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The Journey of a Birth Doula in Orlando: Empowering Families Through Every Step

The Journey of a Birth Doula in Orlando: Empowering Families Through Every Step

by | Sep 26, 2024 | Birth, Doulas, Uncategorized

The Journey of a Birth Doula in Orlando: Empowering Families Through Every Step

Orlando is famous for its theme parks and sunny weather, but beneath the surface lies a vibrant community of families, each with their own unique journey into parenthood. As a birth doula in Orlando, I have the privilege of walking alongside these families during one of the most transformative and intimate moments of their lives: childbirth. It’s a role that involves not only emotional and physical support but also empowering families with the confidence and knowledge they need to navigate labor and delivery with grace and strength.

What It Means to Be a Doula in Orlando

The role of a birth doula is more than just providing support during labor—it’s about being an anchor for families through every stage of pregnancy and birth. From the moment a family contacts me, my goal is to create a space where they feel safe, heard, and empowered. In Orlando, a city filled with diversity, I encounter families from all walks of life. Some are first-time parents nervous about what’s to come, while others are experienced parents seeking a different type of support for their subsequent births.

Orlando is a melting pot of cultures, and with that comes a variety of traditions and beliefs surrounding birth. I’m honored to adapt my approach to meet each family’s needs, whether it’s offering bilingual support, understanding cultural preferences for the birth process, or working with non-traditional family structures. Being flexible and attuned to the unique needs of Orlando’s community is key to ensuring that every family feels valued and respected.

In-Person, Private, and Virtual: Flexibility is Key

One of the things I love most about working in Orlando is the diversity of options I can offer families. I provide in-person support during labor and facilitate childbirth classes in the heart of downtown, but I also offer private and virtual sessions. Some families prefer the intimacy of in-home classes, where we can dive deeper into personal concerns or practice hands-on techniques like comfort measures and breathing exercises. Others find that virtual classes allow them the flexibility to learn at their own pace from the comfort of home.

No matter the format, the focus is always the same: ensuring parents feel confident, informed, and prepared for the birth they envision. Whether it’s their first or fifth baby, every family deserves individualized attention and care.

Supporting Families During Labor: The Heart of Doula Work

The labor room is where everything comes together—the education, preparation, and emotional work that families have invested during their pregnancy. As a birth doula, I’m there to offer continuous support, both physical and emotional. From providing comforting words during contractions to suggesting positions that may help the labor progress, my goal is to ensure that families feel supported in whatever way they need most.

Orlando has a range of birth environments, from large hospitals to cozy birth centers, and even home births. Each birth setting brings its own energy and dynamic, and I adjust my approach accordingly. In the bustling environment of a hospital, I may focus on creating a calm, focused space, offering counter-pressure or massage, and helping parents communicate with their medical team. In a birth center or home birth, my role might center around providing quiet encouragement and hands-on physical support, while also allowing the space for the family’s personal preferences to unfold.

Navigating the Emotional Journey

Birth is not just a physical experience—it’s deeply emotional. My role as a doula is to help families embrace the full range of emotions that arise during labor. For some, it’s excitement and joy, while for others, there may be moments of fear, doubt, or overwhelm. I remind parents that these emotions are all part of the process, and I am there to guide them through, offering reassurance and calm.

I often tell families that birth is like a marathon. It requires endurance, mental strength, and a good support team. As their doula, I’m part of that team, cheering them on through every contraction, every moment of doubt, and every surge of strength. Witnessing the joy and relief when a new life finally arrives is the most rewarding part of my work. It’s the culmination of hours of effort, both from the birthing person and their support team, and I feel privileged to be a part of it.

A Special Place in My Heart for Orlando Families

I was born in Orlando, Wand working as a birth doula in Orlando gives me the opportunity to serve a wide variety of families, each with their own beautiful story. Whether it’s welcoming a baby at one of our local hospitals or supporting a home birth surrounded by loved ones, every birth leaves a lasting impact on me. There’s nothing quite like witnessing a family come together in the shared joy of bringing new life into the world.

Being a birth doula is a calling—one that I’m honored to answer every day in this vibrant city. The relationships I build with families often extend far beyond the delivery room. Watching these babies grow and seeing the families thrive post-birth fills my heart with joy. In a city known for its magic, there’s nothing more magical than the moment a new life enters the world.

If you’re expecting in Orlando and looking for support on your journey, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you’re seeking a calm, peaceful birth or preparing for a more intense experience, I’m here to help you feel confident, empowered, and ready to welcome your little one into the world.  Also consider becoming a doula as our profession is also growing.  

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Feel free to share your thoughts or feedback! If you would like to add more specific anecdotes or details about your services, I’m happy to integrate them into the post.

Additional Resources

To Learn more on how How to become a doula check out our Training Program.

Check out my guest appearances on The Birth Ease Podcast.

How to Hire a Doula

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9kbmozd2dLNQ/episode/N2YwOGMyYzAtNGNlOS00MDc3LWJlZDUtMGY0NzJjM2NiNGEw?ep=14

Doula Services and Labor Support

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9kbmozd2dLNQ/episode/N2YwOGMyYzAtNGNlOS00MDc3LWJlZDUtMGY0NzJjM2NiNGEw?ep=14

Spanning a 34-year career in the maternal health field, Kathy is an industry pioneer and the visionary behind Childbirth Concierge.  She honors all journeys to parenthood and feeding, and is committed to ensuring that parents feel seen, heard and valued while in her care.   As a mother of five herself, Kathy has considerable experience in preparing for the birth and care of newborns, and helps to empower parents by delivering peace of mind during what can at times be a challenging situation.  A born educator, she is in her element teaching new parents and health professionals.  She worked 14 years in Maternal Health at Winnie Palmer Hospital in Orlando and is a self-proclaimed “Birth JUNKIE”.

 

Birth Doulas in Orlando: Empowering Families During Labor and Birth

Birth Doulas in Orlando: Empowering Families During Labor and Birth

by | Sep 22, 2024 | Birth, Doulas, Pregnancy

Benefits of Birth Doulas in Orlando: Empowering Families During Labor and Birth

When preparing for the birth of your baby, there are countless decisions to make. One choice that can have a significant impact on your experience is hiring a birth doula. In Orlando, more and more expectant families are turning to doulas to guide them through the life-changing process of labor and delivery. But what exactly does a birth doula offer, and how can they enhance your childbirth experience? Let’s explore the benefits of hiring a birth doula in Orlando.

Continuous Emotional and Physical Support

One of the most significant benefits of having a birth doula is the continuous support provided throughout labor. Unlike medical staff, who may come and go during labor, a doula stays by your side the entire time. They offer reassurance, comfort measures, and emotional support, helping you feel safe and cared for. This is especially beneficial in hospital settings where staff may be attending to other patients.

Whether you’re having a hospital birth, home birth, or birth center experience in Orlando, your doula will be there to provide calm and steady encouragement.

Personalized Birth Plan Assistance

Navigating the many options for labor and birth can be overwhelming, but a birth doula helps you prepare in advance. By working closely with you before labor begins, your doula helps you create a birth plan tailored to your preferences. They can provide information on pain management techniques, birthing positions, and interventions, ensuring you make informed decisions.

Doulas are familiar with Orlando’s hospitals and birth centers, making them an invaluable resource for understanding local practices and options.

Pain Management and Comfort Techniques

Birth doulas are trained in various comfort measures, including breathing exercises, massage, and positioning techniques that help reduce the intensity of contractions. They can also suggest movement or water therapy if available, all aimed at making labor more manageable.

In Orlando, many doulas are also skilled in alternative therapies such as aromatherapy or acupressure, offering natural pain relief options for those who prefer to avoid medication.

Improved Birth Outcomes

Research shows that women who have a doula by their side during labor often experience better birth outcomes. Studies indicate that doulas can help reduce the likelihood of cesarean births, shorten labor duration, and lower the need for pain medications or medical interventions.

For Orlando families seeking a more natural or low-intervention birth, a doula can be a critical ally in advocating for your wishes and providing support when things get challenging.

Support for Partners

The role of the doula extends beyond the birthing person; they also support partners. A doula helps partners understand how to best assist during labor, offering them guidance and reassurance. This can deepen the connection between the birthing person and their partner and allow the partner to be more present and engaged during the experience.

In Orlando’s diverse birthing community, having a doula who works well with your partner or family members can create a more cohesive and supportive birth team.

Postpartum Care and Support

Many doulas offer postpartum services, helping new families adjust to life with a newborn. This support can include breastfeeding assistance, newborn care tips, and emotional encouragement. In Orlando, doulas are often well-connected with local resources such as lactation consultants, pediatricians, and postpartum support groups, helping you access the services you need.

Familiarity with Orlando’s Birthing Options

Orlando offers a wide range of birthing environments, from top-notch hospitals to birth centers and home birth options. A doula familiar with these settings can help you navigate local policies, medical staff preferences, and hospital procedures, making you feel more at ease in any situation. Whether you’re planning a hospital birth at Winnie Palmer Hospital or a more intimate experience at a birth center, your doula can help facilitate communication with your medical team.

Choosing a birth doula in Orlando can empower you and your partner during one of life’s most profound moments. From emotional and physical support to guidance on birthing options and techniques, a doula is there to ensure that your birth experience is as positive and fulfilling as possible. By providing continuous care and advocacy, doulas help families feel confident and supported from pregnancy through postpartum recovery.

If you’re expecting a baby in Orlando, consider adding a birth doula to your support team for a more personalized, informed, and empowered birth experience.  Be sure to read How to Hire a Doula with Peace of Mind!

Additional Resources

Check out my guest appearances on The Birth Ease Podcast.

How to Hire a Doula

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9kbmozd2dLNQ/episode/N2YwOGMyYzAtNGNlOS00MDc3LWJlZDUtMGY0NzJjM2NiNGEw?ep=14

Doula Services and Labor Support

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9kbmozd2dLNQ/episode/N2YwOGMyYzAtNGNlOS00MDc3LWJlZDUtMGY0NzJjM2NiNGEw?ep=14

Spanning a 34-year career in the maternal health field, Kathy is an industry pioneer and the visionary behind Childbirth Concierge.  She honors all journeys to parenthood and feeding, and is committed to ensuring that parents feel seen, heard and valued while in her care.   As a mother of five herself, Kathy has considerable experience in preparing for the birth and care of newborns, and helps to empower parents by delivering peace of mind during what can at times be a challenging situation.  A born educator, she is in her element teaching new parents and health professionals.  She worked 14 years in Maternal Health at Winnie Palmer Hospital in Orlando and is a self-proclaimed “Birth JUNKIE”.

 

Benefits of a Postpartum Doula

Benefits of a Postpartum Doula

by | Jun 11, 2024 | Doulas, Postpartum

Benefits of a Postpartum Doula in Orlando

Welcoming a new baby into the family is a joyous and transformative experience. However, the postpartum period can also be overwhelming and challenging for many new parents. This is where a postpartum doula comes in, providing invaluable support to families during this critical time. In Orlando, the demand for postpartum doulas is on the rise as more families recognize the benefits of having a professional by their side. This article will explore the myriad benefits of hiring a postpartum doula in Orlando, offering insights into how they can make a significant difference in the lives of new parents.

What is a Postpartum Doula?

A postpartum doula is a trained professional who offers physical, emotional, and informational support to a new family after the birth of a baby. Unlike a nanny or babysitter, a postpartum doula’s primary focus is on the mother and family’s overall well-being. They provide non-judgmental support, help with infant care, assist with breastfeeding, and offer guidance on postpartum recovery.

Emotional Support for New Mothers

The postpartum period can be emotionally taxing for new mothers. The hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the demands of caring for a newborn can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and even depression. A postpartum doula provides a **compassionate ear** and emotional support, helping mothers navigate these challenges. They offer reassurance, validate the mother’s feelings, and provide practical advice to ease the transition into motherhood.

Physical Recovery Assistance

After childbirth, a mother’s body needs time to heal. A postpartum doula can assist with the physical recovery process by offering guidance on proper rest, nutrition, and self-care practices. They can also help with light household tasks, allowing the mother to focus on recovery. This support is crucial in preventing postpartum complications and promoting overall health.

Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding can be a challenging aspect of new motherhood. Many mothers face difficulties with latching, milk supply, and nipple pain. A postpartum doula is trained in lactation support and can provide hands-on assistance with breastfeeding. They offer tips and techniques to ensure a successful breastfeeding journey, helping mothers feel more confident and comfortable.

Infant Care Education

New parents often have numerous questions about infant care. From diapering and bathing to understanding sleep patterns and soothing techniques, a postpartum doula offers valuable education and guidance. This knowledge empowers parents to care for their newborns with confidence and reduces the anxiety associated with new parenthood.

 Partner Support

The arrival of a new baby can also be challenging for partners. A postpartum doula provides support not only to the mother but also to the partner, helping them understand their role and how they can best support the mother and baby. This inclusive approach strengthens the family unit and promotes a harmonious postpartum experience.

Reducing the Risk of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects many new mothers and can have serious consequences if left untreated. The continuous support of a postpartum doula can help mitigate the risk of PPD by providing emotional support, reducing stress, and ensuring the mother does not feel isolated. Early detection and support are key in addressing postpartum depression, and a doula can play a pivotal role in this process.

Creating a Calm and Nurturing Environment

A postpartum doula helps create a calm and nurturing environment in the home. By assisting with household chores, meal preparation, and offering guidance on newborn care, they ensure that the home remains a peaceful place for the family to bond and rest. This environment is crucial for the emotional and physical well-being of both the mother and baby.

Encouraging Self-Care for Mothers

New mothers often neglect their own needs while caring for their newborns. A postpartum doula emphasizes the importance of self-care and encourages mothers to take time for themselves. Whether it’s a short nap, a relaxing bath, or a quiet moment to read a book, self-care practices are essential for maintaining mental and physical health.

Tailored Support to Meet Individual Needs

Every family is unique, and a postpartum doula offers personalized support tailored to meet the specific needs of each family. Whether the family requires help with breastfeeding, infant care, or emotional support, the doula adjusts their services to provide the most beneficial assistance. This customized approach ensures that the family receives the exact support they need during the postpartum period.

Enhancing Family Bonding

Their presence allows the family to focus on bonding with the new baby. By handling various tasks and providing guidance, the doula enables parents to spend quality time with their newborn without the stress of household responsibilities. This bonding time is crucial for the emotional development of the baby and the overall well-being of the family.

Long-Term Benefits

The support provided by a postpartum doula extends beyond the immediate postpartum period. The skills and knowledge gained during this time equip parents with the tools they need for the future. Whether it’s confidence in infant care, effective breastfeeding techniques, or strategies for managing stress, the benefits of a postpartum doula have a lasting impact on the family.

Conclusion

Hiring a postpartum doula in Orlando offers numerous benefits that significantly enhance the postpartum experience for new families. From emotional and physical support to practical assistance with infant care, a postpartum doula provides invaluable help during this critical time. Their presence ensures a smoother transition into parenthood, promoting the well-being of both the mother and baby. For families in Orlando, investing in a postpartum doula is a decision that brings lasting positive effects, creating a strong foundation for the family’s future.
How to Hire a Doula with Peace of Mind!

How to Hire a Doula with Peace of Mind!

by | Apr 14, 2022 | Birth, Doulas

Your Guide

With the popularity of Doulas dramatically increasing in recent years, many expectant parents are finding it a bit harder to navigate all the choices available.  At Childbirth Concierge, our tag line is “Delivering Peace of Mind”. With that in mind, we provide guidance for families to find the right support for unique situations and dreams for your pregnancy and birth.  Our desire is that you experience Peace of Mind in this process.  This document has been created to help you navigate all the basic nuts & bolts of how to hire a doula who will support your pregnancy, birth and postpartum period.

This guide will offer thought-provoking questions that you may not have yet considered. There is great value in spending time with your loved ones discussing what really is important and how you envision yourself giving birth.  The more clear you are regarding your hopes and dreams for your baby’s birth, the easier it is to express what is key for you. This clarity helps the doula to determine how to meet those needs and support you more fully.

 

Your Birth Goals

I always love to ask the question “how do you see yourself giving birth”?  Do you see yourself in a hospital or out of hospital setting?  You have most likely played many different scenarios through your head.  Do you want to labor without pain relief medications or do you want an epidural?  There is no right or wrong, but even taking the time to identify what resonates with you helps begin to paint a picture of important items for your experience.   I encourage parents-to-be to list out ten things that are important to you for your baby’s birth. Once you have your 10, then narrow it down to your top 5.

When you identify those 5 items, begin to envision how a doula would help you work towards that.  In other words, think about, “What do I want for my birth experience and who is going to help me to get that?”  A skilled doula will help you navigate options and help you determine if your expectations are realistic or unrealistic based on where and with whom you are planning to give birth.   Questions to ask yourself and your partner are   “What am I hoping a doula will do for us? How will hiring a doula impact my birth experience?”.

Doulas Explained

The mere fact you are reading this shows that you have some working knowledge about doulas, but let’s go a little deeper. There are birth doulas and there are postpartum doulas. Birth doulas focus on preparation for and during birth and immediately after birth.  Most doulas offer package rates for the Birth service.   Postpartum Doulas traditionally care for the family day or night and focus on mother, newborn care, and home life for an extended period of time following the birth on an hourly rate.

It is safe to say that in the US, the cultural norm is that a doula is a non-medical support person who provides emotional and physical support and education.  Their primary role is to support the families they serve.  Here is a quick read https://www.vogue.com/article/what-does-a-doula-do-top-experts-pregnancy-birth .  Another way to think of a doula is like a wedding coordinator, golf caddy or even a travel agent.  They are professionals in their field, giving guidance and feedback based on their years of experience.  You should never feel shamed or judged for your birth plans and parenting choices when working with a doula.

Non-Medical

Doulas do not provide clinical skills or assessment like blood pressures, vaginal exams, measuring fundal height or fetal heart tones. Those skills are provided by your medical care giver whether a doctor or midwife.  Some doulas may be cross trained as birth assistants or nurses who have a medical skill set, but when working as a doula, they should stay within the doula scope of practice and on the non-medical side of care and support.  They should also never tell you what you need to do, instead help you navigate options.  Ultimately, decisions rest with the pregnant person and it is their responsibility for their medical care.

How are Doulas Trained

It may come as a surprise, but there are no State or Federal guidelines on universal training or competencies for doulas. So that means a doula can choose to attend a training or not, promote herself and accept clients.  Some bigger organizations like DONA.org and CAPPA.org set their own Ethics and Standards and police their own memberships. Some trainings require a certain number of births and experience before certifying the student, while others don’t require any experience to become certified.  Therefore, this leaves the process in the hands of families hiring a doula.  Just because someone is certified doesn’t make them the right doula for you and vise versa.  You must trust your gut when interviewing. It is also a helpful starting point if you are being referred to a doula.

Where to find doulas

A good old Google search of “doulas near me” should get you a list to navigate through.  You can also ask your care providers who they have worked with and can recommend.  Doulamatch.net is a national data base where a lot doulas lists their services.  You can also call local birth centers to see who they work with and recommend, as well as friends and colleagues. Word of mouth is still the best way! Always, always look at the Google or social media reviews, as this can be very telling about the doula, their services and their professionalism.  If a doula doesn’t own a formal company on Google and has website, be sure to ask to speak to previous clients to get feedback.  Nowadays anyone can quickly set up a beautiful website, but it doesn’t always equate to excellence of service.  Do your homework!

When to hire

The sooner the better, if you can.  The earlier you connect with a doula the more time in your pregnancy you have to reach out when guidance is needed.  Also depending what area you are in, there can be waiting lists as the demand maybe larger than the number of skilled doulas in your area.  Starting the process in the 1st trimester allows you to take your time and interview. This will reduce your stress of needing to secure someone later in pregnancy.

Costs

Most insurance companies do not yet cover doula services although the profession is seeing a positive movement in this area. Check with your insurance company and employer benefits. Doulamatch.net will give you a bird’s eye view of the average rates in your area.  Also, if you have a Health Savings Account you may be able to use this for doula services.  One can expect to find those gaining experience (students) to be no cost, all the way up to 3k and more depending on what area you are in.  I encourage you to have a price point in mind as you begin looking for services. Some doulas will offer payments plans, and most take credit cards.

Things to ask and consider when interviewing doulas:
  1. Are they available for your due date?
  2. What do they offer and what are their price points? Most offer packages that offer a variety of services and some a La Cart Options like childbirth education, breastfeeding support, placenta encapsulation, belly binding.
  3. What is their or the company’s philosophy of birth? This is really important as you want a doula who is respectful and comfortable with your birth desires, providers and location of birth.
  4. What motivated them to get into this field? Was there an experience that was a turning point for them, and if so, was this a positive or negative experience? Both are motivating forces but I encourage you to look for a doula who has worked through her traumas and is not projecting those traumas into your birth experience.
  5. What is their style of advocating for clients? How do they empower those they work with?
  6. How long have they been practicing as a doula? When you hire a doula you are hiring their years of experience, and their ability to correctly articulate that in your birth experience.  Experience in this field is important, however there are doulas who may not have a lot of experience (as in number of births), but carry themselves professionally, and are able to articulate well, and offer you skilled support.
  7. Are they a solo practitioner or do they work as a team with another doula? This will determine a lot how things get handled if the doula has an illness or family emergency when you go into labor. Who is their back up and will you need to pay additionally for that back-up? Also, will you get to meet them beforehand if even virtually? Another thing to ask is how often have they needed back up?
  8. What is their specialty, if any? Many doulas specialize in the following areas; Birth, Postpartum, High Risk, Multiples, VBAC, bereavement, hypnodoula, full spectrum, trauma informed, abortion, queer, BIPOC, breastfeeding, hospital birth, out of hospital birth. Be sure to ask what they consider their areas of speciality.

 

What should I look for in a contract?

Part of choosing a doula is the financial piece and it is very important to look at the contract, as this is a binding agreement.  I have had clients tell me they have interviewed doulas who said they didn’t use contracts. I highly advise against that as you would have no legal recourse if needed.  When items are clearly spelled out it is clear for both parties, and reduces chances of misunderstandings.

A basic bare minimum contract should include both parties’ names (who is the contract between), beginning and end dates, scope of work, what they do and some include what they do not do, or the provisions if back-up is needed, the cost of the service, and how to terminate the contract if needed.

Making a final decision

After evaluating all the options and things to think about, we really do encourage you to go with your gut feeling.  So often we dismiss what our true self is communicating to us.  We get all up in our head around so many things. It has been medically proven with over 400 studies that the heart sends more messages to the brain than the brain does to the heart.

I encourage you to take a look at this 3 min quick video about the Science of Heart Focused Breathing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxNjw3bcfVo .  Practicing this simple quick coherence breathing can help calm you and listen to what your heart is telling you.

Additional Resources

Check out my guest appearances on The Birth Ease Podcast.

How to Hire a Doula

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9kbmozd2dLNQ/episode/N2YwOGMyYzAtNGNlOS00MDc3LWJlZDUtMGY0NzJjM2NiNGEw?ep=14

Doula Services and Labor Support

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9kbmozd2dLNQ/episode/N2YwOGMyYzAtNGNlOS00MDc3LWJlZDUtMGY0NzJjM2NiNGEw?ep=14

Spanning a 33-year career in the maternal health field, Kathy is an industry pioneer and the visionary behind Childbirth Concierge.  She honors all journeys to parenthood and feeding, and is committed to ensuring that parents feel seen, heard and valued while in her care.   As a mother of five herself, Kathy has considerable experience in preparing for the birth and care of newborns, and helps to empower parents by delivering peace of mind during what can at times be a challenging situation.  A born educator, she is in her element teaching new parents and health professionals.  She worked 14 years in Maternal Health at Winnie Palmer Hospital in Orlando and is a self-proclaimed “Birth JUNKIE”.

 

Planning a Positive Birth Experience

Planning a Positive Birth Experience

by | Apr 29, 2021 | Birth, Childbirth Education, Doulas

In a day and age where there are so many choices, how in the world do new parents begin to navigate pregnancy and birth?  Planning a Positive Birth Experience was the name of a class I wrote back in 1993 and later taught at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in Orlando Florida to help parents navigate all the choices. Yes, I have been teaching and supporting expectant families for 30 years now!  So I am in the process of turning that class into a book.

Are You in the Wrong Class?

I used to open the class by welcoming everyone and then making sure they were in the right class they registered for. “This is Planning a Positive Birth Experience Class, if you signed up for the Horrible Birth Class, that meets on Friday nights at 7pm” I would say.  Everyone laughed, but I wanted parents to make a conscience thought about how silly it would be to actually go to a class that helps you learn how to prepare for a horrible or bad experience.  In reality people don’t plan for a bad experience they just don’t always do the work towards creating a positive birth experience!   

Birth Values

So how do you see yourself in labor?   Are you calm and breathing through contractions, or are you scared and praying this baby magically appears?  In other words, what is your birth value or philosophy?  Some of you may know right away how you see yourself giving birth, and other think “I have no clue”. For those of you who say you have no clue or are not really sure, I invite you to do a little exercise.  Make a mental note, or jot down the first three words that come to mind when I say “giving birth at home”.   Was the general feel to your words more negative or positive?  Now do the same thing with the words “giving birth in a hospital”.  Was the general feel of the words you thought positive or negative?  I could also use the words natural birth/no pain medication or Epidural.  The point being that you instinctively  have a thought process around different options around giving birth. Most likely those feeling are running around in your subconscious. It doesn’t mean you must keep these thoughts but pregnancy is a time to evaluate how you really feel and if you want to make any changes in your thought processes.   I invite you to begin exploring different options and see how you feel about them.

Care Providers & Birth Location

I do recommend expectant families to think through who they choose to see for care and where the provider practices and delivers.  These two choices alone can have a huge impact on your experience and birth outcomes. Ask co-workers or friends about their experiences with providers, not just who did they go to and did they like them. In some areas in the US, because of the ‘culture” of birth, can increase your chances of a surgical birth just by the zip code. Find those providers where you feel respected, listened to and their office staff matches the provider’s care of you.  Do your best homework upfront, but also don’t be afraid to change providers if you feel something isn’t right for you. Trust your gut!

The Right Support 

Every step that you make toward the birth of your baby is important. Most people wouldn’t plan a trip oversees without researching and educating themselves on the various aspects of the country, lodging, food and activities.  The same should go for planning for your baby.  Some say birth is as strenuous as running a marathon.  Think about who you would want next to you encouraging you.  Do they support your decision or would they to talk you out of something that is important to you because of their own bias?  Consider what their birth philosophy might be, does it align with yours?  Choosing the right doula, a labor support person, is another option for your birth team. Each year more and more families are partnering with doulas for labor support. When hiring a doula you ultimately are hiring her ability to articulate her years of experience into your birth experience. Once again trust your gut when interviewing.

Learning is Foundational

In full transparency, as a childbirth educator my bias is naturally towards education.  I do feel strongly about the importance of birth, postpartum, breastfeeding and parenting education.  Some choose not go to class and do just fine as the body does know how to birth a baby!  But I prefer people to educate themselves and have better birth experiences by feeling empowered and understanding the process that your body and baby will go through.  There are all different kinds of books and classes available.  By choosing a class that covers relaxation techniques for natural, medicated and c-sections you will be well rounded and prepared.  Look for classes that align more with what your are wanting to do in labor.

Is Birth Plan a Four Letter Word?

In truth, I love and hate birth plans!  I strongly feel that they are a communication tool of desires that can be quickly communicated to the birth provider team. I love the fact that just the concept and thought of writing one out invites expectant couples to begin to explore options they may have not realized they have. I hate them because they are not meant to be written-in-stone agreements, and can be disastrous if expected to be.  Ask your provider how they feel about them and what their experience has been.  Their response may give you further insights to how they will work with you during labor.

Weathering Bumps in the Road

As poet Robert Burns wrote ” the best laid plans of mice and men” means no matter how well you plan, things may not always go your way. Often time parents forget that there is a baby, a little tiny human being, that also gets a say in how they arrive earth side. So in all your planning I encourage you to check in often with your baby.  It may seem weird to do this, but science has proven babies in the womb can hear and are conscience beings, they sense and feel what mom experiences.  I bet some people speak more to their pets than they do the baby in their belly.  I invite you to begin having conversations with your baby and what your plans are, you’d be surprised how smart they are. 

When ever you are experiencing a bump in the road, you can do a very simple, and fast technique to called Heart Focused Breathing (click here for a 2 min video). Close your eyes and focus your attention to your heart. Imagine that you are breathing in and out of that region of your chest or heart. As your breathing slows and goes deeper, imagine something that is calming, peaceful or that represents safety and peace.  Keep your focus there for a few minutes, this will help your body, mind and emotions come into coherence. Did you know that your heart send more messages to your brain than your brain to your heart?  Sit a minute with that.  Are you making decisions from your heart or head?

No Judgement Zone

No matter how you choose to birth or the outcome of your birth, I want you to be able to look in the mirror and be proud and satisfied with your birth experience and how you navigated decisions that needed to be made.  Our society shames so many women for so many things. There is no right or wrong way to give birth. Create your own NO JUDGEMENT ZONE!  This comes from a deep knowing and belief in your ability to make the decision you need to for you and your baby! Healthy boundaries are part of delivering your own peace of mind!

 

Kathy Bradley, IBCLC, CD, CCE is available for “Planning” appointments/consulting.  She can be reached at [email protected]

 

Word is Spreading- “We made the news” Free Virtual Childbirth Classes during Covid-19

Word is Spreading- “We made the news” Free Virtual Childbirth Classes during Covid-19

by | Apr 9, 2020 | Birth, Breastfeeding, Childbirth Education, Doulas

Childbirth Concierge is offering certain free virtual childbirth and breastfeeding classes as well as virtual doula support during the Covid-19 aka Corona virus.  While Serving the greater Orlando area, our virtual classes and support has no location restrictions..

Anyone anywhere can benefit from our education and support.   Our company motto is Delivering your peace of mind!!  Please reach out , we are here to support you!

Click the you tub video to watch the new story.

Thank you to Spectrum News for taking the time to share our contribution.

Click Here for Full Story

If you are interested in Free Childbirth & Breastfeeding Classes or Virtual Labor Support please visit us at https://childbirthconcierge.com

Breastfeeding Class- Virtual

 

FREE Childbirth Class-Planning a Positive Birth Experience during Covid 19 – Virtual Class