Thinking about birthin' in Bangor

[razil]

No - I'm not pregnant!!! But, I did just take a 3-day training for doula-hood. (For those not into the birth scene, a doula is hired by the birthing couple to be there to support the woman and her partner throughout labor and birth. A doula can provide physical support, such as massage, emotional support, and information when needed. She doesn'

Comments

[ratphooey]

Women giving birth in big hospitals are the ones who need doulas most!

[razil]

I totally agree, but I also recognize it won't do either of us any favors if I go in with a chip on my shoulder. I am hoping that attending a birth there will demonstrate to my brain that a birth there with a doula is better than a birth there without a doula and that maybe, just maybe, the big ship of hospital protocols can be turned.

It does say something, though, that women that want an unmedicated, natural birth will generally travel 30-60 miles away to other hospitals to have a better chance of achieving it.

(Note to the universe: I am generally in favor of big hospitals with life-saving equipment!)

[ratphooey]

The thing is, those big ships? Only turn slowly. Incrementally.

Having doulas present is one such increment. The more they are around, the more the staff will open to them (most hospital staffers are glad for the help!). The hospital where #1 was born has volunteer doulas who can be summoned as needed, in the event where a woman hasn't selected one for whatever reason, or if there's a scheduling issue.

People who are serious about wanting an unmedicated, natural birth are likely to deliver in places other than big hospitals, aren't they? Or perhaps I just know an unusually large number of home/birth center birthers.

[razil]

Volunteer doulas! That's so cool!

We're in a pretty small market, birth-wise, up here. Unless you want to be at home, you can go to the Big Hospital or you can travel a long way to go to a smaller hospital that is more known for its flexibility and has midwives that practice there...

[razil]

Thanks! I know not every birth is as needle-free as mine was, so we'll see how I do with that part of it. The theory is great, but I realize I'm of little use if I faint. :)

[gretchens]

I'm guessing you're familiar with Ballard House in Portland, which just closed (is closing? I read about in the PPH a while ago...)

I'm assuming this was with Evelyn? She's rad. I went to her infant massage classes for a long time, and totally miss seeing her on a weekly basis.

I didn't have a doula, but I had my best friend there, and she did doula-like things for me/us. Totally invaluable.

[razil]

Oh, I hadn't heard about the Ballard House. Massive bummer. I had both my kids with midwives over at Mercy Hospital before we moved up here, but frequently hung out at Ballard for Birth Root's open baby playgroup time -- I think it is similar to Evelyn's massage class time...

Yep, the training was with Evelyn; such a strong woman! I didn't have doulas at my birth either, but I can totally see how having a girlfriend or doula-type there would have helped me (and my hubby!).

[gretchens]

My friend who was with me has 3 kids, and had had her first in a small regional hospital, her 2nd at the local one here, and her 3rd at Mercy, and she ranked the local hospital as the worst. (And Mercy as the best

[keyne]

Awesome! I'm a CBE now, but would like to go the doula or midwife route one of these days....