Can’t Afford a Doula in Fresno? Think Again!

Most newly pregnant moms know too little or get way too much conflicting information. When women hear about Doula’s and their benefits, naturally they want to hire one. The following is a list of how Doulas can be helpful during labor and birth:

* decrease in epidural use
* fewer cesarean births
* decrease in use of Pitocin to stimulate labor
* decrease in narcotic use for pain relief
* decrease in forceps use
* decrease in length of labor

HOWEVER…most new moms think,”I can’t afford a Doula”

I believe you can’t afford NOT to have one, but what if it is impossible to afford the going rate? Well, you just don’t know most Doulas do ya? MOST Doulas will take payments and many more barter. Do you or your husband have a valuable skill that the Doual may trade you for? I have had my car fixed by a mechanic in exchange for my going rate $700. Some moms have paid me $85 a month for months before the baby was born, and other outside the box ideas. Truth be known? We would rather see you have a Doula than not have one and most of us will do what it takes to give you BOTH sides of every story. People take out loans for cars, or save up for a vacation. This is the birth of your child, a day you will remember forever. Protect your memory, your baby and yourself.

If a woman has chosen the path of the Doula, chances are she is extremely sympathetic and WILL work with you. If you encounter a Doula that is anything but loving and sympathetic and respectful, she/he is not for you. Be honest about what you can pay monthly and break it up. Or think outside the box and REGISTER for DOULA services! Most cribs or strollers cost as much as a Doula, ask 7 friends to pitch in for one.

A Doula for every woman is my personal dream, don’t settle, hire a Doula and have a safe and empowered birth!

If you are interested in meeting a Doula call  559-930-2032 for more information

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON GETTING AN EPIDURAL YOU NEED A DOULA. YOU WILL NOT BE GIVEN AN EPIDURAL UNTIL YOU ARE 4CM OR MORE AT THE HOSPITAL, HAVING A DOULA TO HELP YOU GET FROM THE BEGINNING OF CONTRACTIONS TO 4 OR MORE. THAT CAN TAKE A SHORT TIME OR MANY HOURS, AFTER YOUR EPIDURAL YOUR DOULA STILL PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE AND CAN HELP YOU WHEN IT COMES TIME TO MEET BABY FROM PUSHING TO NURSING. THROUGHOUT TIME WOMEN HAVE GIVEN BRTH WITH OTHER WOMEN HELPING THEM. YOU AND YOUR PARTNER DESERVE A DOULA.

FOR ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DOULAS CLICK HERE

Post Baby Practices

Today on Progressive Parenting my guest Lisa Gartin and I discussed unnecessary procedures after the baby is born. Oft times much energy is spent in hospital childbirth education classes on the actual birth, that very little time is spent on what’s next. We went over what is typical at most hospitals. Bulb Suctioning, Bathing, Delayed Cord Clamping, Separation of  Mother and Baby, Circumcision and more. We talked about how these things affect the baby for years to come and the affects of the mother. Most importantly we discussed how you can avoid the things you want. In the next month or so you will be able to download this show, until then this recording is available for $2.00 (+ postage) call 559-930-2032 to order a copy.

Here is a video to enlighten you on some routine procedures that may do more harm than good

What is a Doula?

I get questioned all the time about what it is that I do. My answer always changes. There is so much to what I do as a Doula, and it differs from woman to woman and couple to couple. Sometimes I’m very hands on and verbal because that’s what that couple needs, other times I can be off to the side only whispering words of support. It all depends on what mom and dad need at the time. Regardless of the length of labor, I am committed 100% to that mother and baby and father. I love what I do and I can’t imagine the day when I no longer do this. I love my work and love every single one of the families I’ve had the privilege of spending precious hours with.

ser·vant

Pronunciation:

\ˈsər-vənt\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from present participle of servir

Date:

13th century

: one that serves others <a public servant> ; especially : one that performs duties about the person or home of a master or personal employer

Doula means female servant and that’s what I am. I am there for the mother and the father. I am there for them mentally and physically. I anticipate needs and fulfill requests. I encourage, support, and give of myself. I give my knowledge, experience, and my soul.

Watch these videos to get a better idea for your self.

If you have any questions or are inspired to become a Doula yourself, please feel free to contact me at 559-930-2032

or visit my website for more details

Reducing Infant Mortality

Babies born in Cuba, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland have a better chance of surviving after childbirth than babies born in the United States. The early moments of mother infant bonding are more important than we know. We are  more technologically advanced in our country and we are not doing any better and we’re actually doing worse, we spend more money per mom and baby then anywhere else in the world and we are getting worse results. Why? How can this be true in America? It is true, and parents need to step up and educate themselves with the information they need to have a safe and beautiful birth.

Debby Takikawa director of the film What Babies Want is making a film to bring light to this topic. Her intent with this video is to encourage policy makers to consider a health care system that holds prevention of these calamities as a high priority.  The midwifery model of care for healthy low-risk women is a simple solution which addresses many of these issues simultaneously.

She is advocating for a health care system in which it will be standard procedure for mothers and babies to thrive and not merely survive through birth and early life. She believes the midwifery model of care will save our health care system millions of dollars each year.

If you are inspired visit her website Reducing Infant Mortality

Dads and Doulas

Dads seem to be forgotten or pushed off to the side when it comes to birth. I believe that dad can play a vital role during this very special time. I believe it is of the up most importance that dad be just as educated about the process as mom. It’s dads job to protect his family and unless he knows how to do this he can be left to feel powerless. Doulas can help dad during the labor process just as much as mom. A Doula can show dad how to be as helpful as possible. She can be there to remind him of all he’s learned. She can empower him to protect his family. Be sure to watch this trailer to get a feel for what men who were not empowered felt like

The Best Shower Gift Ever!

Recently I asked some of my Doula clients which Blessing Shower gift was the most helpful or their favorite. People are always asking me what to give their friends that will stand out in their minds so here’s the LIST!

Top Ten Favorite Blessing Shower Gifts

10.Gift Certificate for mom at a SPA

9. Wrap and Ring Sling tied

8. Muslin Swaddling blankets at 42″X42″ it’s the perfect size

7.Air Purifier

6.Breast Pump

5.Doula Services Pre or post and in one case family and friends paid for both!

4. DIAPERS! disposable and cotton

3. Volunteer Dinners (Have a sign up sheet at your Blessing Shower and let friends pick one day of the week for two weeks to drop off food)

2. Volunteer Laundry (same as volunteer dinners)

1. Housekeeper. Friends pitch in and pay for day-weekly-monthly maid service for mom

Birth Plans

There is a bumper sticker I’ve come to love as a Doula. “We make plans, God laughs.” I love it on a number of levels. One, it’s just so true. We can plan and plan meticulously and you just know things will not pan out as we thought. We may come close, but generally there’s a hiccup or two that tends to change the outcome. Anyone who’s every seen a heist movie or sitcom knows, plans have a way of changing. Two, God has a wicked sense of humor.

I believe if we cannot laugh at ourselves and do not take ourselves too seriously, all will be well.

So, do I think you should have a birth plan? Yes, definitely you should. There are classes you can take and books you can read on this topic.However, it must be a plan you’ve researched. It must take more than an hour to write. But most importantly, the person that makes this plan must firmly grasp that all plans deviate from the original at some point and the most important thing is to go with the flow, remember the ultimate goal and to get there safely.

Go over your birth plan with your Doula and let her know (most importantly let yourself know) which things you simply cannot abide and which things can occur with the least amount of stress to you. In this way she can help you maneuver your way through the white waters of the system, to the destination you choose. As your guide it is important to trust your Doula. Most Doulas will help you write up a birth plan. Local Doula, Andrea Cole, leads a Creating Your Birth Plan Class through Mommy Matters Online click HERE to schedule a spot for you and your partner today!

My best advise is; focus on what you want, not on what you don’t want.

“It’s an ill plan that cannot be changed”-Latin Proverb