Thursday, May 27, 2010

International Doula Month- Testimony Time

My name is Tasha. My husband, John, and I arranged to have Pam be our Doula pretty late in my pregnancy. She was so excited with us about the arrival of our baby and did so much to make me comfotable while I waited and waited....and waited to deliver. I ended up having a baby boy by C-section but Pam was right there with us like family through the whole ordeal. I would recommend her services to anyone, especially first time moms!

Glad to say that Tasha is expecting another bundle of joy!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Tasha for sharing!!!!!!!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

International Doula Month- Testimony Time

I first met Pam because she works at my Drs office. I remember feeling so completely comfortable with her.
I decided to have her as my Doula very late in my pregnancy ( actually, I think it was about week before delivery!). Pam had to jump through hoops to be there for us, but she was- every step of the way. I was induced for over 36 hours and Pam would come see us before work, after work, and on her lunch. She would sit and talk to me about all kinds of things. I am a worrier by nature , and Pam always had a remedy to whatever I happened to be panicing about at the moment! One thing I remember is telling her in no uncertain terms that I had NO desire to be brave and tough, I just wanted the epideral right off the bat, no questions asked. Without being judgemental or telling me I was wrong, she simply educated me on the whole process, and gave me lots of reasons that I might really not want it without trying natural labor first. I ended up with an emergency C section, but I know that I would have tried the natural birth after our conversation.
After my daughter was born, she had to stay in the hospital for close to two weeks because she would not eat. Pam checked on us on a regular basis, prayed for us, and was a shoulder for me to lean on at a time when I was very scared for my new little girl.
I think especially for a first time mother it is just very comforting to have some one there beside you, to encourage, to coach and to hold your hand when needed. Pam is not just the person I chose to have in my delivery with my husband and I. She has become a very special friend and I would recommend her services to everyone.
Deanna

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

International Doula Month- Testimony!!!!!!!

Having a doula was something I had never thought about until I became pregnant. All the planning began the minute I saw that little plus sign. My co-worker and friend Pam was a doula and told me what all she offered during the birthing process. She shared that she would be there as an extra set of hands, help me with pain relieving techniques, take pictures, and be there as someone who's seen it before. My husband used her as our go to person for all of our silly questions. I was determined to have as natural birth as possible and Pam was there to help me acheive that. I had no idea how much help she truly would be. Pam helped us put together and acheive our goals for a birth plan. My husband says that the minute she walked in the door at the hospital I was immediately more calm and relaxed. During the latter part of my labor when the contractions were the most intense, I needed to lean on my husband. Pam came in behind me and massaged my lower back. It was THE thing I needed and I wouldn't have even know to ask. Labor was an intense emotional time and I needed someone there that knew what i needed without me telling them. I have an incredible husband that helped me through a lot of the delivery, but he's only one person and could only do so much. Somehow Pam also managed to take pictures, massaged my hands and arms during pushing, and stayed with me during the delivery of the placenta when everyone else was "oohing" over ther baby. After 29 hours of labor with NO pain meds, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She was my relief, my extra set of hands, my comfort, and my friend. I couldn't have done it without my doula Pam!
Ashley

Monday, May 24, 2010

Not Me Monday

Well, to say it has been a while would be an understatement. I was about to bust to share this and almost did last week because I was not sure I could wait until today to share it. So let's get started.

Last Thursday evening it was nice outside and the hubby and I ended up sitting on the balcony of the condo. Seemed harmless enough. Not a big deal.....WRONG!!!!! Little Man has this thing for the door being open. He can't stand it. If I open it to let fresh air in, he will for sure close it. Anyway, we are sitting there and he is in and out and in and out. Next thing we know....SLAM!!! Door is closed. No big deal, it wasn't locked. Right, the door was not locked but he decided to DEADBOLT the door. Well, here we are sitting on the balcony, 2nd floor, and we both have our keys. One small problem....we changed the lock on the front door and not on the balcony and took off the old key........NOT A GOOD IDEA!!! So, here we sit, laughing at ourselves and Little Man inside looking through the curtain saying "Come in now Daddy" and "Come in now Mommy" and having no idea that he has locked the door. Thank goodness Bo has his phone with him. Now starts the question...."Whoyagonnacall?" Start with Kyle.......hoping and praying he is at home. After he finished laughing, he came to our rescue. He doesn't live THAT far away. After he got there, I asked what took so long....."Had to post this on Facebook before I came over" I could have died!!!!!! Yes, we will be getting a key to the other door SOON!!!!!!!

One last quick one. Went to eat yesterday with Bo's brother and his family. It was Jeff's birthday!!!!!! Well, Kaleb stayed in his seat, ate his entire lunch and then some and was GREAT!!!! SOOOO VERY PROUD!!! We talked about going home and resting when Bo thought "You were so good in the restaurant, lets stop at Toy's R Us" You have got to be kidding me......... We stopped......and we looked at EVERY toy in the store. We stayed for over an hour!!!!!!!!! We laughed and laughed....he just kept say "Now let's see" and then he would walk to the next isle...."Now let's see". We were exhausted!!!!!!!!!!

So what have you been up to? Got anything to tell on yourself about?????

Have a great Monday!!

Laboring with You,

Doula Mama Pam
PS- Tomorrow, I get to share in honor of International Doula Month a "Testimony" from a client.............

Friday, May 21, 2010

International Doula Month- Post #6

This was a GREAT explantion and information on finding a Doula to fit your needs. Please see this website for more great information on planning a GREAT pregnancy. American Pregnancy
Finding a Doula:
The most important thing while deciding on a doula, is finding someone with whom you feel comfortable and in whom you feel confident. Most doulas do not charge for an initial consultation and interview, so take the time to interview several until you find the one that meets your needs. Find a Doula Here.
Questions to Ask a Potential Doula:
What training have you had?
What services do you provide?
What are your fees?
Are you available for my due date?
What made you become a doula?
What is your philosophy on childbirth?
Could you meet with me at home before the birth to discuss my birth plan?
What happens if you are not available at the time of my birth?
Your Next Steps:
Find a Doula in your area
Talk to friends and family members who have used a doula
Read more about Doulas
Mothering the Mother: How a Doula can help you have a shorter, easier and healthier Birth by Marshall H. Klaus, Phyllis H. Klaus, and John Kennell.
The Doula Book by Marshall H. Klaus, John Kennell, and Phyllis H. Klaus.
The Doula Advantage by Rachel Gurevich.
Contact Doulas of North America (DONA)
Contact Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)
You can also call the American Pregnancy Association at: 1-800-672-2296 for a list of doula referrals in your area.
Laboring With You,
Doula Mama Pam

Thursday, May 20, 2010

International Doula Month Post #5

Dads and Doulas: Key Players on Mother's Labor Support Team
There was a time when expectant fathers were portrayed as anxious, floor-pacing, cigarsmoking men who were tolerated in hospital corridors until the long-awaited moment when a nurse or doctor would announce they were the proud father of a daughter or a son. Today's expectant fathers are different.
When it comes to pregnancy, birth, and parenting, today's father may want to share everything with his partner. He may want to be actively involved; ease his partner’s labor pain, welcome his baby at the moment of birth and help care for his newborn at home. A birth doula can help a father experience this special time with confidence.
Studies show that when doulas are present at birth, women have shorter labors, fewer medical interventions, fewer cesareans and healthier babies. Recent evidence also suggests that when a doula provides labor support, women are more satisfied with their experience and the mother-infant interaction is enhanced as long as two months after the birth. With doula support, fathers tend to stay more involved with their partner rather than pull away in times of stress.
Today, a father's participation in birth preparation classes or his presence at prenatal visits and in the birth suite is a familiar occurrence. Yet, we sometimes forget that the expectations of his role as a labor coach may be difficult to fulfill. Sometimes it is also culturally inappropriate for an expectant father to be so intimately involved in the process of labor and birth.
The father-to-be is expected, among other things, to become familiar with the process and language of birth, to understand medical procedures and hospital protocols and to advocate for his partner in an environment and culture he may be unfamiliar with. A doula can provide the information to help parents make appropriate decisions and facilitate communication between the birthing woman, her partner and medical care providers.
At times a father may not understand a woman’s instinctive behavior during birth and may react anxiously to what a doula knows to be the normal process of birth. He may witness his partner in pain and understandably become distressed. The doula can be reassuring and skillfully help the mother to cope with labor pain in her unique way. The father-to-be may be asked to accompany his partner during surgery should a cesarean become necessary. Not all fathers can realistically be expected to coach at this intense level.
Many fathers are eager to be involved during labor and birth. Others, no less loving or committed to their partners' well being, find it difficult to navigate in uncharted waters. With a doula, a father can share in the birth at level at which he feels most comfortable. The doula’s skills and knowledge can help him to feel more relaxed. If the father wants to provide physical comfort, such as back massage and change of positions, and help his partner to stay focused during contractions, the doula can provide that guidance and make suggestions for what may work best.
Physicians, midwives and nurses are responsible for monitoring labor, assessing the medical condition of the mother and baby and treating complications when they arise; but birth is also an emotional and spiritual experience with long-term impact on a woman's personal well being. A doula is constantly aware that the mother and her partner will remember this experience throughout their lives. By mothering the mother during birth, the doula supports the parents in having a positive and memorable birth experience.
The benefits of doula care have been recognized worldwide. The Medical Leadership Council of Washington, D.C, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the World Health Organization are among the many healthcare organizations that value the benefits that doulas provide to women in labor.
The father's presence and loving support in birth is comforting and reassuring. The love he shares with the mother and his child and his need to nurture and protect his family are priceless gifts that only he can provide. With her partner and a doula at birth, a mother can have the best of both worlds - her partner’s loving care and attention and the doula's expertise and guidance in birth.
Taken from DONA
Laboring With You,
Doula Mama Pam

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

International Doula Month- #4

The Goal Of Mothering The Mother:
The primary goal of Mothering The Mother is to provide the best possible birth experience for every woman, no matter her race, religion, and financial status. Mothering The Mother is founded on the belief that every Mother, no matter the situation, deserves the best support, both physically and emotionally during this special time in her life. Mothering The Mother also realizes that every birth is unique and no two are the same. In that aspect, it is Mothering The Mother’s ambition to make this event one that you will never forget and want to share with your child and your family.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

International Doula Month- Post #3

This is written by one of my biggest supporters in the office. A friend, mentor, my physican, prayer partner and a Midwife with MD behind his name. Thank you so much Dr. D for sharing.

A doula cares for my patients. I love real doulas. I do not love a couch sitter. That is what family members think they should do sometimes. I had such a doula once, and I told her to leave the room.

A doula is the mother's greatest non-spousal friend. She comforts and cares, lives for the moment coming along with the mom-to-be. She caresses the hair...of the soul. She uses physical touch...to touch the mom's spirit. She works through ancient pathways that the Chinese have known for centuries and centuries, that there is life in those reflexes, and I don't mean kicking the hammer back. Touch the pain. Touch the fear. Touch the anxiety. Acu-doula can do all these things. Touch the heart...that is doula territory. Expect the brain relaxation, a knowledge that the doula may know, that will come from lyang lyang, and lavender, and the stimulation and energy of peppermint. A doula has eyes that see. They see the need before the need. They anticipate and do not hesitate, for it is all about the mother. Mothering the mother.

You are that doula I'm talking about, dear Pam. Pam...mothering the mother. I pray for you, Pam, every day. Who's the lucky mom today? Oh...I'm Dr D. Dr Doula-doc.

Laboring With You,

Doula Mama Pam

1 Sam. 12:23


Monday, May 17, 2010

International Doula Month- Post #2

Why Would You Want or Need A Doula?
These facts are taken from the DONA website.

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth….
**Tends to result in shorter labors
**Reduces negative feelings about the childbirth experience
**Reduces the mother’s request for pain medication
**Reduces the need for Pitocin, forceps or vacuum extractions and C-Sections
Research shows parents who receive support:
**Feel more secure and cared for
**Have greater success with breastfeeding
**Have greater self-confidence
**Have less postpartum depression


Laboring With You,
Doula Mama Pam
1 Sam 12:23
PS- Testimony Tomorrow!!!!!

Friday, May 14, 2010

International Doula Month

What an exciting time this month is. I am so excited. For the rest of the days of May, I hoping to be able to share with you exactly what a Doula is and what we do.
Do you know what a Doula is? Have you ever hired a Doula? If you have, would you do it again?

A Doula is a childbirth coach, a woman servant to a woman in childbirth, a Labor Assistant, and a multitude of other names. We have a compassion for woman and knowledge that we want to share!!!!! We are always honored to be invited into such an intimate time with any woman. We are there for support through emotional, physical, spiritual, psychological support. We are knowledgeable about birth and all of the many facets of bringing a new life into this world.

I have sent out an e-mail and a Facebook request to a lot of my "Moms", their family members, fellow Doula's and even a couple of physicians to ask about having a Doula, why you would want a Doula and some other questions. I am excited to share them with you. I can't wait. Along the way for the rest of the month, of course I will continue with "Family-Time" and other normal Mothering The Mother fun stuff. It's going to be an exciting time and can't wait to get started. My most supportive Doctor received my e-mail last night and has already responded. I can't wait to share it.

If you have thoughts or questions or want to leave a comment, feel free to do so. I would love to hear from you!!!!!!!!!

Laboring With You,
Doula Mama Pam

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Think About It Thursday

Thinking today. Sept 25th is a day. It's our daughters birthday. You can go back here and read to get caught up a bit. Yes, I realize that today is NOT September 25th. Our daughter is now 18. We "had" her for 10 years. It was 10 very difficult and trying years and years I never saw coming.
For whatever reason, she has been on my mind a lot lately. We haven't heard anything from her. Yet at the same time, the last time we were in court she was told that she could have no contact with us. She is doing what they said. I realize that BUT as a mother, my brain and my heart just go there.
Where is she?
Does she have a roof over her head?
Is she in school?
Is she in jail?
Does she have clothes?
Who are her friends?
Does she have food to eat?
Is she taking her meds?
Does she know that we care?
Will she ever understand?

It's just hard somedays. Somedays when I see other teens or young ladies about her age, I can't help but think of her. My heart just hurts.
YET, I know that I know that I know that we did ALL that we could.
We went to EVERY meeting.
We have prayed.
We went to EVERY therapy.
We made sure she had EVERYTHING she needed and then some.
We have prayed.
We walked the road of mental illness.
We went to court.
We have prayed
We have had so many social workers that it would make your head spin.
We have had therapist and psychologist and psychiatrist.
We have prayed
We have been through hospitalizations.
We have rec'd and declined collect calls.
We have made the hard decisions at times that NO parent should ever have to make.
We have done all that we can physcially, emotionally and spiritually do.

The Lord is seeing after her now. I know that I can not "fix her". I know that we can not "fix her". I don't know if she ever even has access to a computer or she even knows that we think of her.
Someday, maybe she will understand.
Thank you for stopping by and reading. Please just continue to pray for her and for me and our family.

Praying,
Doula Mama Pam
1 Sam 12:23

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Worshipful Wednesday

Thinking Tuesday

I am amazed and overwhelmed at time how the Lord is so busy at work. Last night I had the privilege of attending a Bible Study. It's called Bible Study Fellowship. You can check it out here. Many years ago I had the privilege of attending the class on The Life of Moses. It was truly a life changing experience for me.
Do you struggle with quiet time and Bible Study? I know that I do. Structure is key for me. Take away the structure and I just am floundering like a fish out of water. This new class does not start until September. I may be so excited by the time class starts that I may just bust a gut. I have never studies Isaiah and it's so exciting.
He is so at work. Once again, I listened to the Teaching Leader last night and "those" words came up again. CHOICE, CHOOSE, SECURITY. WOW!!!!!! I was once again so aware of His presence.
What Bible Study are you taking right now?
What are you learning?
Do you struggle without structure in your Bible Study time?

Please share!!!!!!!
Doula Mama Pam

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Praise Part 2

Remember yesterday I told you I thought we would have to have a part 2. Well, there is, but I promise that this will not be as long....Hahahaha!

I e-mailed our Women's Ministry Leader yesterday to have her "approve" what I had written on the Women's Ministry Blog (www.cornerstonewoman.blogspot.com). She e-mailed me back and sent me this verse that explains CLEARLY why I can't seem to keep my mouth shut.
Check this out!!!!!

Check out this verse in Psalm 30 that explains it!
11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
When we are rescued from the pit we must shout it from the mountaintops!


There you go!!!!! I think that is enough said!!!!!

Laboring With You,
Doula Mama Pam
1 Sam. 12:23