The birth doula - An experienced guide for the journey through birth.

To give birth and bring forth a new life into this world is to stand at the pinnacle of your very being. Your very own Mount Everest. While it is one of life's most rewarding and transformative experiences, and an incredibly awakening adventure... it is also an incredibly potent experience that will unapologetically take all your attention, every ounce of your strength, and all of your love. 

While giving birth is something that one can absolutely do on their own, most would never even consider such a trek without an experienced guide. A birth doula is an experienced guide for the journey through birth. 

The physical, emotional, spiritual and informational needs of a birthing person are where a birth doula can make all the difference in their birth experience. A person supported and encouraged during labor and delivery can go far beyond what they previously thought was possible in endurance and pain management. Having the support of a birth doula who knows the birthing atmosphere can make all the difference in the world. Not only for the birthing parent, but for their partner and family members as well. Through labor and birth, I have witnessed bonding and a strengthening of relationships between birthing parents and their partners. When someone feels they are not alone in birth, they are free to grow as parents, and as a family.
Prior to the onset of labor, I meet with each expecting parent and their partner for two prenatal visits. During the first visit, we discuss their wishes and goals for the birth of their baby, and how they envision what my support looks like for them during their upcoming birth. The second visit is an opportunity for us to get a little more comfortable with one another, and prepare them for receiving physical support during labor. We practice counter pressure techniques, and supportive positions with and without the Rebozo. During prenatal visits, we also practice the modality of Birthing With Sound. Birthing With Sound incorporates guided vocal toning, intentional breathwork, and is accompanied by crystal singing bowls. 

What is vocal toning?
Vocal toning is when you take in a nice big deep breath and slowly exhale your breath while making a low vibrational sound.

What are the benefits of vocal toning?

Release of hormones - Vocal toning helps to release an abundance of all those amazing birthing hormones... Oxytocin, Endorphins and Serotonin.

Increased oxygen levels - Vocal toning helps to increase the length and depth of our breath, allowing an increase of oxygen to the birth parent and baby. When taking in a new breath, and slowly letting it go with a low vibratory tone, the bodies of the birthing parent and baby are more able to take in that oxygen, allowing for better circulation. By aligning with this pattern of breath, it helps to release anxiety. While there is no right or wrong way to breathe during labor, it is important not to hold the breath as this creates more tension in the body and increases the sensation of pain.

Natural pain management - Vocal toning can help to ease our fears, and the sensation of pain and discomfort during labor. By openly making low vibratory sounds during contractions, you are more able to release and let go of fear and pain. Fear and pain can cause anxiety and stress during labor, effecting the pelvic region and the dilation of the cervix, and can potentially slow down the progress of labor. Vocal toning during labor leaves no room for self doubt, anxiety or fear as you focus on the sounds, and move more deeply within yourself.

Relaxation - Vocal toning releases sound vibrations throughout the body. Sound Therapy is commonly used as an alternative healing process which effects the body on a cellular level. It relaxes the muscles by releasing tension from the body, improving circulation and maximizing energy flow within the body. The relaxation that sound brings allows the cervix to open more freely and the baby to descend with ease. 

What are the benefits of using a crystal singing bowl during birth?

Presence - The presence of the crystal singing bowl alone naturally creates a very peaceful and zen-like space. While the crystal singing bowl is amazing in any birthing space, I have personally found it to be most helpful in a hospital setting because it easily filters out other sounds such as doors opening and closing, the beeping of machines, staff talking amongst themselves and other close by birthing parents.

Sound - The sound of the crystal singing bowl starts at the beginning of each of contraction, and allows the birthing person to focus on the sound of the bowl and their voice instead of focusing on any pain or discomfort they might otherwise be focusing on.

Partner support - Sometimes, partners are unsure of what they can do to help during the laboring person's contractions. Bringing a crystal singing bowl into the birthing space allows for collaborative partner support and promotes a more enjoyable birth experience for both the birthing person and their partner.

A baby's birth - Close your eyes, and ​imagine you are a brand new baby coming into this world. What would it be like for you to be born hearing the sounds of beeping machinery, doors opening and closing, hospital staff talking amongst themselves while simultaneously hearing yelling of the word "PUSH", and you are hearing and feeling all of this energy while working hard to make your way into this world. Now, imagine what it would be like for you to be born hearing the sounds of your parent's calm & peaceful voice, and the magical sound of the crystal singing bowl as you take you first breath. Which birth scenario would you desire most for yourself? Which birth scenario would you desire most for your future baby?

During labor I offer physical, emotional, spiritual and informational support. I offer an encouraging energy with kind words, a gentle loving touch and a watchful eye to anticipate where my support will be needed next. I make sure they are staying well hydrated and nourished. As a birth doula, my first responsibility is to be available whenever the birthing parent needs me in labor, and to stay with them through every single moment of the birth of their baby. Secondly, I have the responsibility to know and work within my Scope of Practice and to abide by the Code of Ethics for birth doulas. Maintaining professionalism and high standards will ensure a favorable attitude from caregivers in hospitals, birth centers and home births towards birth doulas now and in the future.

Labor support is an ancient practice that dates back to the beginning of human existence, but it has been devalued and it almost disappeared in the past century. The resurgence of labor support is making a difference for people everywhere it is available. It is absolutely my highest honor to offer a holding hand, a listening ear, an open heart and sacred space for emotional releases, and trauma healing. I believe that to heal the world, one must first hold the door open for healing birth.