Figuring things out

I feel so behind in getting this site up.  I have so many things going running through my head that I want to put on here, but I'm having a hard time sitting down and doing it.  So please "stay tuned" and forgive my "work in progress". 

Time is flying by!

I remember getting started in the process of becoming a doula...you know, a few months ago, and hearing that it can take up to a year to get certified.  Well, I am blessed to have wonderful clients and support and I will be through with my certification in about another week and a half!  Can you believe it?!  Time flies when you are having fun.

It is so funny because I sold Premier Jewelry for a few years and I absolutely loved the company and the products but I still didn't enjoy having to try to sell it or talk to people about it.  But I have absolutely no problems talking about being a doula, what it is, babies, moms, and the like.  It is my passion and I'm glad that I am able to do what I love and bless other women and their families.

Quick Update

Just a quick update, I'm still working on how I want this all to look, so please be patient with the current boringness of it. :) I am on the way to being certified! I have all my births and a couple extra. I have 2 births coming up that are completely out of my comfort zone and I am so excited for them! Of the births I'm going to be at here are some of the basics (some are multiple): a birth center birth, 2nd child birth, hospital birth, water birth, natural birth, 4th birth, 5th birth, twins, 1st time birth, my very own best friend's birth, epidural birth, previous children in the room during the birth, and so much more! What an exciting time this is!

I was also so humbled the other night.  I was at one of my other best friend's "Celebration and Send-Off Party" for her upcoming wedding.  I had so many people come up to me and tell me how proud they are of me and excited for what I'm doing as a doula.  It completely took me by surprise!  So thank you to everyone who has given me a word of encouragement!  It means a lot!

My First Birth as a Doula

I woke up on Sunday running late, threw on a hat and drove to where I was take a doula workshop.  As we are finishing up, I get a text from my client that her water had broke and she was going to the hospital....and then my heart kind of skips a beat (or a few).  She was supposed to be induced on Tuesday! I'm not prepared!  I have a hat on for goodness sake!  So I think our instructor, rush home, and try to contain my hat hair.

When I found out she was being admitted, I headed over to the hospital with my "doula bag" in tow.  I arrived at the hospital at 4 pm.  After everything was settled, the waiting game began.  At around 5 am the next morning, I was able to support my client as she gave birth to her beautiful daughter and it was amazing.

It is surreal to think that I've already helped with my first birth as a doula.  That this career and life path is now on it's way.  I learned a few things along the way too.  That my husband is unbelievably supportive and even with little sleep he watched the girls all day Thursday while I went to volunteer at The Doula Foundation, Thursday night while I went to a breastfeeding class, Friday-Sunday while I was at my Doula Workshop, Sunday night while I was at the hospital, and today when I came home and slept all day.  That is not something everyone can say their husband would do, but I'm grateful that he supports what I feel I'm called to do.  My parents are also awesome because while Steven had to work on Sunday afternoon they watched the girls for me.  I also learned that being up from 7 am Sunday until 8 am Monday without a lot of food really wears me out, but now I know the kind of snacks I need to take next time.

But what it really comes down to is my beautiful client and her sweet daughter.  It really was a privilege to be able to be there with them through such a special time.

consent was given to post these pictures

Now I have the itch, I can't wait until I get to help my next client!

1st Official Client Interview!

Today I had my very first client interview!  It was so exciting.  She is so nice and her kids are the same age as Allie and Mackenzie, so that was nice.  While talking to her and then after I left, it really re-affirmed that this is truly what I am meant to do.  So, in 2 weeks I will be going through my doula training and then I will be helping with 3 births.  It is so exciting that it is time to do all this already!

Birth Doula

I've had quite a few questions about what a doula is, etc.  Here is a link to the DONA website Birth Doula FAQs page.  Great information.

Also, if anyone out there is interested in becoming a doula, The Doula Foundation is hosting a workshop this February.  Check it out:  Birth Certification Workshop.

Up and Running

I am so excited to get this blog up and running.  Right now I'm just working out all the kinks and getting it the way I want it to look.

As for my doula certification, I'm slowly working at it.  I'm at a standstill at the moment until I am able to do my Dona approved workshop.  But after I complete the workshop I will be able to start working on births.  So exciting.

On a different note, I have been volunteering with The Doula Foundation and I love it.  I have learned so much about not only doulas, but the organization here in town.  It is an excellent resource for young mothers in Springfield.