Tolabor birth doula training workshop

I spent all this past weekend at an amazing doula workshop. I met some amazing women. I was truly inspired by my instructor. I learned so much. I have had three children myself, I didn't realize there was so much more to learn. And I know I will continue to learn.

I wish I could really articulate the way I felt after the workshop last night. All I can say is, it was magical.

Its started Friday afternoon and thanks to the evil battery in my phone I was an hour late to start. They had not even finished introductions when I walked in, but I was completely stressed out. NOT how I wanted to start out the weekend. But it was okay. I learned to calm instantly. The group of women in the group welcomed me with open arms and were so kind.

Saturday I got to watch more births then I can count (On DVD.) I learned how to do palpation. It was completely awesome feeling the shape of the baby inside another woman's body. I was amazed when I finally felt the perfectly round head of a 38 week fetus through it's mama's belly.

On Sunday we talked a lot about VBACs and interventions and it was just a really intense day.

The one thing I REALLY need to work on is learning to shut up and listen. I like to socialize and often I interrupt people (I don't do it on purpose but I have been told so many times that I do it, I must.) As a doula I need to be invisible at birth and I need to be there to listen. And I intend to.

It was a whirlwind weekend and I missed my babes so. I still have not had a good nights sleep since Wednesday night. I hope to remedy that tonight. I love you and everyone everywhere. xooxoxox

"She's going to see my vag!"

My very first (squee!) client happens to be a member of my book club. So we are friends. Last night was our monthly meeting. We were standing in the kitchen of this month's host and I mentioned to someone that I am her doula. So she giggles and says, "Yeah, she's going to see my vag!" And we all had a laugh about that.

Later I took her aside and told her that I absolutely WILL not look at her genitals if that  makes her feel uncomfortable. We laughed and talked about how at most hospitals births everyone and their mama sees your genitals during birth. She said she honestly doesn't care one way or the other.

But I wanted the world to know how serious I was about that little part of birth. It is NOT my job to catch the baby or perform any kind procedure. I have no business down there. When everyone else is staring at your vulva watching the miracle of birth, I will be holding your hand looking you in the eyes and supporting YOU.

Although I HEART little babies and birth, it will be my job to be there for what YOU need. There will be PLENTY of doctors and nurses for the baby. My only goal is to help you in any way that I can.

Seeing new babies, minutes after birth will be just a really really awesome perk of this job.

Happy 2012

It is a new year! I hope it will be a great one! This month I will attend the ToLabor birth doula training workshop I have been waiting for! I am so excited. I look forward to hard work, learning and most of all BABIES!

The first challenge is going to be finding 6 pre-certification births to attend. It is a kind of a catch-22. I need to attend 6 births to become certified, but most people want you to be already certified before becoming their doula. I mean, your child's birth is one of the most significant events that will happen in one's life. It is wise to be choosy. But I need 6 births so I can be a certified doula and support women through this most important time in their life! *sigh*

So far I have one client, due in the first week of June. So that is definitely a start. I have been spending my free time sending emails to midwives, doulas and birth centers trying to get the word out that I am a doula-in-training and am offering my services for free until certification.

So that is my journey so far. Just the thought of helping other women makes me happy and fulfilled. I look forward to this year!