Archive for Doulas
Doulas: Your Maid of Honor for Birth
Who is your maid of honor? Your maid of honor is someone who knows your story. She’s someone who understands the importance of your relationship and the event that will set the stage for your marriage. You ask her to take part in your wedding because you know she’ll support you. You know that she’ll [...]
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Reintroducing Lamaze Childbirth Classes to Spokane
Lamaze International turned 50 years old. That’s 50 years of educating, supporting, advocating and teaching a whole generation of families during the childbearing years. My mother took Lamaze classes 30 years ago as many of your parents did as well. For me, I did not have the option of taking a Lamaze class as none were offered here in Spokane. So, last year as a newly certified Lamaze educator, I began offing theses classes and would like to reintroduce Lamaze back into our community.
This last year of starting my own childbirth business, with teaching classes as well as labor and breastfeeding support, I have been privileged to connect with over 60 families in Spokane. Some of these families were first-time parents, some were seeking out VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) classes, and many wanted information on home birth and hospital options. Just as they have in the past, Lamaze classes can still give you the most up-to-date, tried-and-true birth preparation skills and information.[...]
Pregnant With Twins? Now What?
Being pregnant with twins is hard. It’s hard on your body and your mind. During my twin pregnancy, I found it to be most difficult mentally (once the puking stopped around week 15 anyway). The medical establishment, and therefore most people, expects a woman pregnant with twins to have an elective cesarean section around week 38. This is not what I wanted, so I spent a lot of time researching my options. I am also a birth doula, so I went into pregnancy with a lot of knowledge.
The first thing to remember with any pregnancy is that you MUST be flexible. I wanted a natural, unmedicated birth. I did not get that. I spent my time finding a doctor who was supportive of the birth that I wanted, but he did lay out some guidelines. [...]
I’ll Take a Doula and an Epidural
JUNE 30, 2011
I’m planning on having an epidural. How will a doula benefit me?
If you’re planning on having an epidural for your upcoming birth (after weighing the risks and benefits and making an informed decision) you may be wondering how a doula can help you.
A doula can help you stay relaxed and comfortable at home during early labor, assisting you and your birthing companions and helping everyone to remain confident and calm. She can help with position changes, give reminders to eat, drink, use the bathroom and make suggestions for comfort measures that will help throughout your birth.
We know that birthing is an intimate event. By remaining at home in early labor you increase the effectiveness of your labor as you are better able to relax in your environment. Many women—especially first time moms—say they are able to calmly labor at home for much longer than they would have without a doula’s support. This may allow for interventions to be avoided and result in a quicker, more effective labor. [...]
The Value of Postpartum Support
By Xylina Weaver With the birth of a child, a new family is born. Commonly, expecting parents view the birth of their baby as the finish line. Months of planning, preparing and dreaming about your new life and your baby finally arrives. But then what? Feeding, soothing and caring for a newborn baby while also [...]
6 Things I Learned from Ina May Gaskin
Last Friday I attended the Midwives Association of Washington State Spring Conference where Ina May Gaskin, “mother of modern midwifery,” schooled us on the horrifying history of childbirth in the U.S. and shared her thoughts on restoring childbirth to its rightful owners—women! The title of Ina May’s presentation that day was, “Combining the Best of [...]
MISS Foundation & Inland Northwest Doula Network Fundraiser
MARCH 24, 2011
Enjoy a day of pampering and refreshment with our local doulas while benefiting two great organizations—the MISS Foundation and the Inland Northwest Doula Network. The fundraising event will be held this Saturday, March 26 from 10:00am – 2:00pm at Embracing Your Birth in Spokane Valley. [...]
Spokane Baby Fair 2011
MARCH 14, 2011
There is power in numbers! Bloom Spokane and our fabulous group of exhibitors made a powerful statement at yesterday’s Baby Fair. Our group of 15 mother-friendly organizations and providers occupied quite a large section of the event and no one there could deny that the Spokane region is home to a wealth of information and services dedicated to helping women realize their full potential during the childbearing year. [...]
Birth Advice from Labor & Delivery Nurses
FEBRUARY 18, 2011
In the U.S., approximately 90% of women give birth in hospitals. It is the cultural “norm” in this country and the birth setting where most parents feel comfortable. However, the latest studies point to an unnecessary overuse of technology during pregnancy and birth. As Jennifer Block writes in Pushed, “Decades of research show that the healthiest birth for you and your baby — and that means your partner, your family, and your community — is a normal, vaginal birth with minimal intervention and maximum support.” [...]
Xylina Weaver Launches Spokane Birth Support
FEBRUARY 9, 2010
After having a doula for the birth of her daughter, Xylina Weaver was convinced more women and families could benefit from the care a doula provides. She soon began her training to become a birth and postpartum doula and began working with families in 2008. Since that time, Xylina has become involved in all things mother and baby. She became a Certified Lactation Educator, volunteering with Sacred Heart’s Mother-Baby Time breastfeeding support group, a leader of Bloom Spokane, and most recently a Certified HypnoBirthing Practitioner. And now she has combined all of her services and classes under one new business, Spokane Birth Support. [...]
