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Why am I a Birth Doula?
My work is based on the trust that each expectant mother already carries within herself the knowledge of how to give birth to her baby. Birthing is a gift to the entire family; it is normal, healthy, and safe. Birth is neither a race nor a competition, but a deeply transformative time for a woman that will affect her for the rest of her life. For you, there is only your way. I strive to help you create a safe
and nurturing environment in which your birthing may unfold according to your
own rhythm. I always take a family-centered approach because I understand that
your needs are absolutely unique, whether you are expecting your first or your
fifth child. My goal is to help you achieve the best birth for your family, and
to support your personal preferences and choices. I believe that all
birthing women deserve to come out of their birth feeling empowered and strong
and ready to be a mother.
How my Doula Services work The initial interview is always free without any obligation. If at all possible I really like to meet both parents during this time, because very often expectant fathers have more concerns and questions than the mothers do! Doulas and fathers play very different roles during a birth, and it is very important to understand these differences. Some people interview me very early in pregnancy, some wait until the birth is more imminent. The interview typically lasts an hour or so, and I always encourage families to talk to at least one other doula to find the very best match for their personality. Sometime during the interview or within the next few weeks the parents will decide if they want to hire me, and they will call me with their decision. If we decide to work together, we schedule a prenatal visit. Prenatal contact includes at least two visits (usually home visits, but this can also take place at my office). I like to get to know the family well, because the better I know a mother’s needs and expectations the more helpful I can be in labor. In addition, I am available for questions or concerns around the clock, and always carry a cell phone where ever I go. Generally I am available for my clients prenatally as much or a little as they need me. Often, if a mother goes past her due date, she needs extra support to keep her in good spirits - and a good long talk , a foot massage or a backrub can do wonders to brighten her day. Once labor sets in I usually get an early call from my clients. I am available to spend early labor at home with my clients, if that’s what they want. I have wonderful memories of these early labor hours, taking the mother for a walk in the nurturing outdoors, getting her into the hot tub for a soak, letting her rest, or just hanging out and getting excited together about soon holding a brand new baby! At this time partners, too, enjoy some reassurance. Contrary to the popular belief early labor can often be surprisingly intense. As the mother moves deeper into her labor, we all transfer to the hospital. The decision of when to go is always up to the mother in labor, but I am often consulted by the parents to help them make this important decision. While the medical care providers at the hospital are responsible for monitoring the mother’s and baby’s well-being, I as the doula have the luxury to simply focus on helping the mother and father through their labor, one contraction at a time. Techniques I use include massage, suggesting various labor positions, helping the mother to focus when the energy runs high, breathing with her if this is helpful, using the shower or jacuzzi tub for relief, and using Aromatherapy products to help mothers (and everyone else) relax. I stay for the entire birth, no matter how long it takes; I try to really listen to the mother, explain to her what is happening in her body, and make her feel pampered.. After the birth I stay for at least an hour to help the mother adjust and initiate breastfeeding. My first postpartum home visit is usually on the day after the family returns home from the hospital. This is often the very day when mother’s milk arrives, an important time to get breastfeeding off to a good start. This visit also gives us an opportunity to process the birth, including the aspects that were unexpected or harder to come to terms with. Again, I am available by phone anytime, and will do home visits as needed - yes, even in the middle of the night. The final official postpartum visit comes at around four to six weeks. Sometimes families stay in touch with me, sometimes they move away, sometimes they surprise me with a photo years after the birth. Watching “my” babies grow up is one of the special delights of being a doula!
I will be happy to put you in contact with families whom I have served in the
past. Just ask me at the interview.
“My labor lasted for 18 hours and during that time she [Marianne] was with me and encouraged me that I could deliver my baby naturally.” Jeong, 33, about her first birth. “Marianne made a huge difference in my birth ... I felt comfortable and relieved that she was there. My birth would have been devastating without doula service.” Graciela, 29, gave birth to her son by cesarean section after many unusual difficulties during labor. “Marianne was my ‘Rock of Gibraltar’. I felt totally accepted and
supported during my daughter’s birth. 3rd birth for me - first with doula.
The ONLY birth where I felt that someone was really 'in' my labor with me."
Kellie, 39, about her third daughter's birth.
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Contact info@birthingwithchild.org
Phone 406-570-4359 |
Giving
birth to my daughter simply blew me away. The process held so much power,
mystery and beauty for me that it changed my life in the blink of an eye. The
kind of support I had then made all the difference: it felt like I did it all by
myself, and yet, at the very same time, it also felt like I could not have done
it without the loving, gentle, but also very practical and knowledgeable
presence of my support team! They have been and will always be my role models as
a professional doula. 