I am a DONA Certified Postpartum Doula, promoting and protecting evidence-based mother/baby-friendly practices.
I draw upon my experience as both a mother and a friend to bring compassion, empathy and strong listening skills to meet the needs of each family I work with. I believe all families deserve support and non-judgment in the fourth trimester. It is my goal to reveal to families the strengths they already possess.
I have worked with a diverse group of families with their own unique experiences, including; twins and VBAC's. I always try to broaden my knowledge base and stay up to date on all the current trends in childbirth & postpartum education with advanced trainings.
I believe that all women deserve to feel empowered, informed and supported before, during and after their births.
I live in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia with my two happy children.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Profile on Postpartum Doula, Jen Magaruh
My name is Jennifer Magaruh and I am a CAPPA trained Postpartum Doula. I am a very friendly, caring person who loves to help others. I am open-minded, non-judgmental, and supportive with the families that I work with.
Over the past 20 years, I have developed a diverse and extensive early childhood background through various child care positions. This includes working as a substitute elementary school teacher, nursery school teacher, nanny, and the head infant room teacher at an early childhood learning center. Throughout my numerous nanny positions, my specialty has been working with twins. My experiences have taught me that caring for newborns/infants and helping their families is my calling.
I graduated from Shippensburg University in 2001 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education. From 2001-2007, I attended Holy Family University where I obtained 33 credits towards my Master's Degree in Education with a dual certification in Special Education and as a Reading Specialist. I am a lifelong learner and believe in continuously furthering my education and knowledge. I am certified in First Aid, as well as CPR and AED for infants through adults. I also have my Reiki I Certification. I love dogs, but I’m very allergic to cats and cannot work in a household that has cat(s). I live in Bucks County, PA with my loving husband.
Over the past 20 years, I have developed a diverse and extensive early childhood background through various child care positions. This includes working as a substitute elementary school teacher, nursery school teacher, nanny, and the head infant room teacher at an early childhood learning center. Throughout my numerous nanny positions, my specialty has been working with twins. My experiences have taught me that caring for newborns/infants and helping their families is my calling.
I graduated from Shippensburg University in 2001 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education. From 2001-2007, I attended Holy Family University where I obtained 33 credits towards my Master's Degree in Education with a dual certification in Special Education and as a Reading Specialist. I am a lifelong learner and believe in continuously furthering my education and knowledge. I am certified in First Aid, as well as CPR and AED for infants through adults. I also have my Reiki I Certification. I love dogs, but I’m very allergic to cats and cannot work in a household that has cat(s). I live in Bucks County, PA with my loving husband.
A Doula Birth Story, by Becky Button
Becky was not a client of Before, During & After, but was kind enough to share her personal experience with a doula.
My birth doula became a post-partum doula when I had an emergency caesarean at 34 weeks. I'd just met Patti, our doula, the week before I had a placental abruption (I'd been diagnosed with a marginal placenta previa at 30 weeks, but I'd suspected it since about 15.) With all the chaos around the emergency hospitalization (at Christmastime, during a nurses strike!) and the decision to do a caesarean, I never had a chance to call my doula, also, she wasn't really supposed to be on call for us for another few weeks. Not to mention, I wasn't sure at the time about a doula's role at an emergency caesarean. Now, of course, I wish she'd been with us, because my husband left to accompany our son to the NICU and I spent a few hours alone with no husband, no baby and no support team. I lost two liters of blood during the procedure and the details of the next few hours were hazy, but I remember being alone a lot and that was never what I'd anticipated for my birth experience. The comfort of a doula, focusing on me during that difficult time, would have made all the difference.
Our son, Griffin, had to be intubated due to his prematurity and underdeveloped lungs, and luckily, the Berkeley hospital where I delivered had a recently-renovated Level 3 NICU. When we left the hospital on Christmas Eve, we had to leave our little boy behind and it was one of the hardest things either of us had ever had to do. Then we called Patti, told her the whole story and asked her if she could be our post-partum doula instead.
Patti was very sensitive and flexible, coming over to our house during the challenging time when Griffin was still in the NICU. She brought her massage chair and did bodywork on Jake and me. She helped with housework and mostly served to buoy our spirits while we went through the daunting grind of driving 30 minutes to the hospital five times a day to see our son. She was a bright light during that time when I was healing from surgery, pumping around the clock and rushing vials of milk to the NICU.
On Griffin Liberation Day (January 1, 2008) we got the call to come get our son from the NICU. He'd passed all the required milestones, nippling all his feedings, breathing on his own, avoiding heart arrythmias and was ready to come home. I jumped in the car in my slippers, my husband forgot his wallet and neither of us thought to bring any clothes for the baby. We were just beyond ready to have our son home.
Patti came over again and helped us with the slippery task of giving five-pound Griffin his first bath and later helped us wash the poop out of the tub. Initially the thought of someone else folding my laundry seemed invasive, but I knew to surrender to Patti's experienced hands and soak up all the help she had to offer. Patti was one of the bright lights during the dark weeks after my son was born and our original birth plan went through the proverbial shredder. I'm glad she was flexible enough to transition from birth doula to PP doula and next time, I hope to have both. You really can't have enough support.
Now we've moved from the Bay Area, but we keep in touch with Patti via Facebook, the great connector. She gets to see all the pictures and videos of our son, Griffin, who is now two and a half and has completely recovered from any birth trauma or prematurity issues. Right now he's chasing his kitten with a mop. Hmmmm? I guess I should go now. :)
Becky Button
My birth doula became a post-partum doula when I had an emergency caesarean at 34 weeks. I'd just met Patti, our doula, the week before I had a placental abruption (I'd been diagnosed with a marginal placenta previa at 30 weeks, but I'd suspected it since about 15.) With all the chaos around the emergency hospitalization (at Christmastime, during a nurses strike!) and the decision to do a caesarean, I never had a chance to call my doula, also, she wasn't really supposed to be on call for us for another few weeks. Not to mention, I wasn't sure at the time about a doula's role at an emergency caesarean. Now, of course, I wish she'd been with us, because my husband left to accompany our son to the NICU and I spent a few hours alone with no husband, no baby and no support team. I lost two liters of blood during the procedure and the details of the next few hours were hazy, but I remember being alone a lot and that was never what I'd anticipated for my birth experience. The comfort of a doula, focusing on me during that difficult time, would have made all the difference.
Our son, Griffin, had to be intubated due to his prematurity and underdeveloped lungs, and luckily, the Berkeley hospital where I delivered had a recently-renovated Level 3 NICU. When we left the hospital on Christmas Eve, we had to leave our little boy behind and it was one of the hardest things either of us had ever had to do. Then we called Patti, told her the whole story and asked her if she could be our post-partum doula instead.
Patti was very sensitive and flexible, coming over to our house during the challenging time when Griffin was still in the NICU. She brought her massage chair and did bodywork on Jake and me. She helped with housework and mostly served to buoy our spirits while we went through the daunting grind of driving 30 minutes to the hospital five times a day to see our son. She was a bright light during that time when I was healing from surgery, pumping around the clock and rushing vials of milk to the NICU.
On Griffin Liberation Day (January 1, 2008) we got the call to come get our son from the NICU. He'd passed all the required milestones, nippling all his feedings, breathing on his own, avoiding heart arrythmias and was ready to come home. I jumped in the car in my slippers, my husband forgot his wallet and neither of us thought to bring any clothes for the baby. We were just beyond ready to have our son home.
Patti came over again and helped us with the slippery task of giving five-pound Griffin his first bath and later helped us wash the poop out of the tub. Initially the thought of someone else folding my laundry seemed invasive, but I knew to surrender to Patti's experienced hands and soak up all the help she had to offer. Patti was one of the bright lights during the dark weeks after my son was born and our original birth plan went through the proverbial shredder. I'm glad she was flexible enough to transition from birth doula to PP doula and next time, I hope to have both. You really can't have enough support.
Now we've moved from the Bay Area, but we keep in touch with Patti via Facebook, the great connector. She gets to see all the pictures and videos of our son, Griffin, who is now two and a half and has completely recovered from any birth trauma or prematurity issues. Right now he's chasing his kitten with a mop. Hmmmm? I guess I should go now. :)
Becky Button
Sunday, August 29, 2010
"Why Babies Are Born With Light Colored Eyes"
By Jenn Mossholder
I was out running errands with my 10 year old today and she asked a question a lot of new parents ask, "Why are babies born with blue eyes? Why do they change?".
Here is your answer:
Melanin, the brown pigment molecule that colors your skin, hair, and eyes, hadn't been fully deposited in the irises of your newborns's eyes or darkened by exposure to ultraviolet light. (Like sunlight!) Melanin production generally increases during the first year of your baby's life, leading to a deepening of eye color. The color is often stable by about 9 months of age.
Some babies can be born with their eyes already turned brown (blue eyes in the States currently only account for less than 20% of babies born after the 1990's); however, we all start out in the womb with blue eyes.
My husband and I both have very dark brown eyes but our four girls have: light brown eyes, green eyes, bright blue eyes and dark brown eyes. Why the variation? Both of our fathers had blue eyes! (If you remember your Punnett Squares from HS Biology, he and I are "Bb" and not "BB" as we just assumed we'd were.)
According to wikipedia, the breakdown for eye color is classified in the "Martin-Schultz Scale". Green eyes are the rarest to have; about 2% to 3% of Americans have them, whereas Icelandic populations it is as high as 87%! Blue eyes have decreased in frequency as intermarriage among ethnicities has increased over the years and are about 17% in America but occur more frequently in Europe. Brown eyes are the World's most popular eye pigment accounting for over two-thirds of the population.
I was out running errands with my 10 year old today and she asked a question a lot of new parents ask, "Why are babies born with blue eyes? Why do they change?".
Here is your answer:
Melanin, the brown pigment molecule that colors your skin, hair, and eyes, hadn't been fully deposited in the irises of your newborns's eyes or darkened by exposure to ultraviolet light. (Like sunlight!) Melanin production generally increases during the first year of your baby's life, leading to a deepening of eye color. The color is often stable by about 9 months of age.
Some babies can be born with their eyes already turned brown (blue eyes in the States currently only account for less than 20% of babies born after the 1990's); however, we all start out in the womb with blue eyes.
My husband and I both have very dark brown eyes but our four girls have: light brown eyes, green eyes, bright blue eyes and dark brown eyes. Why the variation? Both of our fathers had blue eyes! (If you remember your Punnett Squares from HS Biology, he and I are "Bb" and not "BB" as we just assumed we'd were.)
According to wikipedia, the breakdown for eye color is classified in the "Martin-Schultz Scale". Green eyes are the rarest to have; about 2% to 3% of Americans have them, whereas Icelandic populations it is as high as 87%! Blue eyes have decreased in frequency as intermarriage among ethnicities has increased over the years and are about 17% in America but occur more frequently in Europe. Brown eyes are the World's most popular eye pigment accounting for over two-thirds of the population.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
"Co-Sleeping"
There is a great debate within the medical community about the safety of co-sleeping; one or both parents sharing their bed with the newborn. I shared my bed with my firstborn child for a number of reasons. The first being plain old conveniences. I was breast feeding and at night, rather than getting out of bed, I would just roll over, attach her to my breast and drift back to sleep. Other reasons were pure first time parent paranoia. It had been drilled into my head about the dangers of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and I wanted her with me at all times during the night.
The professionals against co-sleeping cite that there is a risk of "over-laying" (rolling over on top of your baby); risk of entrapment, such as wedging up against a wall or sleep with bedding not approved for infant use; and their idea that co-sleeping may have a negative effect on childhood development.
Pro co-sleeping advocates believe it is part of the mother-child bonding process that has been going on for centuries. They cite that bed sharing promotes breastfeeding; the mother's exhalations of CO2 triggers infant breathing stimulation; there is even an argument that the frequent nocturnal feedings (via breast) keeps the mother's prolactin levels high enough to suppress ovulation (thereby allowing for "child spacing") and may lead to the prevention of some cancers.
Whatever your decision is on to share your bed or not, there are some guidelines to follow for both "schools" of thought:
The professionals against co-sleeping cite that there is a risk of "over-laying" (rolling over on top of your baby); risk of entrapment, such as wedging up against a wall or sleep with bedding not approved for infant use; and their idea that co-sleeping may have a negative effect on childhood development.
Pro co-sleeping advocates believe it is part of the mother-child bonding process that has been going on for centuries. They cite that bed sharing promotes breastfeeding; the mother's exhalations of CO2 triggers infant breathing stimulation; there is even an argument that the frequent nocturnal feedings (via breast) keeps the mother's prolactin levels high enough to suppress ovulation (thereby allowing for "child spacing") and may lead to the prevention of some cancers.
Whatever your decision is on to share your bed or not, there are some guidelines to follow for both "schools" of thought:
- Infants should always be placed on a firm mattress, whether it's your bed or their crib. Never allow an infant to sleep on a water bed or on a soft couch.
- Remove all cords, ties and other strangulation risks (especially window blinds!) from near the crib or bed.
- Always put your baby to sleep on their back. If you are breastfeeding while side-lying, when the baby is done, roll her onto her back.
- Parents who smoke have babies have a greater chance of dying from SIDS. Mothers who smoke should not co-sleep.
- Parents who are over 175 pounds should not co-sleep. Studies have shown higher weighted parents have over-laying issues.
- Never co-sleep if you have been drinking alcohol or taking sleeping medication.
Friday, August 27, 2010
"Our Journey to Unschooling", by Patrice London
Our Journey to Unschooling
By: Patrice London, Labor Doula, Placenta Encapsulator, Mom, Wife, Opera Singer and Author
I remember unschooling my oldest daughter Jaiela before I even knew what unschooling was. It was just a natural thing for us. I was in college in FL when she was born and was very active in the drama club and opera ensemble. It was nothing to come to rehearsal and see me on stage with a script in one hand and my nursing baby on the other arm. As she grew we enjoyed laughing, reading, singing, acting, dancing, cooking, baking, opera’s, (adult and children’s opera) library storytime, frequent trips to the beach, and so much more. I soon began to dread the day we’d have to stop and send her off to school.
One day at an expo, Jaiela (then two) began to talk with a little boy of about 8 and his mom watched them and came to me and said “You homeschool don’t you?”. I had no idea what she was talking about and asked her to elaborate. She was a homeschooling mom and she said she could tell that I did a lot with my daughter. We exchanged information and I immediately left the expo and got every book I could find about homeschooling. I was so excited! I didn’t have to ever send my daughter off to school after all!
To my dismay, I did have to have my daughter in daycare off and on until she was 4 years old. While there, we went through a myriad of situations. She was two at the time and as a result of a helpful set of 3 year old twins I kept frequently, she quickly moved from “in training”status to fully potty trained. Because of this she was moved from the two year old class-and away from her new best friend to the class of 3 year olds whose room was conveniently located next to the bathroom. In a matter of months, she was moved from the 3 year old class to the 4 year old class because she knew the material being taught. At that point things began to get weird when all the children treated her like she was a baby and my once self stated “big girl”, began to act like a baby, which was completely out of character. I was able to take her out in the middle of the confusion and have her home again.
Some months later, we moved to DC and again I had to enroll her in a school. I felt absolutely terrible every morning for the entire year that she was enrolled. While there, I was able to get a real glimpse of what “school life” would be like as a parent. One thing that had me particularly horrified was the field trips. I somehow managed to take off or go in late whenever there was a field trip so that I could go along. While on various trips, I saw how little the teachers minded the children in their care. I remember while on a trip to the zoo, the teacher had four kids that she was to keep up with. One boy kept letting go of another boy’s hand and the teacher never noticed. I witnessed some other family bringing the boy back to the teacher after realizing he was straying from the group. Another time, the teacher looked back and the little boy was holding the hand of a complete stranger, walking along. I also remember bringing my daughter to school one morning to find one of the teachers screaming a child’s name, she’d lost the child! When she saw me she asked me if I’d seen him and I wanted to run out of there with my child so fast. At that point I began to beg my husband for a date that I could take her out, quit my job and come home for good. As if that weren’t enough, there were other negative aspects to the whole arrangement. Jaiela would often complain about not being able to do things when she wanted and as long (or short) as she wanted. She loves math and hated when “math time” was over and she had to move on to the next subject. She began to beg me to take her out. It was absolute agony. To make matters worse, I received a progress report that seemed to describe a totally different child. It was very apparent that her teacher knew nothing of her capabilities. She stated that Jaiela could not do things that we did together all the time. I became desperate and knowing I couldn’t quit, I asked my boss if I could change my schedule to four 10 hour days a week with Sunday being the first day of the week. He quickly replied no because it just wasn’t done and he could get in trouble but with my persistence and ingenuity I was working my Sunday thru Wednesday schedule in two weeks. I was happier knowing that Jaiela would only have to go to school 3 days a week but still pressed my husband for a date to get her out. After pushing the date a few times, September 2002 was the last Jaiela has seen of school and the first week in October I quit my job and we’ve never looked back. During the first year, we deschooled ourselves and just lived. The next year I got nervous, bought a packaged curriculum and bored Jaiela witless. I quickly came to my senses, and sold most of it. When I saw that she learned better without it I figured hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We’ve been happily unschooling ever since.
By: Patrice London, Labor Doula, Placenta Encapsulator, Mom, Wife, Opera Singer and Author
I remember unschooling my oldest daughter Jaiela before I even knew what unschooling was. It was just a natural thing for us. I was in college in FL when she was born and was very active in the drama club and opera ensemble. It was nothing to come to rehearsal and see me on stage with a script in one hand and my nursing baby on the other arm. As she grew we enjoyed laughing, reading, singing, acting, dancing, cooking, baking, opera’s, (adult and children’s opera) library storytime, frequent trips to the beach, and so much more. I soon began to dread the day we’d have to stop and send her off to school.
One day at an expo, Jaiela (then two) began to talk with a little boy of about 8 and his mom watched them and came to me and said “You homeschool don’t you?”. I had no idea what she was talking about and asked her to elaborate. She was a homeschooling mom and she said she could tell that I did a lot with my daughter. We exchanged information and I immediately left the expo and got every book I could find about homeschooling. I was so excited! I didn’t have to ever send my daughter off to school after all!
To my dismay, I did have to have my daughter in daycare off and on until she was 4 years old. While there, we went through a myriad of situations. She was two at the time and as a result of a helpful set of 3 year old twins I kept frequently, she quickly moved from “in training”status to fully potty trained. Because of this she was moved from the two year old class-and away from her new best friend to the class of 3 year olds whose room was conveniently located next to the bathroom. In a matter of months, she was moved from the 3 year old class to the 4 year old class because she knew the material being taught. At that point things began to get weird when all the children treated her like she was a baby and my once self stated “big girl”, began to act like a baby, which was completely out of character. I was able to take her out in the middle of the confusion and have her home again.
Some months later, we moved to DC and again I had to enroll her in a school. I felt absolutely terrible every morning for the entire year that she was enrolled. While there, I was able to get a real glimpse of what “school life” would be like as a parent. One thing that had me particularly horrified was the field trips. I somehow managed to take off or go in late whenever there was a field trip so that I could go along. While on various trips, I saw how little the teachers minded the children in their care. I remember while on a trip to the zoo, the teacher had four kids that she was to keep up with. One boy kept letting go of another boy’s hand and the teacher never noticed. I witnessed some other family bringing the boy back to the teacher after realizing he was straying from the group. Another time, the teacher looked back and the little boy was holding the hand of a complete stranger, walking along. I also remember bringing my daughter to school one morning to find one of the teachers screaming a child’s name, she’d lost the child! When she saw me she asked me if I’d seen him and I wanted to run out of there with my child so fast. At that point I began to beg my husband for a date that I could take her out, quit my job and come home for good. As if that weren’t enough, there were other negative aspects to the whole arrangement. Jaiela would often complain about not being able to do things when she wanted and as long (or short) as she wanted. She loves math and hated when “math time” was over and she had to move on to the next subject. She began to beg me to take her out. It was absolute agony. To make matters worse, I received a progress report that seemed to describe a totally different child. It was very apparent that her teacher knew nothing of her capabilities. She stated that Jaiela could not do things that we did together all the time. I became desperate and knowing I couldn’t quit, I asked my boss if I could change my schedule to four 10 hour days a week with Sunday being the first day of the week. He quickly replied no because it just wasn’t done and he could get in trouble but with my persistence and ingenuity I was working my Sunday thru Wednesday schedule in two weeks. I was happier knowing that Jaiela would only have to go to school 3 days a week but still pressed my husband for a date to get her out. After pushing the date a few times, September 2002 was the last Jaiela has seen of school and the first week in October I quit my job and we’ve never looked back. During the first year, we deschooled ourselves and just lived. The next year I got nervous, bought a packaged curriculum and bored Jaiela witless. I quickly came to my senses, and sold most of it. When I saw that she learned better without it I figured hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We’ve been happily unschooling ever since.
Interview with Linda Morrow, Photographer
Linda Morrow, photographer and owner of Linda Morrow Photography, is here to share some tips and insights on photographing maternity portraits and pictures of your new bundle of joy!
How did you get interested in taking pictures?
It feels like I was born a photographer sometimes. I was always the one with the camera when out with my friends and was even on the yearbook committee in high school. Then when I was 19, a local studio had a program to train people in wedding photography. I completed the program and since then, have photographed over 200 weddings and events. In 2008, I started Linda Morrow Photography. In my business, I specialize in weddings & events and also maternity & newborn photography.
How do you make clients feel comfortable for a maternity shoot? Should they wear anything specific? Do you do these pictures in studio or at home?
My clients and I have several conversations before each photo session both on the phone and via email. We go over what kind of session they are looking for....what types of shots they feel comfortable with...what to wear and what the session itself will be like. My goal is for each session to reflect the client's personality. I also have a maternity and newborn FAQ page that I give out in advance. The FAQ puts my clients at ease because they know what to expect.
How hard is it to get a good picture of a newborn? Do you work at the clients' homes or in studio? Should parents bring props? Extra clothing? What type of clothing looks best for photo announcements?
Newborn sessions can be challenging but at the same time are a whole lot of fun. The key to photographing a newborn is patience. When it comes to babies, we all just have to realize, it is not in our control. I go in with 10 or 20 ideas knowing that if I am able to accomplish a handful of those, it's a good day. A newborn session can take up to 3 hours depending on changings and feedings. Photo sessions seem to make babies VERY hungry! It's hard work I guess.
Since my newborn sessions are usually with babies until 15 days old, it's much easier for mom and dad if I go to them. I use the family's home surroundings as the background for many of my photographs, especially the nursery.
I bring everything I need for a newborn session so the parent's don't need to purchase anything. If they have a special hat or something like that, then that's great! The only thing that I always use is a boppy pillow. I don't bring one since so far, I haven't met a mom that doesn't have one on hand.
I generally photograph the babies either nude or in a diaper, so there's no need for clothing choices. For the parents, solid, neutral colors that compliment each other are your best bet
Any tips for mom and dad out there to use when they are playing photographer?
Some tips for photographing your baby are:
- Natural Light - go to the window or take the baby outside to get the most flattering light. If it's a sunny day, shade will provide the softest light. Turn off your flash.
- Keep it simple. Watch for busy backgrounds or patterns on clothing. All you really need is to come in for a close up on your baby's pretty eyes for a winning shot!
- Pick the best time of day. You know your baby better than anyone in the world. Some babies are smile the most right when they wake up, some later in the day.
- Keep shooting. It takes a lot of photos to get that one amazing shot.
When should clients contact you for maternity photos/birth photos/announcements (at what month? how far out?)
The best time to contact me for a maternity/newborn shoot is about 8 weeks before you give birth. It's best to do a maternity shoot when you have a nice size belly but are still comfortable. 8 weeks will give us time to make sure we can schedule your session in time. Moms pregnant with multiples should definitely contact me sooner. The newborn session should be within 15 days of your baby's birth if at all possible. This is when your baby is the sleepiest!
Linda preserves memories for families in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To contact Linda, visit this link. Linda will be at the Healthy and Happy Mom Fair at The Please Touch Museum on September 19, 2010.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
"Dads and Doulas"
By: Jennifer Mossholder, CLD, CBE, Before, During & After Doula Service
Let me say straight out of the gate: Doulas do not replace spouses.
For most couples, this is the first time they are in a hospital or a birthing center. It is not something they face everyday: the machines, the sounds, the emotions. A doula is more accustomed to labor and birth sessions. Even if she has not given birth herself, she has generally attended more births than the pregnant couple.
Studies were conducted in hospitals, where fathers' and doulas' behaviors were observed during early and late labor. Fathers were noted to be in the room during early labor (less than seven centimeters) 78% of the time and 95% of the time during late labor (more than seven centimeters). During all stages of labor doulas were in the room 100% of the time. Throughout early and late labor, doulas remained physically closer to the mother than the fathers. Fathers also seem to have a tendency to watch the monitors more than their partner. I've heard some say (even my own husband) "Whoa, get ready, here come a big contraction!"
Does this demonize fathers and call for them to be thrown out of delivery rooms? Of course not. The father is just wired differently. He sees his wife in pain and wants to fix it. That is natural and normal. This makes them want to ask every nurse and doctor who comes into the room when is it too late to get an epidural. Most fathers are not trained in the medical terminology, the stages of the birth process and what all those beeps and alarms are in the room.
With doula support, fathers or partners tend to stay more involved with the birthing mother rather than withdraw in times of stress. Having someone "on your side" (not that the medical staff is against you), exclusively attending to the family is of great help to all of the growing family's needs.
Jennifer Mossholder is a "doula of all trades" and the owner and doula-match coordinator for Before, During & After Doula Service. Jenn has four daughters, which includes a set of triplets.
"Empowered to Be ME!: October 2"
Patrice London will be starting a new series called "Empowered To Be Me!: A Girls' Rites of Passage Workshop".
The workshop covers a multitude of topics including:
- Real Beauty
- Being Yourself (Because everyone else is taken!)
- Respecting Yourself and Others
- Social Website Etiquette
- Female Anatomy- how it all works
- Cycle Charting: know your body and learn how to accurately predict the arrival of your menses
The age range is around 10 and up although younger girls are welcome. (at discretion of parents) Each participant is asked to bring a snack or dish to share. (Please no males of any age!)
The fee is $30 per girl; households with more than one attendee will have access to reduced fees.
If you have specific questions about the program or the fees, contact Patrice via patrice_london@hotmail.com for details on how your child can still take part for free!
Location questions should be directed to Jenn at jenn@doulamom.com
Light refreshments will be served; please let Jenn know if there are any dietary restrictions/allergies.
Please visit our FB fanpage (www.facebook.com/beforeduringafter) to RSVP today!
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