"We have a secret in our culture, and it's not that birth is painful. It's that women are strong." Laura Stavoe Harm

Monday, September 26, 2011

Baby Lilia Rose

Just a bit before 1pm, Monday September 26th (her due date) I get a call from Janice saying that it was time to head to the hospital. Her mother-in-law would arrive at their home soon to take care of the young'uns - and I should head over to follow them to the hospital.

As a side note: when I arrived at the Clore's home I met Jeremiah's mother, Cathy. Or should I say, re-met. She was baptized the same year (1976) in the same ward (Norfolk 2nd) as me. We were single adults together!!! However, like most others, she didn't remember me (evidentally I'm very forgetable) but I remembered her. Small world.

Historically, while Janice, mother of three, has never had an epidural - she has had Nubain to "take the edge off" - then continued to have her children naturally. Even for this birth she was keeping that option open. As a doula I knew that if Janice had 3 other children without epiduals she could have this baby completely medication free!

She is admitted 80% effaced, 5cm. Janice and Jeremiah all smiles - THEY'RE STAYING!

Jeremiah applying counter pressure.

Janice's contractions becoming stronger.

Jeremiah comforting Janice.

Janice receiving words of affirmation from Jeremiah - who was VERY attentive. At one point, when Jeremiah left the room, Janice and I giggled that Jeremiah had yawned just before leaving the room. He was used to Janice having Nubain and becoming "loopy" - and would usually read or sleep until it wore off. He was learning it was hard work staying "plugged in" and seeing to Janice's needs and comfort - of which he did a GREAT job.



Janice brought a picture of her daughters Melanie and Julia to inspire her when laboring was difficult.


Jeremiah all smiles as he and Janice keep repeating that it's "baby time" - just moments before delivery.


Daddy cutting the cord.



Janice holding precious daughter, Lilia Rose and overwhelmed that she went completely medication free.


Daddy trimming cord while baby Lilia is on the warmer.


Jeremiah soothing Lilia.


Lilia's stats...



... and her footprints.



Mommy and baby enjoying a special moment.


Introducing: Lilia Rose, 7 pounds 13 ounces, 19.75", born 7:41pm. Aren't they darling?


I don't know why but I am ALWAYS amazed and in awe with how strong these little mamas are. As soon as I decide to work with a little family I continually remind the little mama that she can do this - that women can do ANYTHING. Yet, again afterward, I am humbled and moved by their strength.
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1 comment:

  1. Thank you again for being there Linda! I couldn't have done it the way I did without you! So happy you could help us welcome a new child into the world!

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Some Interesting Facts

"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use." Dr. John Kennell

Women with doulas have...

30% reduction in analgesic use.
40% reduction in forceps delivery.
60% reduction in epidural requests.
40% reduction in oxytocin use.
50% reduction in the cesarean rate.
25% shorter labor.

(Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, Healthier Birth. Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus. 1993)

Doulas make a difference through support and encouragement. They are the mother's advocate - a liason between the mother and the staff.

"Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers - strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength." Barbara Katz Rothman

"Birth is not an emergency. It is simply an emergence." Jeannine Parvati Baker

FAQs

Q: Is a doula the same as a midwife?

A: No. A doula's primary concern is with the emotional condition of the mother. Her job description is to provide continual emotional and physical comfort measures (non-medical), education and help communicate with medical staff.

Q: Do I really need someone to hold my hand and tell me to breathe?

A: Yes. There is so much that goes into the birth of a baby. A woman's body and mind are in a completely unique and somewhat fragile state and a doula understands this, knows what to expect and how to help you encounter each contraction with a focused and peaceful state of mind.

Q: Why would a married woman want a doula? Isn't that the husband's job?

A: Birth can be very overwhelming and stressful for men. They often feel out of their comfort zone and unsure how to really help. Many fathers find a great deal of reassurance and comfort in having doula support for their wives. Even experienced fathers find it extremely helpful to have someone else there. A doula does not take the place of the father, rather, will take some of the burden from him - freeing him to be emotionally available. A doula can reassure him of what is normal for birth and can help him find ways to get involved instead of passively watching and worrying.

Q: Why do I need a doula if I'm having a hospital birth? Isn't that what the nurse does?

A: Nurses are usually far too busy to give each mother constant attention. Each nurse has many duties that interfere with her giving undivided attention to any one patient. Many couples are shocked with the lack of attention they get when they go into the hospital. This is not a lack of quality care on the part of the hospital, but an unreasonable expectation on the part of the client. Having a doula will nicely fill the gap that can be created by the hospital birth.

Q: Why should I have a doula?

A: There are many reasons people choose to have labor support. One of the most convincing to me is the idea of continuity of care - knowing that you'll have someone laboring with you, not just coming to check on you.