Most women hear all kinds of childbirth stories. From a mother, grandmother, or aunt describing giving birth in waves of consciousness and unconsciousness in the 1940's and 50's, to the use of forceps in the 1960's and 70's, to semi-succeeding in the "candle-blowing" Lamaze breathing of the 1980's and 90's. We may hear stories from friends who tell us that they were induced with Pitocin, given an epidural for pain, and ended up with a cesarean section after an exhausting and unprogressive labor. As an expectant woman, you may now feel that birth is the unpleasant, painful event that precedes the glories of motherhood. An event that you have no control over.
Please forget all those stories.
My philosophy is basic: KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
If you have read my bio page, you know that I have had 2 children and experienced several of the "technological advances" of modern obstetrics. While I admit that many of the medical advances can be very useful and at times even save the life of mother and/or baby, I have to say that many "routine" procedures are neither understood fully by the women undergoing them, nor performed with the full, informed consent of the women. How could we consent if we don't understand the procedure?
It is because of my own experience that I now work passionately to make sure other women have access to the information available on many of the "routine" procedures taking place on birthing units across the country.
As your doula, I do not make medical decisions for you.
I do attempt to help you find answers to questions you may have about what may be done to your body during labor and delivery, why these things might be done, and if there are any alternatives that may be used. I can direct you to a variety of providers, from chiropractors to midwives, who endorse the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative, and recommend books and research materials that can help you make informed decisions about your birth.
As co-leader of the Oakland county BirthNetwork chapter, I will keep you informed of local meetings where you can meet other expectant/new mothers, hear a variety of topics discussed, and get support and information.
I believe that childbirth is the most amazing, empowering, adrenalin-rush we could get. We are women created with the power to bring forth life. Millions of women around the world and throughout history have done it, some in grass-huts others during power-failures without monitors and electricity-powered IV's. Under normal circumstances, most women can have natural, normal, vaginal births without medical interventions. On occasion, intervention is useful, even necessary. As your doula, I will support you and your partner's decisions regarding where and how you will birth your baby, including any procedures or medications you decide to have. Along with your partner, I will help you both physically and emotionally throughout your labor and delivery. I do not take your partner's place; I join your partner on your Childbirth Team. I do not perform clinical tasks, such as vaginal exams, blood pressure checks, etc. That is the job of your birth attendant and nursing staff. My job is to ensure your physical and emotional comfort at all times. Using things like massage, aromatherapy, positional changes, hot/cold compresses, guiding your partner to know how to best comfort you, as your doula, I am an objective supporter who can help guide you through your birth journey so that you can meet your baby.
There is no moment in life that can compare with the moment you hold your baby for the first-time. When you look into that beautiful, tiny face and realize that you have been blessed with the greatest gift of all, you will never forget the feeling of overwhelming love, a love that surpasses any other.
This is your birth, this is your baby, these are your memories.
It would be a privilege to support you and your partner to have the best birth possible.
Thank you,
Exie
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