What is support?

(this is my version of something written in my toLabor training manual.)

Support is unconditional. It is listening, not talking.
Support is offering advice.
Support is offering a gentle touch.
Support is offering a hug.
Support is offering a tissue.
Support is caring.

Support is helping you discover your feelings.....not to make your feelings go away.
Support is helping you identify your options....not telling you which options not to choose.
Support is discussing steps with you....not taking steps for you.
Support is helping you discover your own strength.
Support is not leaving you vulnerable.
Support is helping you discover you can help yourself.

Support is helping you learn to choose.
Support is not making decisions for you.
Support is helping you reach your goals.
Support gives no judgements.
Support understands how you are feeling.
Support is there for you.

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