Just a few weeks ago I was at a lovely birth with a woman who had been with a private Ob since early in her pregnancy. She had felt unsettled by what he was saying over the weeks and was finding it difficult to reconcile what she wanted for her birth and what he wanted!
At approx 35 weeks she met a doula, Natasha from birth your way. After explaining her wishes to Natasha and saying she wished she’d made different choices, Tash made it clear that until you’ve birthed you can always make different choices.
I have birthed with a number of women who have chosen a doula as well as a midwife. This is always an excellent experience. Many midwives feel that doulas are not needed at a homebirth. The doulas that I have worked with have been a brilliant addition to the homebirth environment. Hopefully the women felt the same way.
Here is a great explanation of what a doula does and a list of Doulas in South Australia.
I would urge pregnant women looking at their choices to seriously consider employing a doula, especially if you are going into a system where you are unlikely to be heard.
Thanks to the doula we have all these fantastic photographs.
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Oh, I love those last minute births
that come from the woman getting down to her truth. Even if the woman is in the hospital, she can still get up, go home, and call a midwife. It’s never too late to have a great birth!
Gloria Lemay, Vancouver BC
http://www.glorialemay.com/blog
just beautiful pictures!! they speak a thousand words of the courage of that woman and family. xoxo
Hi, for anyone interested Sarah Stewart a NZ midwife/lecturer is having a free online seminar using “eluminate” looking at Doula as one aspect of provision of maternity care for anyone involved in maternity and childbirth either as health professional
consumer.http://sarah-stewart.blogspot.com/2008/10/role-of-doula-in-todays-maternity.html
I couldn't agree with you more Lisa.
I work with a fantastic Doula, we are Partners in our Home Birth Practice & she is priceless.
I've learned so much about birth & being with women by seeing things from Robin's perspective that I am truly indebted & often humbled.
Her life experience & worldy knowledge far exceed mine, the families & I love working with her.
This is what women want! To take back ownership of THEIR birth! Just beautiful!! Congratulations to the proud parents!! Well done Lisa and Natasha!!
XX Angela