My love of doula work came when I was asked to be a doula by a friend of mine, who was already practiced in Hypno-birthing with her previous child. I had not yet had my own child and she knew I wasn’t familiar with Hypno-birthing at that time. However, she wanted me there because of my ability to connect and create a calm and consistent atmosphere which she had experienced many times in my yoga classes, and asked that I bring those same elements to her in the birthing process. I took this request very seriously and delved fully into educating myself in all that's involved in supporting someone during childbirth. The opportunity to be a companion to my friend through her process not only came very naturally, but the entire journey was pleasant and smooth. At the time, I didn’t realize this experience would affect my entire childbirth philosophy, but I learned so much that it ultimately led me to shape my own birthing philosophy when my son came into this world.
I also got the amazing opportunity to support my best friend with the birth of her son. Although the birth was a scheduled induction, there was a moment she felt her process wasn’t going as she wanted, so I did something to make her laugh, and as my dear friend says, she ended up “laughing her baby out.”
I knew I was called to this work when another friend of mine recently called me on the phone asking for some support during her early stages of labor, as she was experiencing nervousness, doubt, and fear. Within moments of talking, she expressed how much I had helped calm her, and she was content and ready. She suggested I become a doula, and I knew my next step, bringing me to where I am now. I am honored to be a doula and to help others.
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In addition to the doula certification I have through International Doula Institute, I am also a certified Hypnobabies birth doula, and with this training, I carry a very specific set of skills that is different from the more traditional childbirth method. Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis is a method of childbirth preparation that teaches expectant mothers self-hypnosis techniques, as well as imagery and visualization to re-program the inner mind in a very positive way. This helps to lessen and usually completely eliminate fear and discomfort from the birthing experience, ultimately guiding them to their most desirable childbirth outcome.
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The benefits of having a doula are abundant. Shorter birth duration and proven to lessen the chances of medical intervention are only two of many. The support of a doula helps put the mother at ease, helps her relax, focus, and apply herself so she can trust that her innate ability, her body, and her baby know exactly what to do. A doula empowers the mother while being an asset and advocate to the entire medical team. Please click HERE to read more. I look forward to talking with you more about the work of a doula. Please click on the links below to find more information:
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Doula
