Our Blog Has Moved

Hi Everyone,
Just to let you know that our blog has moved to www.peacefulpassagedoulas.com
It may seem like a only a short time ago we set up this blog but this change will allow us to share more about our new doula business.  Hopefully you will follow our adventures in birth on our new website.  Hope to see you there.

Brenda and Erin
Peaceful Passage Doula Services

What a First Experience!

What a first experience, both for the momma and for me.  On a Wednesday in June the dad texted me at 3:38 a.m. to tell me the momma’s water had broken.  They headed to the hospital shortly after.  At about 6:30 a.m. the momma texted to say she was dilated 3 centimeters and her contractions had slowed down.  During the day, the doctors decided to augment the labor with an oxytocin drip.  Momma kept me posted throughout the day about what was happening.  She walked the halls to keep the contractions going and felt very positive about the progress.  At around noon, no further dilation had occurred so they started augmentation with oxytocin.

At 2:58 p.m., dad texted me to say the contractions were pretty strong and regular.  He asked if I could come by to offer morale and tips.  I arrived to “assessment and inductions” at 3:30 p.m. to find this strong momma breathing through her contractions very regularly.  She was doing very well through the contractions although they were getting quite strong. 

At 4:20 p.m. they continued to bump up the oxytocin and the contractions were getting stronger.  We used the birth ball with the momma rocking through the contractions, and the rebozo being used to perform the double hip squeeze for comfort.  Momma and dad tried to rest in between and dad had a bit of sleep 

Around 6 p.m., this amazing momma described how she was going with the contractions instead of resisting them.  She looked so calm. She did feel a bit nauseous at one point so we used peppermint oil to help with that.  It worked!

At 7:45 p.m. the doctor checked the momma and she was dilated to 5 centimeters.  She was moved to a labor and delivery suite where it was far more comfortable for mom and dad.  She continued to use the ball for comfort, as well as the rebozo on the hips and sometimes as something to pull on or squeeze. 

By 12:15 a.m. the next day, this momma was handling the contractions like a ROCK STAR and by 12:30 a.m. she was at 10 centimeters!  We were all excited and dad and I “high fived.”  

At 1:15 a.m. the doc came in to check on things.  She “tickled” the baby's head to make sure his heart rate didn’t dip like it had earlier and this seemed to help.  They decreased the oxytocin to give the momma a break between contractions.  For each subsequent contraction, this momma pushed and pushed to move baby further down the birth canal. She pushed using the squat bar, pushed standing up and pushed with her legs held by the nurse and by me.  

At 2:30 a.m. the doc confirmed that although the momma had pushed and pushed so well, baby was in a transverse position (sideways) and this was a problem to deliver baby vaginally.  

After some discussion and explanation of possibilities, it was decided that baby would be delivered by caesarian section.  AT 3:58 a.m. baby M was born!  He was 8 pounds, 1 ounce and 23 inches long!  He was so handsome and alert right after he was born. I could hardly take my tired eyes off him.  

I gave my best wishes and headed home for an hour and half of sleep because I had to get up to go to my day job (had a couple of important meetings).  I was so pumped with adrenalin that I didn't notice how tired I was until I got home from work that night.  What an absolutely amazing experience!  

One thing I will change the next time is better care for my own back.  Better body mechanics will be on my check list!  As well, I have to make sure I have more to eat because I have to keep up my strength too.  I am really glad I took the rebozo class with Sonya Duffy (check her out on facebook!) because it was a very useful tool during labor and offered the momma much comfort.  

Can't wait for the next birth in August as I get the honor of being the doula for my son and his girlfriend and my new baby grandson who will make his journey earthside! I LOVE THIS JOB!!!

Do You Need a Doula or Know Someone Who Might?

Both Erin and Brenda are in the certification phase to become a DONA certified doula.  In order to do this, we must attend three births and collect a variety of records from these three births, including evaluations from the doctor, the nurse, and the mom for all three births.  As well, there is a mountain of reading (interesting though!) to do, essays to write and other requirements (see here for requirements).  While both of us have breastfed, we are registering for a breast feeding course (the same one taken by the nurses to become "breast feeding friendly."  That will give us added ideas to support moms to breast feed their little ones.  We both took a great course recently on using the Mexican rebozo as a comfort measure.  Brenda had the opportunity to use it extensively at her first birth to great success.  Please email us at peacefulpassagedoulas@gmail.com or use the contact form on the right side of the blog if you would like more information.  Hope to hear from you soon.

Not convinced?  Here are some reasons to use a doula (from http://pregnancy.about.com/od/doula1/a/reasonstohaveadoula.htm)

Typically you will hear women say a lot of things about their doula. She came to the house to help them in early labor. She rubbed mom's back in just the right way and in just the right spot - for hours. But is the benefit of a doula quantifiable?

1. More likely to have a vaginal birth. 
   With the cesarean section rate standing nationally at nearly a third of all births, it seems that have a doula to help provide you with a slight edge in the area of a vaginal birth would be a good thing.
   
   
2. Less likely to need forceps or vacuum extraction. 
   No one wants to think about forceps or vacuum extractions being necessary at their births. Using a doula can help lower your need. Perhaps it's the labor positioning being used or that it happens when some of the other factors are met, like less use of anesthesia. But not having to use the dreaded "salad tongs" sounds like a winner in my book.
   
   
3. More likely to be satisfied with their birth. 
   Satisfaction is for all the women, not just ones who had natural childbirth or a vaginal birth. Is it the fact that a women is encouraged to make her own choices? Is it that she feels like she was in control of the decisions made in her labor? Having a good birth means a lot of things, and it looks very different to different women. It can also help lower the risks of postpartum depression.
   
   
4. Have a shorter labor. 
   Who wouldn't want to shave even a few minutes off the length of labor? Is it the relaxation? Is it the positions? Is it the comfort of knowing that someone is there with you?

And from the Just Mommies blog, they list 10 reasons:

Ten Reasons to Hire a Birth Doula What is a Birth Doula? A birth doula is a person who is trained and experienced with childbirth. Birth doulas are generally involved with an expectant mother before, during and shortly after childbirth. In other words, a birth doula is an expert labor and delivery assistant.
Ten Reasons to Hire a Birth Doula Birth Doulas Enhance the Birth Experience: You may forget what it felt like to take your first “legal” drink, but you’ll never forget the birth of your children. The birth doula’s role in labor and delivery is to anticipate your needs and help carry out your wishes. The birth doula is there to provide continual physical and emotional support. Assistance with Creating and Maintaining a “Birth Plan”: A birth plan is a document that spells out in writing your wishes for your labor and delivery. If you’re planning a hospital birth, the birth plan would be shown to your doctor, hopefully before you would go into labor. Most doctors and hospitals adhere to expectant mother’s birth plans, as long as it does not compromise the mother's or expectant child’s health. A birth doula can help an expectant mothercreate her birth plan. Once the woman is in labor, the birth doula would be there to support and encourage the woman, according to her wishes. The birth doula, however, is not in the position to make demands on your behalf. The birth doula also can not force you to adhere to your birth plan or withholdpain medication. The birth doula’s role is to encourage you the best they can, to follow your wishes. Enhance the Birth Experience for Expectant Partners: A birth doula is not there to take the place of the partner. With the doula’s experience, they are better able to assist the partner and guide them on ways to better assist the laboring mother. The doula and the partner’s roles compliment each other. Full One on One Care/Support: Many people believe they will receive all the care and attention they will need from their doctors and nurses. If you’re planning a hospital birth, chances are, you will not be the only patient. Doctors and nurses are there to monitor your health and labor progress along with every other laboring mom. The birth doula is there solely for you. They do not work with other moms while you’re in labor. Doulas also do not work in shifts. You will have the same doula at your side for the entire birth experience. Decrease in Incidence of Use of Pain Medication: Many expectant moms choose to forego the use of pain medication during childbirth. The doula’s role is to assist and encourage the birthing mother the best they can to adhere to those wishes. The continual physical and emotional support offered helps laboring moms cope with the pain and discomfort, making labor pain management much more likely without the use of drugs. Assists with Breast Feeding: For those who choose to breast feed, research has indicated that women who choose birth doulas have a better success rate with breast feeding then those who do not. The doula is there to offer guidance and support with breast feeding per their training and education. Increases Better Bonding: Part of a certified birth doula’s training places emphasis on maternal/paternal/infant bonding. The birth doula recognizes the importance of those first few minutes/hours after birth with bonding. Research indicates families who have used birth doulas have a higher recorded incidence of maternal/paternal bonding then those who have not. This does not mean that you have to use a birth doula in order to bond with your baby; it just shows that the birth doula’s presence is a factor in bonding success for all parties. Decreased Incidence of Post Partum Depression: Women who use birth doulas appear to have more confidence and feel empowered by their birth experience. A common complaint from women who have/had suffered from post partum depression is unsatisfactory or complicated births. We already know that birth doulas can play a role in overall childbirth satisfaction. Birth Doulas Assist with Communication: While birth doula can not give medical advice, perform diagnostic tests or diagnose problems, they can, however, promote positive communication between you, your partner and the hospital staff. Many women feel overwhelmed or helpless during labor. The birth doula’s role is to help be your advocate. Birth Doulas are Relatively Low Cost and Recommended: Clinical researches as well as major health organizations such as The WHO recommend continual labor support. Birth doulas are shown to reduce labor times and improve the overall satisfaction of the birth experience.  Hope you are convinced.  Talk to you soon

Just What is a Doula?

The other day I was telling someone about my new found passion and the person asked, "You mean you catch the baby like a midwife?"  I had to explain again what a doula is exactly.  So I thought I would find a nice explanation and found this on the Doula Association of Edmonton's website.  I am borrowing their words...

What is a Birth Doula?

A Birth Doula is a professional who

• Recognizes birth as a key life experience that women will remember forever.
• Inform clients and answer their questions with accurate information
• Provides emotional support by being encouraging, validating, safe, and reassuring
• Provides physical comfort with massage, touch, breathing, relaxation techniques and by suggesting positions.
• Stays by the side of the labouring woman throughout labour and delivery.
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of the woman in labour.
• Assists a woman and her partner in preparing and carrying out their plans for birth.
• Provides emotional and physical support, an objective viewpoint, and information to aid in decision-making.
• Facilitates communication between the labouring woman, her partner and her other care providers.
• Encourages self-determination by supporting her clients’ goals, making sure her clients understand their choices and by translates jargon when necessary.
• Complements the care provided by her partner, other family members and friends and being an extra pair of hands.

However Birth Doulas do not practice medicine in any shape or form including performing medical acts such as exams or procedures, making diagnoses, prescribing treatments, giving second opinions or assisting a doctor or midwife with medical care. Doulas are not the advocates of their clients in that they do not make decisions for them, influence their choices by providing information in a non-balanced manner, withhold approval for using or avoiding pain medications or speak on behalf of their clients to any medical staff.

Birth doulas are considered the newest members of the maternity care team. Their acceptance in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants. Birth doulas are found in many birth settings and work in co-operation with doctors, nurses, midwives, and the partners and families of labouring women.

Every doula has her own personal style and emphasizes different facets of doula care. You can review the DAE Standards of practice and Code of Ethics to understand the birth doula's scope of practice and where the boundaries of her practice are. In any case, you should discuss any questions or concerns you have with each individual doula.

We should have a couple of personal stories to share in the very near future.  Erin attended a birth last night (I am sure she is napping right now) and I have one coming up this week (by induction if it hasn't happened by Thursday!).   

Preparing for Our New Journey

Who would have thought there would be so much to get ready for this doula journey? Erin and I have been collecting paperwork that we think would be relevant for expectant moms.  AND we have been reading - more like devouring- any books and  articles that will fill our doula tool box.

This past week I had the opportunity to support my daughter-in-law in the birth of her darling baby girl. While a home birth was planned, an emergency c-section was in store as the babe was a footling breech. I was very impressed with the efficiency of her midwife when this situation was discovered. As well, I had the opportunity to observe her doula in action and, you know, I think I can do this. One thing I know will come with more experience was her doula's knowledge of community supports for her clients. She knew just who to call when labor slowed down.  She did use the doula community to find the discipline she was looking for. A great idea to tuck in our tool box!

My daughter-in-law is working on a piece of writing to share her experience on our blog. I look forward to sharing her story here.

Erin has met with a couple of clients in the past couple of weeks. I am excited for her and will gladly serve as back up when she heads out on a little well-deserved holiday in August.

As we gear up to be doulas, we are reminded. May is doula month and here is a great article supporting this growing body of supports to the birthing team. More and more women are choosing to have the support of another woman who is experienced in birth to support her through this passage from belly to birth.

Happy Doula Month! 

Welcome to Our New Blog

We are two very excited new doulas in the Edmonton area.  We are in the process of creating a blog where we will share stories, ideas, encouragement and love for babies and mommas.  We look forward to sharing with you.