What is more magical then experiencing a new life come into this world? Seeing five of my siblings be born in our home, I grew up knowing that labor and birth is a natural process; although hard work, I knew it was not something to be feared. As I watched the midwives so gently guide my mom through birth, offering suggestions that helped her be more comfortable, it made me wish I knew how to help and support my mom during this special time.
It was not until I was older that I heard of doulas and realized there are women who are trained and experienced in labor and birth and who know just the right thing to do to make the experience as peaceful and memorable as possible; women who are sensitive and caring and provide continuous support.
My sister trained as a midwife and had many books around on labor, birth, midwifery, and natural healing. I love to read birth stories and was never as happy as when I finished a story where a newborn was laying in his mother's arms and they were sharing the special joy of finally meeting each other. I cry when I read stories of mothers who were alone and frightened. I wish someone was there comforting her and putting a cold wash cloth on her hot forehead; telling her how strong she is, and that her baby is coming soon.
I think women were meant to help and support other women during birth and postpartum when bonding is happening; our culture has lost many traditions that are so beautiful and important. I know from books I have read and births I have been at that it is very important that women feel supported during this vulnerable time; mothers remember their births and it can affect how they live for the rest of their lives. I think we do not even realize how important it is for a woman to have support and love at her birth.
I wanted to become a doula so I could help in this special way. I can't think of anything I would rather be. Now that I have the training I need I feel much more confident knowing many ways to help make each birth special and meaningful.
I cannot express how it makes me feel the moment a baby is born seeing how the mother's body so naturally brought forth new life. Words cannot describe the wonder of witnessing such a miraculous event, and I feel privileged to know I helped in some small way. I desire to become the best doula I can be, the kind of labor support I want at my birth someday.
- Elizabeth Rose
It was not until I was older that I heard of doulas and realized there are women who are trained and experienced in labor and birth and who know just the right thing to do to make the experience as peaceful and memorable as possible; women who are sensitive and caring and provide continuous support.
My sister trained as a midwife and had many books around on labor, birth, midwifery, and natural healing. I love to read birth stories and was never as happy as when I finished a story where a newborn was laying in his mother's arms and they were sharing the special joy of finally meeting each other. I cry when I read stories of mothers who were alone and frightened. I wish someone was there comforting her and putting a cold wash cloth on her hot forehead; telling her how strong she is, and that her baby is coming soon.
I think women were meant to help and support other women during birth and postpartum when bonding is happening; our culture has lost many traditions that are so beautiful and important. I know from books I have read and births I have been at that it is very important that women feel supported during this vulnerable time; mothers remember their births and it can affect how they live for the rest of their lives. I think we do not even realize how important it is for a woman to have support and love at her birth.
I wanted to become a doula so I could help in this special way. I can't think of anything I would rather be. Now that I have the training I need I feel much more confident knowing many ways to help make each birth special and meaningful.
I cannot express how it makes me feel the moment a baby is born seeing how the mother's body so naturally brought forth new life. Words cannot describe the wonder of witnessing such a miraculous event, and I feel privileged to know I helped in some small way. I desire to become the best doula I can be, the kind of labor support I want at my birth someday.
- Elizabeth Rose
