This weekend I am becoming a Doula. NOT:
a practitioner...
a partner...
a nurse...
or a family member.
Sorry - just practicing. I am becoming an advocate for the baby and for mom. For her partner and for the birth experience they would like to have. I am opening myself up to work within our current medical system. A system that is originally designed to aid in the birthing process but due to lack of research and inappropriately used tools has become a place of fear for birthing mothers. I would like to share this quote from Rachel Swan Design:
“The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering.” -Ben Okri
I saw this quote this morning; it resonated with me so strongly. This weekend has been akin to laboring. Our instructor warned of us this. I feel as if I am re-experience parts of my labor with Soren and wondering, questioning, getting angry and then feeling calm with these empowering women around me. I know, now - why labor's need doulas. Doulas can be an essential part of the laboring process.
We are not designed to labor alone, in stirrups, legs wide open on our backs. I could expound on this for days. The pregnancy is something of joy and beauty - a time to educate, learn - feel safe. Postpartum is about support, rest, recovery and discovery - of this little, precious life that was just brought into the world.
I am bursting with positive birthing energy - there is so much to tell, but to avoid being long winded, I will post some photos instead. Our workshop is taking place in a beautiful space designed for yoga practice. There are hanging plants, positive energy and a circle of women I will never forget.
Much more to come. Thank you Peyton for sharing your belly and baby with us for palpitating and fetoscope monitoring and allowing me to snap a couple photos of that beautiful belly!