Re: Coronavirus and Your Doula
3/31/20
Hello Wonderful People!
I don't know if its because we've had two days of sunshine in a row or if I'm on a birth high from having so many clients go into labor over the weekend, but I am feeling good and I want to share the feeling with everyone!
So, let's talk about birth. Over the last 8 days, I have had 5 clients give birth and almost none of them around their estimated due date (typical!). Some at the hospital, some at the birth center. Some with OBs and some with midwives. Some with epidurals, some without. So what are we learning from this experience?
1) Babies come when babies are ready.
2) Covid-19 doesn't stop life from flourishing.
3) Even with restrictions, most of the birthing families were able to have some kind of support whether it was virtual, in-person, or spousal.
Oxytocin is in the air. If you start experiencing signs of labor, let me know. The sooner I know, the better I can prepare, reschedule appointments, and make sure my daughter has childcare so that I can focus on YOU!
Prenatal Visits have been going really well! The first visit is very easy to do virtually with Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype. And, despite the lack of hugs, they seem to fill our hearts with the much needed love, care, and knowledge that comes from not only planning for baby, but also for social interaction during this unusual time in quarantine. So let's keep it up!
The second prenatal visits are going well too, but they are a little trickier as they are typically the more hands-on visit. But, Where there is a will, there is a way! My advice to help things go smoothly is to have some items present that I would typically provide: birth/exercise ball if you have one, a large scarf/sheet/beach towel that can act as a rebozo, yoga mat, and some space to move around. Do NOT worry if you do not have these items; hospitals, birth centers, and myself will have everything you need. And remember that if your household has been quarantined and everyone is well, that I am still happy to come in-person to these visits.
Postpartum visits have been going great too! It is so wonderful to hear from you and see your faces after you have welcomed your little ones into this world; they are perfect. Remember that I typically like to schedule our postpartum visits within 10 days from giving birth, but I am flexible. Anyone needing extra postpartum time has a free credit due to the coronavirus limiting in-person birth support. Just let me know.
Also, regarding postpartum, I have tons of resources! So don't forget to reach out if you ever need: physical support (extra hands to help with baby, housework, errands), emotional support (someone to talk to or relate to, referrals for therapists to help with postpartum depression (for moms and dads), new mothers groups, new fathers groups, etc), breastfeeding support, sleep support, referrals for chiropractors, massage therapists, cranial-sacral therapy, lactation specialists, physical therapists, and so much more. I have lots of evidence based, local, affordable resources to share, all you need to do is ask.
At this point, I know I have spoken to most of you about your options on which birthing locations are allowing/disallowing doulas at this time. We know this is ever-changing daily/weekly, and hopefully the majority of you are confident in your selection for the time being. If you need any further help navigating those options, or if you have questions about them, please let me know. If we have not yet talked about this, don't fret - we will at our upcoming appointment.
Lastly, can each of you respond with the following information to make sure we are on the same page with all the changes going on. I want to make sure that what we have talked about and what I have written down all match!
1) Have you finalized your birth location? If so, where?
2) What do you believe will be most helpful if I am not allowed at your birth location: early labor support at home, text support, phone support, video support, extra postpartum support or other? Remember that our prenatal visits should help prepare you for some of the challenges that can be expected in labor.
3) Are there any questions you have for me currently to help navigate this unprecedented time?
4) What are you currently doing for self care?
All the love to you!
Amy the Doula
3/31/20
Hello Wonderful People!
I don't know if its because we've had two days of sunshine in a row or if I'm on a birth high from having so many clients go into labor over the weekend, but I am feeling good and I want to share the feeling with everyone!
So, let's talk about birth. Over the last 8 days, I have had 5 clients give birth and almost none of them around their estimated due date (typical!). Some at the hospital, some at the birth center. Some with OBs and some with midwives. Some with epidurals, some without. So what are we learning from this experience?
1) Babies come when babies are ready.
2) Covid-19 doesn't stop life from flourishing.
3) Even with restrictions, most of the birthing families were able to have some kind of support whether it was virtual, in-person, or spousal.
Oxytocin is in the air. If you start experiencing signs of labor, let me know. The sooner I know, the better I can prepare, reschedule appointments, and make sure my daughter has childcare so that I can focus on YOU!
Prenatal Visits have been going really well! The first visit is very easy to do virtually with Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype. And, despite the lack of hugs, they seem to fill our hearts with the much needed love, care, and knowledge that comes from not only planning for baby, but also for social interaction during this unusual time in quarantine. So let's keep it up!
The second prenatal visits are going well too, but they are a little trickier as they are typically the more hands-on visit. But, Where there is a will, there is a way! My advice to help things go smoothly is to have some items present that I would typically provide: birth/exercise ball if you have one, a large scarf/sheet/beach towel that can act as a rebozo, yoga mat, and some space to move around. Do NOT worry if you do not have these items; hospitals, birth centers, and myself will have everything you need. And remember that if your household has been quarantined and everyone is well, that I am still happy to come in-person to these visits.
Postpartum visits have been going great too! It is so wonderful to hear from you and see your faces after you have welcomed your little ones into this world; they are perfect. Remember that I typically like to schedule our postpartum visits within 10 days from giving birth, but I am flexible. Anyone needing extra postpartum time has a free credit due to the coronavirus limiting in-person birth support. Just let me know.
Also, regarding postpartum, I have tons of resources! So don't forget to reach out if you ever need: physical support (extra hands to help with baby, housework, errands), emotional support (someone to talk to or relate to, referrals for therapists to help with postpartum depression (for moms and dads), new mothers groups, new fathers groups, etc), breastfeeding support, sleep support, referrals for chiropractors, massage therapists, cranial-sacral therapy, lactation specialists, physical therapists, and so much more. I have lots of evidence based, local, affordable resources to share, all you need to do is ask.
At this point, I know I have spoken to most of you about your options on which birthing locations are allowing/disallowing doulas at this time. We know this is ever-changing daily/weekly, and hopefully the majority of you are confident in your selection for the time being. If you need any further help navigating those options, or if you have questions about them, please let me know. If we have not yet talked about this, don't fret - we will at our upcoming appointment.
Lastly, can each of you respond with the following information to make sure we are on the same page with all the changes going on. I want to make sure that what we have talked about and what I have written down all match!
1) Have you finalized your birth location? If so, where?
2) What do you believe will be most helpful if I am not allowed at your birth location: early labor support at home, text support, phone support, video support, extra postpartum support or other? Remember that our prenatal visits should help prepare you for some of the challenges that can be expected in labor.
3) Are there any questions you have for me currently to help navigate this unprecedented time?
4) What are you currently doing for self care?
All the love to you!
Amy the Doula
