Starting Here

I've never been wonderful at blogging.  I enjoy it, but I'm just not that great.  But I feel that it's really important for me to have a place where I can write down thoughts and ideas about things I learn along this wonderful journey.  You see, I've recently received the push I need (no pun intended) to become a Certified Birth Doula.  The longer I wait, the harder it's going to be - especially with a new baby coming in August!  So I'm going to pretend that I have an audience, and if I do, I hope you guys enjoy my brain :)  My hope of this blog is to have a place to collect my thoughts, as well as help educate others...even if it's just to let people know that there are options.  Feel free to ask questions or post comments about anything!  I do not intend to offend anyone, but neither do I intend to not be honest and blunt.  These are my thoughts...my personal feelings, views and opinions.

So what is a doula?  According to the Doulas of North America site (who I'm getting my certification through), "the word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth."  Many expecting women fine themselves scared, even after preparing, or in a situation where they don't know what to do.  Doulas give labor support, suggest different ideas, and help get the father more involved in the labor.  

With the majority of women in the United States getting epidurals (not sure of an exact number...these statistics are hard to find...but I know it's over 50%), you may wonder "why do I need a doula?"  Well, it's true that doulas are more for helping women who strive for a natural (unmedicated) birth.  But that doesn't mean that a doula wouldn't be useful for someone who plans on an epidural.  She can be there for emotional support or to explain procedures and risks to the mother, or what if the epidural doesn't work and the mother now needs to know some coping techniques?  The doula would help her in all these situations.  

I enjoy all things childbirth.  It is a beautiful, natural miracle, and should be viewed as such.  This is why I want to become a doula.  I want to help other women get the birth they want, and the birth they deserve!