Courses and Services
We are going to hire the services of a doula to assist us at our hospital birth. Dona.org gives information on what a doula is and why to hire one.
"The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily." -DONA international
We are taking the class "Birth and Babies" offered through our government health care service (payment required).
This class covers both prenatal topics such as pregnancy and birth and also post-natal topics. Half the course takes place before birth; the second half takes place after birth.
We are taking the class "Birthing from Within". The Birthing from Within approach offers parents-to-be a safe place to understand birth as a journey. I liked the sound of this course because it focuses on emotional and spiritual preparation as well as providing information.
Books
Status: Read, but still processing
I enjoyed this book because it made me think about what my expectations are for birth and parenting. I have spent a lot of the pregnancy overwhelmed just with the notion of being pregnant at all and hadn't put a lot of thought into these matters. I appreciated the philosophical position of the writers although some of the evidence cited seems a bit way out to me.
Status: still reading
Status: Read
I enjoyed this book especially the part where she talks about birth art and how it can help your awareness. I hope we get to do some of that during the course. I have been very un-creative throughout the pregnancy for whatever reason. I've had no desire to knit or crochet or make art and barely motivated myself to take pictures. Perhaps all the creative energy is going into the baby?! At least I've had more motivation to cook the past few weeks - that's a practical form of creativity. Anyway, to get back on topic I'm really excited to take Birthing From Within, and since it's taught by our doula it will be a chance to develop a relationship with her.
Status: Read (and parts re-read)
This is a great book and one I would join many people in recommending. Reading the birth stories (it's cool that they come from different generations) helps to give one a non-medical perspective on birth. There are also some photos of birth that are really cool. Ina May shares some common sense perspectives on birth which are memorable and informative.
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