Family Doula

Older Siblings
As a birth professional, I understand that many families are interested in finding ways to involve and educate their older children in the birth process. A few of the favorite ideas my clients have enjoyed include:

--Learning about older sibling classes in the community
--Encouraging the children to draw pictures of the family for mom to hang in the birth room

--Having me support and educate the children who accompany mom in labor--throughout, or until transition



Dads
Doulas do NOT replace dads. There are tremendous benefits to having a doula alongside your husband, including:

--I can perform the back pressure/massage while you enjoy eye contact and bonding with him
--I can refresh his memory of things he learned in the birth class, and give some "on the spot" training, guding him in different comfort measures for you

--I can refill drinks, etc. so your husband can stay with you for uninterrupted support
--I can give your husband a break during a long or intense labor, so he can nap, call relatives with updates, etc.




Extended Family
Well meaning sisters, moms, and mothers-in-law may insist they attend your birth with you, causing an intense conflict and great amount of burden to you, as you consider their stress coping and comforting style, their experience, and even things like reliability and/or transportation problems. Hiring a professional labor attendant (doula) can resolve this conflict, as it eliminates favortism and jealousy. Together, we can create special and personal ways to include extended family members in ways that bring them joy and you peace of mind. Some favorite ideas from my clients include:

--asking special family members to write a letter to the new family, to be read in early labor or shortly after birth
--inviting everyone to the hospital (either during labor or after birth) and then gently telling everyone that you wish to see them in a few weeks, giving you time to adjust as a new family. The nurses will be glad to support you in this discussion as well. There are many unique ideas that can make each member feel appreciated and loved, and I'd be happy to explore these with you.