postpartum

I Wish I had Known About Doulas When I Was Pregnant

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I had a fantastic meeting, this morning!  I met with a local Non-Profit, exploring ways in which Birthworkers can effectively support women in need in our area. The Director and I had a wonderful chat about what her organization does. I was floored with the love, skill, and resources this group makes available to our community.  She then asked me what services I, and other doulas in our area provide. I told her about helping women to become educated in their pregnancy and birth choices. I spoke about the importance of goals, and helping women utilize the right tools to reach their goals. We talked about unwavering support for mothers physically and emotionally as they make preparations, birth their babies, and transition into being a family.

“…And that’s just what Labor Doulas do! Have you ever heard what a Postpartum Doula provides?”

I told her about supporting families in their home during those critical and exhausting first three months of baby’s life. It is so rewarding to be able to offer breastfeeding support, assisting with newborn care, scheduling and organizational help, keeping baby related items clean and tidy, preparing healthy snacks, taking over baby duty while parents get some quality rest or time with their other children, and helping mama take care of herself during that critical Fourth Trimester.

“Wow! I had no idea you did all that!”

What she said next is something I’ve heard pretty frequently, “I wish I had known about Doulas when I was pregnant!”

I told her, now that she knows, it’s her job to let other mamas know, so they aren’t saying the same thing in five or ten years.

Now YOU know about Doulas, too. I happen to know a few who are amazing!

Love Thy Labor,
Meghann

 

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To My Clients (Before Our First Meeting)

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I know it is strange. I know it is a little awkward to be meeting someone for the first time who may end up massaging your back as you labor. I know that finding the right doula for your labor support can make a huge impact on how you feel about your birth experience. I know that you and your partner have a lot of questions about what a doula does and why you need one. I know that you are probably a big ball of anxiety and excitement that this baby will be making it’s way into your world soon. Like, reeeeaaaaaallllllly soon! I also know that we are going to get through this together!

I want you to take a deep breath. I am here to help. We will start off with introductions. You tell me a bit about yourselves and I’ll do the same. I will ask you about your family, your pregnancy, what you are thinking about for your birth, and what concerns you are dealing with. We will not be at a loss for words. You have a lot on your mind, and I want to hear everything that is important to you. I may guide our discussion with gentle questions, but I want to HEAR you. I want you to ask your questions, share your worries, and let me get a glimpse into your world.

Soon, we will be friends. Honest to goodness friends. You will be comfortable asking me ALL of your questions. We will talk about a whole lot of intimate information, and you will be comfortable doing so because you will know that I truly care about you.

When you call me to let me know that it is time, I will be so excited to share this time with you. I may squeal with joy. I will jump out of bed at 3:00 am filled with happiness, because I get to support you as you become a parent. I will tear up and we will hug. I will hold you as you labor, and help you discover how incredibly strong you are. I will breathe with you, and mop your forehead as you push your baby into this world. I will share your joy as you have your first tender moments with your baby, and help you as you figure out how to nurse for the first time.

These are the moments we will get to share. Although, I know it may be strange to meet me for the first time, all amazing relationships have to start somewhere. I’ll look forward to meeting you, soon.

But, What Do You Do?

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I have had so many people ask me this question when they find out that I am a Doula. Let me give you a very quick overview of what my job looks like:

My name is Meghann Scaife. I am a DTI (Doula Trainings International) trained Labor and Postpartum Doula who is passionate about equipping birthing families to both make the right childbirth decisions for themselves, and transition confidently into their role as parents.

As a Labor Doula, I believe that parents should be educated on the many choices available to birthing families, so they can form an evidence-based plan for their “perfect birth”. I help families navigate those options and achieve their goals through continuous labor support, a variety of coping techniques, positional changes, aromatherapy, acupressure, massage, and offering consistent emotional reassurance. I believe that a Doula’s role is not to take the place of the partner, but to enhance the care given to both parents as they labor together.

As a Postpartum Doula, I believe that our transition into parenthood is not always an easy one. There are a few of us in this modern age who are blessed to be surrounded by our family or close community who can both model newborn care and be readily available to help ease the transition from being a couple to being a family. I recognize that in our current global community not everyone has their family geographically close, or with schedules that allow them to be available during this critical time. I am equipped to not only help you plan for your first few days and months with your child(ren), but to be available to come to your home and be a touchstone resource and extra set of hands. I am trained to offer breastfeeding support, emotional support, newborn care, postpartum care for mothers, helping you address ongoing concerns for yourself or your baby, nursery organization, healthy food preparation, or simply someone to care for the baby while you get sleep, spend time with your older children, or take a shower!

I want you to know I feel incredibly honored to be there as families are made. It is not a role I take lightly. I have an all-inclusive fee for my labor clients, and I book my postpartum clients in 8-hour packages (2- 4 hour day shifts, or 1 overnight shift). I’d love to talk with you about your pregnancy, birth plans, newborn care plans and answer any questions you may have. (559)800-4944