For many of us, life is just not straight forward.
Whether there are medical surprises, special needs babies, military postings, relationship challenges, or
life is just not what you expected it to be around the time of your birth,
a doula can be a genuine strength for you.
Birthing on Your Own
There are many reasons for being on your own for your labour and birth:
- Your partner is away for work.
- Your relationship is not going well
- You are currently living in different places
- You have chosen to have a child on your own!
There is no judgement, just warm, kind, and knowledgeable support for the end of your pregnancy, the birth of your child, and the first postpartum month. You won't be the first person that I have supported without a partner beside them.
One of my babies was born without a partner present; I can affirm that having someone with you and solely focused on you is so much better!
No one should have to birth and start mothering alone!
Planned and Emergency Cesarean Sections
A surgical birth may not be what you imagined, but there are ways to make it work well for you.
When we talk about your birth plan, we can include special requests that will make it feel like your own story, with some autonomy, whether you birth is a planned Caesarean, or in the event of an unplanned surgical birth.
This will help the process to feel like it is yours, that for this baby, this is how your body gives birth.
A doula's support is just as important during the time before and after the surgery as for a labour and vaginal birth.
From a client who had twins by C-Section:
"Thank-you so much for yesterday. You're worth your weight in gold!"
Military Families
Military families have very particular needs: they can be posted far from family and a partner can be deployed. I have both worked with members of the military and have family in the military.
My 3rd and 4th babies were born when I lived on the other side of the globe and I keenly felt the absence of family. I understand the emotional challenge of distance.
As a doula, I am mindful of what it's like being far from home, and can being a strong and stable support for the last trimester, labour and birth, and the first month with your new baby.
Babies with Special Needs
It can feel very frightening to have a child who is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) because of the need for urgent or life-saving medical attention.
Having someone who has experienced this can be tremendously helpful. I have seen parents missing out on something important (such as feeding preferences) simply because they didn't know to ask.
A doula can help you to feel confident to ask!
I'm aware that there are many special circumstances that are not listed here.
Please reach out to me if you have a unique situation that you think I can help you with.
It is my hope that, no matter what your life holds,
we can work towards making your baby's birth a beautiful experience for you.