The Boxing Doula

I recently came across a post stating something along the lines of “doulas are there to fight for you.”

Let me start off by telling you that in my years of being a doula, I have never needed to “fight” anyone for my clients’ wishes.

I have had to remind my clients of their wishes that were discussed during their prenatal visits and ask if they have changed their mind or what they needed or make suggestions in order to make their wish a reality, especially if they wanted an unmedicated birth and now considering pain management.

I have had to support and guide my clients regardless of where their birthing journey took them… always asking, “Do you have any questions about that?”

Part of making decisions and being comfortable with the choices we make happens when we are a part of the conversation, can freely ask any questions, and weigh our options.

Being supported by your family, friends, medical team, and doula through your choices is helpful, but knowing that you have that power to make those choices yourself and be an advocate for yourself (fight for yourself) is the foundation of empowerment.

Let me say that again: 

The power you hold is the foundation for your empowerment...  

to ask questions, make decisions, to fight for yourself.

The birth room is no place for a boxing match.

Doulas should not be putting a fight in the birthing room. The birthing room is a sacred space where new life is about to emerge. This space should be filled with as much love, comfort, safety, and consideration.

At Rogue Valley Doulas we strive to build bridges with our clients’ medical team, because we believe that when we work collaboratively, we truly make a difference in our clients’ care. We do not fight. We learn what provider’s preferences are, what kind of protocols or procedures are in place at your birthing place and guide you through that by encouraging communication with your medical team about how those things set in place will positively or negatively affect you during labor.

You chose your medical provider for a reason, you trust this provider with the most precious moment in your life. If you don’t feel this way, seek a second opinion or a different provider. Southern Oregon has a great selection of OB practicing providers, whether you want a midwife or an obstetrician.

As your doula, we are not the boxers, we are the trainers. We are there to encourage you, support you, and remind you of the strength you have to fight for yourself.

5 Hospital Bag Must Have Items

Are you getting ready to pack your hospital bag, but not sure what to include? Perhaps you already have your list, but are checking it twice. Here is our Friday’s Five top items to have in your hospital bag.

1.       Hair Stuff – depending how long or short your hair is hair ties and bobby pins are great to have in your bag.

2.       Phone charger – Stay fully charged! Your phone will be utilized to communicate with family and friends; a camera to capture those delicate moments; a music player if the mood strikes, and to browse through social media/play games if you need to pass time. 

3.       Snacks/spare change – Although the hospital has a cafeteria, it does close after a certain time, causing you or your partner to resort to snacks. Get snacks from the vending machine, or pack a few protein bars to hold you for a while, and don't forget honey sticks or DumDum lollipops to give a boost of energy during labor.

4.       Chap stick - Your. Lips, WILL. Get. Dry! Pack chap stick or lanolin to keep those lips moist and ready to kiss your sweet baby! 

5.       Clothes - Clothes to birth in, clothes for the postpartum period. During labor you want clothes that are light and can provide access to your medical team for checks and monitoring. After baby is born, you'll want clothes that are easy to keep your baby skin-to-skin and accessible to the breast, if you are planning to breastfeed. Include slippers or shoes that you can get easily put on. 

What other items were must have for you? Let us know in the comments! 

Oregon Weather & Childbirth

There are many jokes about the amazing Oregon weather.

“Oregon: where you get all four seasons in one day”

“You know you’re from Oregon when you don’t use an umbrella when it’s pouring rain”.

All though funny, it is absolutely true.

Just a few weeks ago, we had sunny days and it felt like spring was only coming faster, and then we get hit with a snowstorm, only to get sunny blue skies the next day!

So how is Oregon weather and childbirth the same and how can a doula support you through the seasons?

Well, if we substitute seasons for feelings, we are bound to get all the feelings in labor, and just like our weather doesn’t seem to come in a particular order, neither do these feelings.

Summer – The sun is shining, everyone is happy, and you’re looking forward to the many outdoor activities that our beautiful southern Oregon offers. You may want to go to Lake of the Woods, or Umpqua Falls, or go raft down the Rogue River. Your car may be loaded with bags with essential items for that awesome trip you’ve planned all year long. 

Early labor – You have lost your mucus plug, or perhaps your water broke. It could be that contractions have begun.  You’re excited and looking forward to all the adventures that are yet to come. You may decide to take a shower or a bath to refresh and relax, or you may start packing up your car with the bags you plan to bring with you to the hospital or birth center. Your long awaited birthing trip has begun and an overwhelming feeling of happiness begins to shine ever-so-brightly, like the sun on a hot summer day. Call your doula so she gets ready for the ride with you. 

Spring – What’s the forecast going to be like? Warm? Cold? Will it be sunny or rainy? Should you layer up?

Labor – You'll find that your body temperature fluctuates in labor. You may feel hot and sweating one moment and the next you're asking for a warm blanket. Your comfort is one of our priorities! We'll be ready to fan the air, apply cold washcloths, and give your ice-cold water to sip on or get blankets to keep you warm. 

Fall – The temperature is cooling down and the leaves are transitioning colors. This season often feels like a mix of summer and winter. You may be excited, because... Hello! Boots, leggings and pumpkin-spice-everything! Or you may feel gloomy as the days become a little darker.

Labor – There comes a point in your labor when you will also be transitioning as those leaves. This part of labor is often the shortest, yet hardest part to endure. Your doula can offer you information about what to expect, continue to offer you comfort and support, and ensure you’re well hydrated… most likely not with pumpkin-spice lattes though.

Winter – The days are gloomy and cold. You rather not be out and about. You prefer to stay warm in bed. You may actually enjoy winter because you can go skiing or snowboarding at Mt. Ashland. You are cautious as you walk on the icy pavement, holding on to cars or siding for support. You know that enduring this type of weather means you’re getting closer to those sunny days again.

Labor – As you’ve reached the transition phase, you may experience feelings of defeat. You are "done", and don’t want to continue laboring, but you know that this temporary feeling will get you closer to meeting your baby. Your doula will support you through this phase by encouraging you, reminding you that the end is almost near, and taking one contraction at a time. Provide you with physical support like massage and counter-pressure on your hips or sacrum as wanted.

Oregon weather – All four seasons in a day, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We don’t mind having to layer up, walk in the rain, or drive in the snow, because, at the end of the day, we live in a beautiful place surrounded by tall trees, hills and mountains.

Labor – Just like the Oregon weather, going through the stages of labor has a beautiful advantage. A new journey begins with your baby to enjoy all the adventures that our state has to offer.

And as your doula… we will walk by you through the seasons enhancing your pregnancy and labor experience by providing you with compassionate and non-judgmental support.