The birth of Ivy was beautiful, and a learning experience for me, as it was my first birth as a doula.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this sweet family, through prenatal visits, the birth, and a visit after the birth (baby snuggles!). Birth is an intimate experience, so I spent many hours with this family before their birth. Before I get into that, I want to share a little about my doula training!
I did my training with Carrie Kenner (https://bigbellyservices.com/advanced-doula-training/), down in Seattle, Wa. It was a seven week course, with a small group of amazing people. I am going back for a training this Wednesday, because there is always more to learn!
The doula course was much more extensive than I was expecting. I wasn’t expecting to go into so much detail about the physical and hormonal process that happens during pregnancy and labor/delivery. It was so educational, and I really appreciated her thoroughness. We also spent a lot of time learning about some of the statistics on childbirth, epidurals, cesareans, and so much more. I could probably write so much more on this, but that is another blog post for another time!
There is something very interesting that I want to share, though. There was a study done, where moms wrote their birth stories years and years after giving birth, and the thing they remembered most, was how they were treated. That is hugely important to be aware of when being present at a birth. I take that part in my role very seriously, and I hope that above all else, my clients feel cared for.
I’ve been to many births over the years, as a birth photographer and support for family/friends. I feel very comfortable in the environment. I don’t become anxious easily, and it would take a lot for me to become nervous at a birth. Even then, I am able to keep my emotions to myself, and I easily take on the role as a comforter, and focus all my attention on keeping my clients calm and at ease.
With this new role as a doula, I really have so much to learn. Because no matter how comfortable I am at births, there is no way to predict what a laboring mama will want while she is in labor. My hope is to provide the best care I can for all of my clients, in the way they need most.
I first met Hannah back in October. We met over coffee to see if having me as her doula would be the right fit. I so, so enjoyed getting to know her. In case you’re unfamiliar with how (most) doula services work, I’ll give you a quick rundown! After having an interview, we schedule two prenatal visits, where I come to your home, typically in the third trimester. These prenatal visits last about 2 hours each, and they give us time to get to know each other, and really go over a lot! These are SO important, and the time flies by during the visits. In addition to prenatal visits, after the birth, we have two postpartum visits. I come to your home the following day or so after the birth, as well as weeks/months later. It allows me to continue to be available to you, as well as gives us a chance to talk through your birth, when you’re ready. I am also available by phone, 24/7.
It was a beautiful sunny afternoon the day Ivy was born. Hannah and Brian spent the morning together doing lots of walking to get contractions going. It wasn’t too much longer after they arrived at the birth center that things began to pick up. Hannah worked through her contractions with the help of her husband, me, her older sister, and of course her midwife, Kim. It wasn’t long until it was time to start pushing. Hannah was a badass and birthed her little babe quickly and perfectly. Everyone was tucked in at home later that evening!
Ivy Elizabeth
January 26th, 2019
8lbs 9oz
Quick snuggle with Ivy before I headed home!
