I love my Doula.

“Asking your husband to be your sole guide through labour is like asking him to lead the way on a climb of Mount Everest. He may be smart and trustworthy, you may love him, but in the Himalayas you’d both be a lot better off with a Sherpa!”

I really had no idea what a Doula was before I became pregnant. Doulas are really incredible women and it is such a pleasure to have Birth Doula’s as part of our 889 community. Another incredible experience, which I am so fortunate to be a part of on my journey through pregnancy is working with our supportive “Pregnancy Doula”, Madelaine. The idea of a Pregnancy Doula is something that came about at 889 based on a growing need. Our Pregnancy Doula will nurture you one step further and is there for you and your partner through the various stages of pregnancy (rather than only at the labour), including the stages of ‘trying to get pregnant’ and after the baby is born. This new model has been brilliant for me so far as I move into my 24^th week of pregnancy. I couldn’t think of a more supportive set up for both myself and my husband. It really allows me to enjoy the journey to its fullest and feel supported all the way. It’s amazing just how little I knew about pregnancy, birth and having a baby before it became all too relevant for me!

Madelaine, our 889 Pregnancy Doula (who is also a Birth Doula and will be mine during the birth of my baby) has been incredibly supportive of me and has really guided me through the different stages (since I was 5 weeks and still now at 5.5 months). The relationship is deep and the journey will only grow as she continues to support me right through the birth and then postpartum. It has been incredible to have her consistent support all the way through (she even teaches me yoga!). I can openly admit to you that I had no real idea what my options were once I realized that I was pregnant. What do I do now? What do I need to prepare for birth? What is a midwife? An OBGYN? A Doula? I can have my baby at home? How do I choose a hospital? What is Strep B infection? Why do I feel like I’m going to pass out when I stand up? Where do I do birthing classes? What role does my husband play? When can I tell my community? How do I figure out when I’m due? Who monitors my baby’s progress? When do I do an ultrasound? What is genetic screening? Do I have to do it? What can I expect during the various stages of pregnancy? What books do I read? What books don’t I read? Why are there so many options and scare tactics out there? What things I can do to have a safe and enjoyable pregnancy? What treatments can I get? What exercises feel good and which ones should I avoid? What things do I need buy and what things are unnecessary? What are kegels? Where is my cervix? The process has unfolded so beautifully in my relationship with Madelaine. I really did walk into this pregnancy blindly and she supports me to feel empowered each step of the way. Instead of burying myself in a million books and having to focus on ‘what do I do,’ and reading books about the anatomical process and the decision making process, with her support on that side of things (no question is dumb!), I have really been able to enjoy and fully immerse myself into the ‘how do I feel’ part of pregnancy and all of the amazing sensations and emotions that have come to life within me. I am connecting with my baby on an emotional level and have been able to take the time to nurture myself and my baby rather than being stressed and worried.

Madelaine’s support has taken the edge off decision making as she lays out all of the options for me and really ‘holds the space’ for me in a non-judgmental and non-opinionated way. She is an expert at presenting me with all of my options in a non-overwhelming and breath stopping way. With her as my Pregnancy Doula, I have been able to dive into my emotional body on a very deep level. I am also blessed to be developing an incredible relationship with her during my pregnancy which will most certainly be comforting and empowering for me when she is at my side during labour! Since launching this integrative and incredibly supportive program only a few months ago at 889, we have had an enormous reception from women, like myself, who really don’t know what to do, what to read or how to embark on this journey. I’m so thrilled to be part of the beginning stages! For me, the comfort level of being pregnant came very quickly with the help and guidance of Madelaine. She has been there supporting me through all of the ‘question marks’ that pop up for both myself and my husband. I can still remember just how confident we felt going into our first meeting with our midwife. We were so empowered to ask questions that Madelaine had helped us prepare together prior to the meeting. I’m also grateful for the prenatal class recommendations we will be attending (there are so many options!) and for the reading materials Madelaine has recommended. They have allowed my husband and I to feel empowered during this process to make great decisions and to be excited to give birth and to be parents! For us, it’s all about enjoying the process, and looking forward to the birth day and the baby to come. I am so positive as a result of this journey with my Doula.

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Tagged as: emily, The Founders