend your birth
- Help you labor at home
- Provide suggestions on positioning and movement
- Offer information on procedures and protocol for you to make an educated decision
- Stay throughout your labor, my shift does not end
- Provide support to your partner
- Stay until breastfeeding is established
- Follow up with a postpartum visit
- Write your birth story as a gift to you and your family
- Remain available for you to help with any questions after your baby arrives!
As your postpartum doula, I will also come up with ways to make the transition back into your home the smoothest possible.
As your postpartum doula I will:- Offer ideas for baby soothing methods
- Show you baby massage techniques
- Provide information for baby care and breastfeeding support
- Help with baby laundry and organization
- Give you time to nap, eat a meal or shower!
- Play with older children, or help with the baby while you get some one-on-one time with your older children.
- Provide some companionship
- Answer any questions you have about postpartum topics such as: depression, milk storage, nursing, sleeping, scheduling, organization, cloth diapering, play groups and other local resources for new moms
2009 Fees and information
Birth services:
$450 -- Includes two prenatal visits, the birth, and one postpartum visit
A nonrefundable retainer ($225) is required for me to put your due date on my calendar. I request the rest of the payment at our last postpartum meeting (or a month before your due date).
I do work on a sliding scale, and can also offer a payment plan. I am very flexible, so please discuss payment with me!
Postpartum services:
$20/hour -- Initially, at least four hours need to be scheduled, with payment in advance. ***10% discount on postpartum services if I was your birth doula.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Happy Birthday, Baby G.
A beautiful girl was born at 5:00am August 18th. Her parents wished for a natural birth and it went as they desired. I arrived at the hospital at 1am, she went from 2-3.5 cm by 3:30, her bag of water broke at 4:30, checked again at 4:35 and was 5cm. We worked very hard on finding comfortable positions, and resting as much as possible between contractions. Lots of breath work and focusing. The tub was full - but her water broke before we could try it! Several strong contractions and the urge to push later she was 9.5cm at 4:58 and was complete and ready to push at 5:00. Baby G was born a few seconds after her first push!
Mama was a star and Dad was very sweet taking care of her. By 6am Baby G had nursed on both sides and was content wrapped up like a burrito, being held by Dad.
I also got to share this birth with my doula mentor and friend. I feel so blessed to be a part of these families' lives. What a beautiful morning!
Mama was a star and Dad was very sweet taking care of her. By 6am Baby G had nursed on both sides and was content wrapped up like a burrito, being held by Dad.
I also got to share this birth with my doula mentor and friend. I feel so blessed to be a part of these families' lives. What a beautiful morning!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Why use a doula?
What is a doula, you ask? Check out the info from http://www.dona.org/ or below.
What is a doula?
Giving birth to a baby is so much more than a physical phenomenon; it engages parents-to-be in a transformational experience, a key life event full of emotion and meaning. A doula who accompanies a woman in labor mothers the mother, taking care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth. A doula also provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences of birth. A postpartum doula continues that valuable emotional support and guidance, helping a family make a smooth transition into new family dynamics.
DONA International doulas make the difference
Our doulas are educated and knowledgeable about childbirth and the postpartum experience. They are advocates and a listening ear for birthing mothers, as well as facilitators to her partner. When a family goes home with a new baby, a postpartum doula supports every member and the family unit as a whole.DONA International doulas are educated to work within evidence-based standards of practice. The skills that they develop are medically proven to make a true difference in the experience of birth. A DONA International doula’s presence at birth improves outcomes for mother and baby. In the postpartum period, a doula’s guidance can empower and encourage new parents, inspiring self-confidence in parenting.
Why use a doula?
DONA International doulas mother the mother
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.
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:
- Tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
- Reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
- Reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
- Reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals
Research shows parents who receive support can:
- Feel more secure and cared for
- Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
- Have greater success with breastfeedingHave greater self-confidence
- Have less postpartum depression
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Why Mamatoto?
Mamatoto is Swahili for Mother Baby. I picked this name as the name of my doula business because of a book I bought when I was seventeen - also called Mamatoto. This was a beautiful book put out by The Body Shop, celebrating birth, mothers and babies all over the globe. It's full of history, culture, stories and amazing pictures of women and their babies.
When I was in high school I had planned on going into medicine, become a doctor and work with mothers and babies. Then college came, as a double premed and music major. The coursework was brutal and I chose what I was good at: music. Fast forward several years of college, teaching high school vocal music for three years, burning out and quitting and working in a hospital as a secretary. In a hospital setting I felt that call into medicine and decided to become a Physician Assistant. Once again the road was long and hard. I was married, had one child and realized even as a PA I wasn't going to have the personal attentiveness I wanted to give to my patients. Questioning my path again, I read about doulas in Paths to Becoming a Midwife. It's possible a lightbulb flashed above my head!
A month later I met a doula, grilled her senseless (she became a great friend and mentor), found a local DONA postpartum class, and had my first client (which quickly turned into three!) in a week! I asked our DONA certified teacher when the next birth doula class was held and she asked me when I wanted it! So I picked her first opening in January of 2008. I finished the class on January 25th and my first birth client had her baby on the 30th.
This has been a long journey. When I turned away from music, teaching, and becoming a pre-PA student and opened myself up to working and living as a doula, doors opened for me. Yet, the empathetic and emotional threads I carry as a musician weave effortlessly into my doula self. All of those classroom hours in biology, chemistry, A&P, psychology, my EMT-B certification and my job as a nursing assistant add another rich layer. Nothing was wasted - I finally feel I am where I need to be.
When I was in high school I had planned on going into medicine, become a doctor and work with mothers and babies. Then college came, as a double premed and music major. The coursework was brutal and I chose what I was good at: music. Fast forward several years of college, teaching high school vocal music for three years, burning out and quitting and working in a hospital as a secretary. In a hospital setting I felt that call into medicine and decided to become a Physician Assistant. Once again the road was long and hard. I was married, had one child and realized even as a PA I wasn't going to have the personal attentiveness I wanted to give to my patients. Questioning my path again, I read about doulas in Paths to Becoming a Midwife. It's possible a lightbulb flashed above my head!
A month later I met a doula, grilled her senseless (she became a great friend and mentor), found a local DONA postpartum class, and had my first client (which quickly turned into three!) in a week! I asked our DONA certified teacher when the next birth doula class was held and she asked me when I wanted it! So I picked her first opening in January of 2008. I finished the class on January 25th and my first birth client had her baby on the 30th.
This has been a long journey. When I turned away from music, teaching, and becoming a pre-PA student and opened myself up to working and living as a doula, doors opened for me. Yet, the empathetic and emotional threads I carry as a musician weave effortlessly into my doula self. All of those classroom hours in biology, chemistry, A&P, psychology, my EMT-B certification and my job as a nursing assistant add another rich layer. Nothing was wasted - I finally feel I am where I need to be.
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