Doula Diaries: Friday June 17, 2016
Ever wonder what it's like to be a doula with a family? I'll tell ya! Welcome to my doula life! My main characters are Mike, my superhero of a husband and father to our three children; Jace, my 11 year old guitar-playing, x-box loving, sharp-witted son; Kaia, my 8 year old sunshine daughter; and Ty, my 21-month old whirlwind of a toddler. And then there's me! I've been doulaing since 2011 and have attended more than 60 births to date and have taught over 90 couples in my childbirth classes. This is my full-time gig! With three children and a doula business, private and group childbirth education classes, evening sports and afterschool homework, staying at home as a full-time mom and also creating space for my own health and fitness, there is, as they say, never a dull moment.
Day 5 of summer break here. Jace is spending some time at his grandma and grandpa's house, while I'm keeping up with Kaia and Ty. We had a lovely visit from an out of town friend for a few days which motivated us to visit the SWFL beaches we so often take for granted. Lovin' life!
I'm working with a mother who had learned her baby was breech around 33 weeks and was worried that her chances of a successful VBAC were slipping out of her grasp. Spinning Babies to the rescue! I pointed her in the direction of the Breech Tilt, along with Inversions and Side-Lying Releases which she made the time and space to practice and guess what? Yep! After a few weeks of major uncertainty (Did baby flip? Am I just being hopeful? Where do I feel baby's kicks?) it was confirmed via ultrasound that yesssss, baby is head down and anterior! It's honestly the best news I've heard all week!
In more good news updates, I have been looking for a videographer to record my next childbirth education series in September, but it had to be the right person. Quite serendipitously, I received a message from a local birth photographer out of the blue, asking if there was any way I'd like to partner with her. And naturally, she just began incorporating video into her birth story photography and would love the opportunity to video record my class, not to mention the referrals she'll get from the parents in class. I'd call that a win-win! Thanks, Universe, for providing! I'm interviewing her this weekend and if all goes well, you can expect to see some great things from her in the near future! I'd love to get another birth story on video with some of my doula clients. Wouldn't you love your birth story captured on video?
Finally, this week has provided me with ample opportunity to fill my fall schedule with doula clients. An Initial Consult on Monday plus two upcoming Initial Consults this weekend will likely fill up September through January's schedule for Comprehensive Doula Care. Don't worry! Still plenty of space in my Distance Doula Care schedule and also space for an early November birth. Birth schedules are always changing so don't be discouraged if you still are looking into doula care. I'm so grateful for a busy doula calendar and doing what I love for a living. Abundance is everywhere.
What's on your mind? Anything you'd like to chat about? Send me a message or comment on my facebook page.
Chris
Stay tuned for the next edition of The Doula Diaries, and if you enjoyed this one, leave me a comment below (on PC) or on my facebook page (if on mobile)!
In case you missed them, click below to read my recent posts in the Doula Diaries series (most recent is listed first):
