Blog Post One

My first blog post! I want to use this space to write a little about what I am witnessing in the birth space and beyond. My focus: empowering women through their experiences and getting the support they truly need! I plan to keep this blog short, sweet, and concise. Giving you tips, tricks, and insight how to surround yourself with the perfect birth (and beyond) team that is unapologetically yours!

Remember, crafting a birth (and beyond) team tailored to your unique needs empowers you to claim the confident, supported birth (and beyond) you deserve. Becoming a parent is raw, exhausting, and unpredictable. It transforms you. Having support makes all the world of difference. Birthing and sustaining a new life can be a triumphant, life-affirming, right of passage that leaves you stronger than ever. I want that for you!

My first tip in finding a great doula match (aka your right hand woman). FEEL. Notice your body. Do you relax around her? Are you exhaling and softening or are you tense during your meet with her? She should bring a grounding presence. This will be different for everyone. Remember we are all unique. What you find grounding in someone may feel different to someone else.

How about that trusty gut? Your intuition, that feeling in the center of your belly. What is it telling you? Does a “yes” arise immediately or you are feeling a “hell no”? Your intuition really is the ultimate interviewer. Trust it.

Now, ask yourself “Would I feel comfortable calling her at 2 a.m. without apology?” This should feel easy, especially as you get to know her better. I know we all have a bit of people pleasing in us and it may feel strange at first- the thought of calling someone in the middle of the night. And, this is something you’ll most likely have to do. Having that solid trust and comfortability with your doula is crucial.

Lastly, I want to highlight a few very important qualities you should look for when hiring your doula (and birth team!). Is she calm under chaos? Ask her. Ask how she handles the stormy parts of labor/birth/postpartum. (think sensory overload, tsunami of people, rawness(vomiting, shaking, crying etc), fractures in the plan).

Is she a reflective listener? Is she truly hearing what you are saying and even not saying to her. Can she pick up on your “I'm scared” look?

Your doula should be a boundary ninja! Honoring your vision. Listening and upholding what you want.

Evidence based practices help keep you safe. Does your doula bring facts and heart? Ask questions! She can cite studies for you and hold your hand through tears.

Warm steady hands is another key attribute I would encourage you to look for in your doula. She may be giving you that hip squeeze during the toughest parts of labor. Do you trust her to hold your body? Her touch should feel like an anchor.

Good luck, trust your gut, choose that doula whose presence feels like home so you can step into your power and OWN your birth knowing she’s got your back!

-Bridgette