Spring Birth

This is only the second post I've put on this blog. Perhaps I am not wise to have these separate. They are separate but together though. I want to be clear about the connection and the distinction between A Soft Landing the shop and A Soft Landing Birth Support.

I am a Doula. Have been a Doula a long time (about 10 years). I only took formal trainging back in 2005 and have only attended a few births since moving to Saskatchewan. Each one I view as a gift! Prior to moving here I attended births as a "helper" and not as a formally trained Doula. It was a side benefit to my job at the time that many of the women that I supported in my outreach position would ask me to attend their births since many of them didn't have the support of a partner or parent. I would quietly show up and not do anything very remarkable compared to what the woman giving birth would be doing. One of those special births sticks out for me since I was shocked that this woman would need anyone. She seemed so strong and self-sufficient. She wasn't afraid of anything and presented as so well-rounded and healthy. I found out in a card from her later that she was absolutely terrified for the most part and that the only time she felt calm was when we would talk. During her birth, she would reach for my hand and place it on her belly and hold it there until she felt secure that I wasn't going to walk away. When her baby came into the world, I was moved to tears and my respect for women grew beyond proportion.  Even though I had birthed my own children by then, I knew this little cry was the beginning of the rest of my career.  It is my deepest wish that my hopes line up with whatever God has in store for me.

Welcome Baby Girl

Dear Diane,

Rob and I would like to express our gratitude for all of the assistance you provided in preparation for and during Lillian’s birth. Your calming presence and clear knowledge were an essential part of our successful birthing process. As first time parents we were nervous and filled with uncertainty and doubt but your guidance assisted in calming our nerves and preparing us for a positive outcome.

I especially appreciated your ability to guide us through pain management. Your suggestions on methods to mange contractions helped to relax us through a very long night.

Being able to share this joyous day with someone so caring and thoughtful was very special. We would strongly encourage or recommend your services to any one that is about to enter the birthing process.

Sincerely,

Audra

It is so cool as a Doula to look into the face of babies that we have met upon arrival...

Happy Birthday Babies!

I began a new journey in September of 2008 and am enjoying so much. Midwifery Education - Midwives College of Utah is the program that I chose. It is an accredited degree program and the format really works well for me. It is incredibly challenging to keep up but the feeling that I am moving forward in this career path really helps me stay engaged. There is always something more to learn about birth. I love that!

Some changes in the Birth Community this year have many hopping and clinging to try to keep up. Midwifery Legislation was declared in Saskatchewan in April. This means that women in our province now have the choice of Midwifery care that will be covered by our health system. There is a great deal to talk about because as most new legislation would suggest, nothing is straight forward. For more info and the most up to date details of what this means for you, please call 655-5663.

As a Doula, I have opted to attend 1-2 Births each month so that I can offer the best support I possibly can and not be too busy to keep up. I am hoping to get some new photos up here soon...hoping it won't take me another year.

In the past year, there have been at least 10 new Doulas trained in Saskatoon and area, the Doula SK Network held it's first Birth! Film Festival in May, at which time, we celebrated the International Day of the Midwife. Plans are underway for another event in May, 2009... details to follow.