On the search...

for a Doula!





I had NO idea it was going to be this hard. Well, I shouldn't say that...we do live in West Virginia. When I began the search I started with DONA (Doulas of North America International). They have a search engine that you can use witht the state that you are in. So, I typed in WV and about 5 doulas came up. Thats right 5! There was ONLY 1 in the Morgantown area.





***If anyone reading this, knows of a doula in our area....PLEASE refer them to me. I am due at the beginning of July.*** Thanks guys!





The reason that I want a doula with this pregnancy and birth is because with Brooklyn ended up with a C-section because she was breech. Even though we tried everything and then some to turn her, she refused to turn for her mothers. After the section, we found out why she was wouldn't turn. She was SO far down in my pelvis that she was born with bruises on her thighs. Poor thing!





Attempting a VBAC (vaginal birth AFTER C-section) is not easy. Most people want to scare with fact that you and the baby could die during this process. Why in fact, you ~could~ die during any birth; vaginal or C-section. For me - the vaginal birth is what my body is supposed to do....who am I to not even TRY to. Know what I mean?





While searching, I decided to take a closer look at what a doula would actually be doing. Attempting a VBAC is going to be hard enough on me and Dave, it might be good to have someone else their that is JUST their for me and the newest addition.





Prior to the birth the doula would:


-come to the mothers home for prenatal visits.


-talk with the mom about HER needs now, during and after the birth.


-discuss any fears that they may or may not have about the birth.


-talk with the partner (dad or other labor coach) about their needs during the birth and what they would like to do (and comfortable with doing) during the labor.





During the birth:


-tend to the moms needs (emotional, physical, etc.)


-show her different positions that may ease labor pains.


-explain all of her options to make sure that everyone understands (sometimes docs are in a hurry and dont explain everything well enough).



After the birth the doula will:

-Aid in getting the breastfeeding process going and continue to help if there are any problems (ie. latching, sleepy babies, etc.)

-Help the new parents cope with the newest addition to the house.



I was a little sad to find out how much $$$ doula actually cost. Being a one-income household you dont always have an extra $500 laying around. At least if we do it is normally ear marked for some WVU sporting event. Dave always says the same thing though...lets just see what happens. In Dave that means "If we really need it we will find a way." I am not worried about it, I know that it will all work out one way or the other. If everything was perfect I would have a guarentee that my Midwife (Kelly) would be there for whole birth. That way I know she would be able to help out and stick up for me is necessary.



I have an OB appointment with her on Friday so my plan is to ask her about all of this then. If she something really great....I will update you guys on what she says!



And here is a few random pic just for Heather.....She was complaining that I haven't posted any pics in 4 posts. Happy now! ha hahaha

They are NOT new but I like them.

Me knocke up with Brooklyn....that shirt did fit at one point!


Itty Bitty Brooklyn...I think she was 3ish weeks old. So CUTE!