Documentaries that have inspired me

Some of the things that first inspired me were documentaries. I love them. I love docs that make me want to be a better person and change the world. But many have inspired me to become a doula.

One of my favorites was Babies. It follows the first year of 4 different babies from all over the world. It is fun to see how different cultures treat babies/birth. And I just loved that there wasn't much speaking, and the film still said so much.

Of course the most inspiring movie I think I have ever seen was The business of being born. The executive director was Ricki Lake and the directer was Abby Epstein. It was so eye opening and touching. I was so excited when they did "More business of being born" also! I have yet to watch the 4 episodes but I plan to do so soon.

One of the first documentaries I ever watched was the miracle of life. I ended up re-watching it with all three of my pregnancies. It was fun to imagine what was happening inside of my body. I felt closer to my babies that way.

Another film I love is National Geographic's the science of babies. The whole idea of referring to a infant as "the human baby" is great. It makes you think about how we are just animals, after all.

And of course I am inspired by all of the many birthing shows on television. Such as a baby story, maternity ward, and I didn't know I was pregnant.

Clearly I was addicted to birth without even realizing it. :)

On Epidurals

A good friend of mine told me, "I do not need a Doula, I am getting an epidural." And while I understand why she would say that, I disagree. Although a mother who experiences a natural birth might seem to need more support, ALL laboring moms need support. As a Doula-in-training, I am learning so much about labor. I would love to support any woman, regardless of how she chooses to deal with the pain. Even a scheduled cesarean section birth mom needs support.

I am all for epidurals. I had one with all three of my children. My only regret is the side effects that happened afterward, that I did no research to educate myself about. My last birth was the worst. I experienced the worst tension headaches for a month after my epidural. Even when my baby was resting peacefully, I could not. The back of my head and neck hurt so much. I had no idea it could even happen, but it can.

My other experience with epidurals, it took me what seemed like FOREVER to walk again. At one point the nurse had to carry me to the toilet because she was insisting I empty my bladder, but I could not feel my legs enough to walk. That was definitely one of the most humiliating moments of my life, one I would not wish for anyone ever.

The decisions you make during your birth are so very personal. It is not my place, nor anyone else's to judge you based on those decisions. A doula's place is to support and encourage. And someday I truly hope to be a full fledged supportive Doula.