What's a doula?
A doula is an individual that provides support to the couple during the labor and delivery of their little one. This person doesn't replace the medical staff or your current support system, but supplements and compliments both. They are professionally trained to support women in labor and support their partners as well...specifically with comfort measures.
This was the kicker for me! I love my husband but sometimes I want to strangle him. (Sorry Chris!) He tends to get a little excited and become almost too supportive. I know what you are thinking...poor Rachel, her husband can be too supportive. Waaaah! Well, until you meet him, don't judge me. When I'm stressed or dealing with pain, sometimes I just need space. I knew a female, certified doula who had seen hundreds of births would know exactly where I was coming from...and she does! She has actually started sentences with "Chris, to make sure you don't get hit in the delivery room, keep this in mind..." Boy, does she get me!
We started by taking the Birth Help Childbirth Classes. This was a three session course over three weeks that really dove into the intricacies of labor, delivery, comfort measures, and medical interventions. The classes were really intimate so I didn't feel uncomfortable asking seemingly the most ridiculous questions. My biggest concern is not being able to handle the pain of labor without medical interventions...so when she started talking about the comfort measures, I listened!
Come to find out there are countless ways to deal with the pains of labor without the use of an epidural or narcotics. I won't vouch for any yet because I haven't been through it all, but let me share with you a few that we are planning on giving a shot:
Breathing: I'm a big fan of yoga so I know how helpful proper breathing techniques can be. Slow, deep breaths are known to assist you through contractions. Namaste!
Music/Lighting: Sometimes my favorite parts of yoga or getting massages are the dim lights and the relaxing music. They just create such an ambiance perfect for relaxation. So, we have downloaded hours and hours of "zen" music and have already requested dim lighting for the delivery room. Check and Check.
Focal Points: Placing pictures or items in your line of vision during labor that motivate or encourage you, apparently help keep your mind in the game. In my case, we are going to use them as a distraction. As you know, I love my animals. They are goofy and they make me happy. After a stupid day, I come home and am instantly greeted by all three of them and it just turns my day around. So, we are going to have pictures of those three monsters in my line of vision in hopes they keep my thoughts positive.
Massage: I don't love being touched so I'm a little weary of this one. However, I've heard that back massages are Heaven during the labor pains. To assist Chris with this task, we have gotten a few little gadgets to help him give the best massages, which include: racket balls, paint rollers, and these little knobby knuckle things. Should be interesting!
Aromatherapy: Smells definitely help set the relaxation mood but did you know that certain essential oils can actually have medicinal or purposeful affects during labor? One of my favorite resources is The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy because it has tons of pointers in it. The citrus smells (i.e. Grapefruit, Sweet Orange) can help life spirits and motivate (peppermint oil can also help with this); the sweet smells (i.e. Lavender and Rose) can really help with relaxation; and then, there is one of my favorites: Clary Sage. I've been using Clary Sage in baths and massage oils to help with menstrual cramps with much success for quite some time. So, it just makes sense that it would be great for contractions. It has an almost woodsy smell, so it isn't for everyone...but I really love it. You can either place a few drops in a bowl of water in the delivery room or place a few drops in a carrier oil (Sweet Almond is my favorite) and use for massage.
Mobility: This has been mentioned over and over as critical to coping with contractions. Changing positions from side-laying to sitting to bending at the hips...whatever works...keeping it mobile seems to be key. This includes walking the halls...supported, of course! So, we have requested usage of the "birth ball"...which is simply an exercise ball that I can sit on to keep my hips swaying or lean over for support.
Birthing Tub: After watching The Business of Being Born (which is a really great documentary!), I was all about a water birth. It just makes sense to me...the feeling of weightlessness...being in water is pretty relaxing. But our hospital doesn't allow for the actual birth to take place in the tub, but will provide the birthing tub for the labor. So, we have requested one for our delivery room!
Lucky for me, I will not only have the support of my husband during labor but will also have the support of a certified doula. So, if Chris and I start to get frustrated, we have a professional we can lean on for other options, positions or techniques.
If you are interested in finding a doula, check out Doulas of North America (DONA). This is an association of doulas who are trained to provide the highest quality of labor support. Through their website, you can get more information about doulas and how to find a certified one in your area.
