Hot Topic: Baby Wearing

Every time I go to a Doula training or event I hear about Baby Wearing.  I've even seen this movement at local community events.


I think we are all familiar with baby carriers.  I have used many during my years as a Nanny and I even have a favorite.  There was a time you could find me at the play ground with one child running around, one strapped to my chest and one in utero! (I was nanny to the two who were already born.)  The carrier I used HAD to be comfortable and I was using it for transportation.


The idea or practice of Baby Wearing is something different.  Proponents encourage wearing babies and keeping them close to a caregiver for most if not all of the day.  They say that this encourages bonding between the caregiver (often the parent or parents) and often keeps them close to their food source.  Baby Wearing is also said to provide many other benefits.


The only research I have investigated on Baby Wearing is called Kangaroo Care.  The idea is that babies, though born, are not really ready or equipped to be separated from their significant adults (parents, caregivers, you get the idea).  I was really surprised to see the results of the studies done with preemies!  Babies belong in the "arms" of someone to thrive.





If this is something you are interested in, take some time to get in touch with a Doula or a local Baby Wearing support group like:  www.amesbabywearers.org  I've found that everyone prefers a different type of sling or carrier and it can take some time to find the one that works best for you and your baby.  If you need to utilize that skin to skin contact, a wrap or a sling will work best for you.  If you just want to keep your baby close and your hands free then you can try carriers, wraps, and slings.  Take some time to talk to friends, a Doula, a support group, and try the various options before you buy.  


Here's Another BabyWearing Blog Post

My Story: How I became a Doula

I was crazy about babies when I was young.  I know everyone goes a little nutty over babies.  Just look at how everyone approaches a new mother and  has to offer advice, or complement the new bundle's cuteness.  I am a true baby freak (but know how to give a little privacy)!  My fascination and joy with new babies was fed by being surrounded by young mothers who would tell their birth stories.

I grew up learning from these stories and by studying nursing text books in junior high (told you I was a baby freak).  No birth story was the same as the last.  Obviously, there were some commonalities  But they were all personal, all different and each one was special.  I couldn't wait to have my own birth story to tell!

I went on to become a Professional Nanny and specifically worked for families with new babies.  By accident I was providing Postpartum Doula services without even knowing the term.  The day I found out about Postpartum and Birth Doulas I did some research.  I wanted to know how I could become one.  Can you imagine?  Attending births and helping new Mom's get settled with their new son or daughter? That would be my dream job!  So I called the Doula business that I found, told them about my background and my interest. But instead of getting off the phone and getting on with this dream career, I was told that I couldn't be a Doula if I hadn't birthed my own child!  Bummer!

I kept working as a Nanny and severals years later found myself pregnant and beginning my own birth story. I had this idea that I knew so much about birth that I would be able to have exactly the experience I wanted. I thought that one of the best ways to ensure I could have the story that I wanted would be to be attended by a Midwife. (She'd be there the whole time, right?)  I had completely forgotten about Birth Doulas or I was trying to cut my costs so much I didn't look into hiring one.  I don't remember which is true anymore.  

My birth story:  Labor began at 3am on Christmas morning and it was turning out to be a significantly snowy day.  I went to the hospital and by the early afternoon family was there to greet grandchild number two.  And he did arrive, he arrived just before midnight on Christmas!  How awesome is that?  

What I remember from my birth was not being ready to be a Mother, feeling alone, and disappointed in the Midwife I thought was going to be there.  Labor was EUPHORIC but I wasn't ready.  The medical system began to encroach on my plan and my defenses where down.  It was not how I wanted my birth story to play out.  And it wasn't because things happened differently.  It was because I felt powerless throughout the process.

Since then, I've done even more research and learning. I found that just the mere presence of a supportive person during labor has significant benefits and I believe that the service of support during labor, once taken on by women in the community, makes all the difference in a family's birth story. And you really don't have to have to be a mother yourself! (But of course, now I am.) 

So, what does a Birth Doula DO?

Before your birth your Birth Doula will be there as a resource for learning about the birth process.  She's there to assist you with educating yourself, with setting up the details for your birth plan, and she can be that person who just listens as you talk through the million-and-one thoughts that go through your mind at this exciting time.  


During early labor your Doula can be there to assist you during your contractions or she can just be there to get things ready for the birth.  It's not uncommon for Doulas to fix dinner, throw in a load of laundry or call family and friends to keep them posted. Doulas are often asked to take pictures or video.  Her role is to fulfill the needs that you have. She's present for YOUR support.


Once active labor begins, your Doula will continue to support you as needed, whether this is in your home, at a birth center or in a hospital.  Most Doulas have some experience with the medical staff you will be encountering.  They also know a lot about all the different processess and services that might be offerred to you.  She'll know where you need to go, what the lingo means, and where to find things.  I guess you could say she's somewhat of a tour guide.

Now is the time your Doula will shine.  She'll use her training, knowledge and intuition to fill in all the gaps and support your family during the delivery.  What every woman needs varies, so the Doula will adjust her participation to what is needed.  This might be an active partner in physical support, emotional support, informational support, partner support, sibling support, taking pictures or video, posting a play-by-play on the web, or merely a quiet presence.

My goal is to assist you in creating the best birthing experience you can have. For every mother this is something different and unique. The mere presence of a Doula in the birthing room is greatly comforting but the possibilities of Doula assistance only begin there. I bring not only sensitive companionship but knowledge. Knowledge of the birthing process, medical and non-medical practices, birthing aids and techniques. I will not give medical advice but help you to find your way through your birth process. Doulas can also be present at a C-section, Surrogacy and Adoption births....

Birthing leaves a lifelong impression on a woman. I consider it a privilege to assist mothers and families through the experience of birth, one of the most beautiful and significant events in their lives.

Shout Out to Brandi

If you live in the Council Bluffs, Omaha area, check Brandi out!  She will be re-certifying as a Birth Doula and could use some volunteers.  This is a great opportunity to experience the services of a Birth Doula!

What is a Doula?

I hear that a lot....  A what?  A Doula?  What is a Doula?

Today a Birth Doula is a private labor coach. But the scope of service a Doula can offer will vary with her experience and skills.  She is typically someone you hire to educate you on child birth and to support you during labor.  Doulas attend births at home, in birth centers and at hospitals.  She will remain with you from the moment you go into labor until hours after the birth.  

The name Doula comes from a Greek word meaning Woman Caregiver.  Many Doulas are professionally trained by organizations like DONA.  Others are lay people who are often just as competent. Most have become Doulas because they recognize that there is something sacred about birth and they have a passion for supporting birthing women.

Studies have shown that the mere presence of another woman in the room during birth improves the birthing mother's experience.  Some measured benefits include:

~50% decrease in C-sections
~25% decrease in labor length
~60% decrease in epidural requests
~40% decrease in forceps use

But more importantly attendance of a Birth Doula:

~results in an increased satisfaction with the birth experience

~diminishes fear

~empowers the birthing woman and her partner

~facilitates intimacy between the birthing woman and her partner

~is especially helpful for first births

~decreases the occurrence of postpartum depression

~improves the success of breastfeeding

~improves the mother and infant interaction

A good Birth Doula is equipped with knowledge about the birthing process, physical comfort techniques, and effectively intuitive.

To sum it up, Birth Doulas provide emotional, informational, physical and partner support as well as advocating for the birthing woman.  A Birth Doula’s services are centered around empowering and supporting the birthing mother and her partner during labor, delivery and immediately post-partum.