Your doula spends her entire life being on call, ready to drop everything at any time to assist you during labor. Let her know when labor first begins, or seems to begin and when things change for you. She can offer you suggestions on the phone and help you know when to go to the facility. She can also begin to make preparations in her life so that when labor intensifies and you are ready for additional support, she’ll be able to join you quickly. You’ll know (or perhaps your partner will know) when you are ready for more support. Each contraction may take your full attention and you may be focused more inwardly. Your doula may join you at home or at the birthing facility. Count yourself very fortunate if you have chosen to work with a doula.
Whispers of Hope: Nurturing Life Amidst the Shadows of Loss
This time of year has me thinking of a bittersweet story in my doula career. We had a client who was due with her first baby in mid-February. On December 21 she presented with preeclamptic symptoms that warranted an early induction at 33 weeks gestation. This client...
