Category Archives: Doulas

Loyally Devoted to Doctor

I recently read the book The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N Aron, Ph.D. In the chapter called Medics, Medication, and Highly Sensitive People, the author states: “Keep in mind, too, that it is common to feel an attachment to … Continue reading

Posted in Birth Trauma, Breastfeeding, Doulas, General, Homebirth, Hospital Birth, Induction, Informed Consent, Jennifer, Labor and Birth, Midwifery, Obstetricial Interventions, Postpartum, Postpartum Depression | 15 Comments

Bring a Loved One, Friend, or Doula for Continuous Support

When discussion of doula care surfaces on the Internet, it is always surprising how many commenters dismiss continuous labor support by a trained professional as unscientific fluff. Couples who hire a doula are sometimes labeled as selfish, out for “the … Continue reading

Posted in Dad, DONA International, Doulas, Labor and Birth, Natural Childbirth | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The first Duggar grandchild is born at HOME.

Anna Duggar, famous for being the wife of Josh, son of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, had her first baby last night. While there were some cameras and video, like at many normal births, this baby was also welcomed lovingly … Continue reading

Posted in Celebrities, Doulas, Homebirth, Media, Midwifery | Tagged | 7 Comments

Reducing Infant Mortality

Please watch this video and then spread the word about how to reduce infant mortality. Click here to visit the website and get help with writing to your legislator, or sending them this video. Reducing Infant Mortality from Debby Takikawas … Continue reading

Posted in Breastfeeding, Cesarean Section, Childbirth Education, Doulas, Homebirth, Hospital Birth, Induction, Jennifer, Labor and Birth, Media, Midwifery, Natural Childbirth, Obstetricial Interventions, Prematurity, Prenatal Care, Research, Water Birth | 1 Comment

Why Every Woman Needs a Golf Caddy for Labor

So I was driving down the street listening to an interview with Rocco Mediate, a golfer who nearly beat Tiger Woods last year in a huge golf tournament. He was singing the praises of his golf caddy. That’s when it … Continue reading

Posted in Dad, Doulas, Labor and Birth | Tagged | 9 Comments

May = International Doula Month

She was there for you when you didn’t believe in yourself. She smiled at your superwoman strength.? She was there the moment your baby was born or came to be there with you those precious weeks thereafter.? She’s an angel … Continue reading

Posted in DONA International, Doulas | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Solace for Mothers Launches New Friends and Advocates Discussion Board

We are pleased to announce the Solace for Mothers Friends and Advocates Online Community which provides a forum for those who support mothers who have experienced birth trauma, have been impacted by witnessing birth trauma, or want to connect with … Continue reading

Posted in Birth Trauma, Dad, Doulas, Jennifer | 1 Comment

USA Today Highlights Issues in Maternity Care

I am always excited when birth-related issues are address in the mainstream media. So imagine my surprise when a friend sent me this link to a USA Today article talking about the problems with c-sections, informed consent and the benefit of doulas. Yes! Continue reading

Posted in Cesarean Section, Doulas, Informed Consent, Media | Leave a comment

“Doula” in Entertainment Weekly!

In the August 8th, 2008 issue of Entertainment Weekly, a weekly entertainment magazine that talks about popular books, TV shows, and movies, doulas are mentioned. There is a small piece each week called “The Shaw Report” that is written by Jessica Shaw. It is a chart with three columns across and three rows down. The things that are listed fit into categories called “In”, “Five Minutes Ago”, and “Out”. The row that mentions doulas says that “Massage School” is “Out”, “Yoga Seminars” are “Five Minutes Ago”, and “Doula Training” is “In”.

I thought this was rather significant as there is no supplementary text, no explanation of the word “doula”. It just puts it out there as if we all know what it is. This is not a parenting magazine either, this is a popular entertainment magazine. “The Shaw Report” generally refers to things rich people or celebrities are into, and out of. I’m thrilled that the word “doula” no longer has to be followed up with a definition or explanation, and even more thrilled that “Doula Training” is “IN“!
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Posted in Doulas, Jennifer, Media | Leave a comment

Scared of Normal?

Today I was talking with another pregnant woman about her upcoming birth. She said she was scared to give birth vaginally and had chosen a scheduled c-section. I must have looked at her like she had three heads. I explained that I am petrified of a major abdominal surgery. What is it about our culture that makes women fear what is normal and natural? How can staples and sutures in your belly be a better alternative?

Luckily, this did give me a chance to discuss my views on elective cesarean sections and clear up a few of her misconceptions. Then I went on to tell her a few things that my husband and I are doing to avoid an unneccesary surgery.
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Posted in Childbirth Education, Doulas, Labor and Birth, Natural Childbirth, Pregnancy | 2 Comments