Some things I have learned....

A birthing woman should be free to move, eat, drink and follow the inherent rhythms of her body. She deserves to be somewhere warm, soothing, beautiful and surrounded with love and gentle caring hands. Women need to know this is an option. Search out your dream birth, strive for it, be flexible if somethings are not possible, but take responsibility and your experience will be empowering.

Last month I assisted in three births. One was at Genesis Clinic, one was a homebirth and one was at Parklane Clinic.
I just wanted to share that having the honour to take part in such a wide variety of births is an honour and gives me great opportunities for learning.
At Genesis I was the mother's only partner. The Genesis staff and myself made her feel loved and secure with gentle support. No matter what a woman's circumstances if she surrounds herself with caring and capable people, she will have a birth that is not only beautiful, but will also give her the confidence to begin motherhood.
At the homebirth I learned that if a woman wants to birth at home she needs to make sure she is under the care of a professional midwife with many years of experience. The mother and baby were fine, but if the midwife had not been there to give the baby a bit of suction and oxygen there could have been a problem. It was a beautiful and gentle waterbirth that was very empowering to this mother.
At Parklane I was with a first time mother who was very nervous. Offering words of confirmation and gentle encouraging touch are essential to uplifting the mother and allowing her to release her fears and let her body open and show it's power. In a hospital setting it is more likely that a mom will feel like using medical pain relief. I also learned that there are some gynaes that encourage woman to birth naturally and are not quick to bring them into surgery. Search for one of these if you want to have a gynae as your primary caregiver, they are special and rare. I hope every pregnant woman will think carefully and listen to their gut. Do not be quickly convinced that you need to birth by cesarean section. Get a second opinion and find a gynae and or private midwife that will give you honest and ethical support. Chances are you can do it! If baby does need to come via c-section that is fine, just make sure the reason is valid. When you make empowered choices you will have an empowering birth, however it turns out.

What exactly is a doula?

A doula is a woman trained to support a mother emotionally and physically in a non medical way. She works with a pregnant woman by assisting her with correct and complete information during pregnancy. There is a lot of information readily available, but unfortunately this information doesn't usually highlight all birthing options and choices a woman deserves to know about. During pregnancy the doula also helps the mother work through any fears, traumas, and misinformation so that on labour day she is confident, prepared for whatever turn of events may follow and will feel empowered and happy with the choices she makes. Some doulas only do prenatal care and education, others are labour and birth doulas and some only assist with postnatal care. Many doulas do a combination of these things. Interview a few until you find someone you are comfortable with. All the best!

Women, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

Yesterday I visited a client I assisted with the birth of her third child. Her three daughters were growing beautifully and she looked great. When I mentioned how nice she was looking (5 months after she had her baby) she said, I must be kidding, she thought she was fat and tired looking. Women, may I tell you that as a mother, despite how tired you feel or how much you miss the body you had before your children, you are all each so special and beautiful. Please remember that the wisdom and beauty you have gained through motherhood radiates and is what people see. I encourage each of you to focus on your beauty and not scrutinize yourselves. Your beauty is actually the light you shine on others.

Anger Management

We are not really angry people, it's just that sometimes we forget to be patient and control our reactions. As a mother of two small children who are constantly getting into cream, spilling stuff, climbing counters and other chaotic behaviour, I have noticed that my patience slips and I get angry more than before I was a mother. This morning after yet, another mess, I shouted and my daughter shouted back. If I want to teach her to deal with this world with wisdom, attention and intention, I need to be an example of it. "Women are the first educators of the next generation.", and if we want to teach our children good virtues we need to become calm and wise warriors (like Mister Miagi in the Karate Kid). From today I am taking on the challenge to catch the fly with chopsticks and stop myself before I let my anger take hold and manifest itself through immature words and volumes towards my children. Wish me luck, and good luck to you too!

Birth and Death

"Love is a light that leadeth in darkness." When we are born into this world we come into our mother's arms and are calmed by her love. As we die and are born into the next phase of our existence (whatever you believe that may be) aren't we also hoping to be caught delivered and received by loving hands? I help woman as they are having babies. The most beautiful births often times are homebirths. My neighbour is 87 and has come home from the hospital to have a homedeath. This idea was new and not a part of my life experience until now. Today she told her loved ones that she is finished here and said her goodbyes. She is now awaiting her delivery into the arms of her Creator. May much love and blessings follow her into this new birth.

no crying

My first child was born while I was squatting on a bed. She was passed to me so quickly that I announced to my husband, doula and doctor, "It's a girl!" I put her right to the breast and after her first feed, her father and myself joined her in a big tub surrounded by the sound of prayers sung in different languages. There was one small dim light, it was warm, comfortable and she looked up at us in her new peaceful space and never shed a tear.