This can be one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also be one of the most terrifying!
So you decided to pee on a stick this morning after being a few days late and low and behold the test was positive. You excitedly call your significant other to share the big news; or you have created a cute little reveal to share later in the evening. You are overflowing with excitement and anticipation.
Then the dust settles…
Oh My Gosh…now what?! At this point you’ve probably started searching the internet for what to expect during early pregnancy, and possibly even later on as well. You’ve called your OB or Midwife and made your first prenatal appointment and you’re anxiously counting the days to get a glimpse of that very first ultrasound. Your brain is going a million miles a minute and you’re ready to just ease into this new life while you await this new bundle of joy.
While doing your research, you’ve likely come across the many ways to approach labor and delivery and you’ve also come across the word Doula. You’re curious about this term and ready to learn more about what a doula can do for you. Well, that’s where I come in. You’ve come to the right place and I’m so glad you stopped by my page to learn more about the amazing benefits that a doula can provide.
So what is a Doula anyway?
A labor doula is someone who provides physical, emotional, and educational support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the early postpartum period. But what exactly does that mean? As your doula, we at North Georgia Family Doulas will be your personalized birth coach, an extension of your birth team to supplement where you and your partner may feel you are lacking. Let’s be honest, you can read as many books about pregnancy and birth as you want, but when you are in the midst of it, the chances are, you’re not going to remember most or any of what you read. That’s not to say don’t read the books; do, do read the books. As a matter of fact, I have compiled a great list of recommended reading over here that I highly suggest you check out and read as many of these as you can fit into your life. Birth is an exhilarating experience full of a variety of emotions and physical states, not only for you, but for your partner as well. You are both very much emotionally invested in the process and the outcome. Your doula is an outsider with the training and expertise to stay calm during the storm and help to keep you focused on the goal, a healthy baby and mom.
We are not medical providers, we work for you.
Your doula is not a medical provider. She does not work for the hospital, birth center, or homebirth midwife. She is hired by you to be your guide and support. She has no ball in this game and her only job is to make you and your partner feel more comfortable and supported. She will help you figure out what you want and what options you have. She will help you formulate your desires into written form if you desire so that your entire birth team can be aware of your desires. She will educate you when you want it and she will provide physical comfort measures to help you cope with labor. What you want in the moment is what your doula wants. If your mind changes, your doula goes with you, where you are, at that moment. She won’t judge your choices, your body, your baby, or your lifestyle. She will hold space for you when all you need is someone to hold your hand, walk with you, brush your hair, or tell you that you are amazing. Your doula is exactly what you need when you need it.
Now What?
So, you’ve shared the news, you’ve settled into this new life, you’re preparing for the birth of your new baby, and now you are ready to hire a doula. Contact us today to set up your free consultation. Your North Georgia Family Doulas are ready to meet you and your partner. Call or email us today, we want to talk to you!