Doooo-lah!

So, I am a Doula! "What is a Dooooo-lah!?" many people have said in response to what I do. Well, the word 'doula' is a Greek word meaning 'helper'.  I am a helper to families who are going through pregnancy, labor, delivery, breastfeeding, and often life with their new baby! I am trained and certified by DONA International, initially inspired by very own Doula, Melissa, and also have been through birth twice myself!

I started this blog to help get out good information to my clients, to the Mama Community, and also anyone else interested in freedom, safety, and comfort for all things related to BIRTH. That is a loaded sentence! But, I have a loaded mission as a doula to help change the culture and ideas of birth in America into a more positive, exciting, and powerful experience for all families! I mean, we all got here by being born right?! Its a BIG part of life!

Some posts I am thinking through will cover topics like this: V-BAC, Gentle Birthing, Yoga and Breathing, Mindset in Labor,  Breastfeeding, Doula in the Hospital, Maternity Leave, Relaxation Techniques, & First Time Mommy! All of these posts will be based off of my research, opinions, and training as as Doula. I sure hope you will read some and let me know your thoughts!!

Also, not all families who want to have a "natural birthing experience" want to have a homebirth, waterbirth, birth center birth, wilderness birth, etc.! Also, the term "natural" is varied many ways from having no pain-relieving medications, to having planned epidurals at a certain point during labor. I have even gotten to be a doula over face-time with two mamas who were able to have the births they planned!! So I think doulas are great to have around, no matter how you imagine birthing!

I have been blessed and am so thankful for the lovely families that I have gotten to work with so far on my doula journey. They have trusted me to support them and be a part of bringing new life into the world! They have made my career exciting and I look forward to many more connections with many more families!

As for me, right now in my life, I am almost 25 weeks pregnant with #3 and I will be taking pregnancy/maternity leave as an active doula starting at the end of April-August 2015. I would love to sign on some new clients who are due in August through the end of the year, so y'all let me know if you want more information! My job in the meantime will be this blog, hopefully some helpful videos, and building a good resource base for my clients to access! Also check out my Face Book Page at B4BirthDoula

Anyone wondering, who is that sweet baby i'm holding?? That is my handsome nephew Coleson Reid!

~Thanks for reading & Happy Birthing~
Emily, CD DONA
http://www.dona.org/