I am interested in learning about alternative ways of birthing, besides just the traditional in the hospital ones. Does anyone have any information on using a midwife, water birth, an at home birth, etc? What about doulas?
I am interested in learning about alternative ways of birthing, besides just the traditional in the hospital ones. Does anyone have any information on using a midwife, water birth, an at home birth, etc? What about doulas?
I'm planning on doing a water birth. Here are some websites for information and products.
Water Birth Information
Water Birth International
Water Birth Resource
Pool Kits
Water Birth Supplies
Labor Pool--You have to scroll down a little
my mother is a doula. absolutely fabulous. the best things about a doula is they have medical knowledge but they are there as your ally and like your mother. they are you medium between you and the doctor. they relay information and they are aligned with your desires, such as, a drug free labor. they rub your feet, get you water, help you walk and do all the things a nurse might, however nurses in hospitals arent always there. doulas are just helping hands. their job is to take care of you . doula is greek and it means " mothernig the mother" look into doulas who are getting certified. my mom is still getting certified(she needs three births) so she works for free, doulas usually cost 400 dolars. but there are always women who need your birth to get certified. they usually accompany you to your ob the last few weeks and know your medical back ground. if you can i would definately look into it.
I used to live in Oregon when I went to Midwifery school. This link takes you to the Oregon home birth midwives. I can say that everyone on there that I recognizes is excellent. If you want to PM me I can give you specific names that I really love. Homebirth is so wonderful. My births were both such amazing experiences. I felt such a bond with my midwives. I felt really in charge of my care and empowered. I know I am a little biased because I soon will be a midwife, too (this summer) but it is worth interviewing people even if you are not sure you would want to birth at home.
http://www.oregonmidwiferycouncil.org/
That sounds tons better than a nurse, I NEVER had a L&D nurse rub my feet or even really be in my room for more than like 5 mins besides the birth, and they were there for my c-section too, but thats a lil different.
I had a planned home birth, hospital transfer with midwives. PM me if you want to ask anything.
I had a homebirth with both of my children and I'm all set for one with this baby. I had a doula at both births as well. PM me if you want any info/have questions/want to read birth stories, etc. I'm always delighted to share =)
Thanks for the help!! I will be PMing a few of you tonight :D
I am all for having a midwife. I had one with my daughter,and she was seriously in bed with me,rubbing my back,and talking to me. Made my labor easy for me to handle(esp. since I had to be induced),she knew what my set desicions were before birth,knowing I didnt want an epidural,so when I begged,she told me no way!
The links above are great. I had planned a water birth,but things didnt work out that way.
Does anyone have any info on Doulas in Iowa?
Whats the difference between a midwife and a doula? I always wondered that.
A midwife is a medically trained caregiver and can do antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care. She is usually trained in breastfeeding as well. A midwife also does labour support.
A doula is a support person, no medical training.
A monitrice is like a doula with some medical training who can do some things like listen to fetal hearttones.
I'm having a homebirth with this one. I actually wanted to have an unassisted birth but dh won't hear of it, lol. I've never had a doula at one of my births, but when I went into pre-term labor with my 4th child I was at my friends house, they were having a birthday party for her mom who just happened to be training to be a doula. She was great and helped me out a lot until dh got off work and came to pick me up. She then showed him how to keep me comfortable. Oregon has some wonderful HB midwives! I looked into the school there as well before I moved to CA. The midwives that come from the school are well trained. The DEM's (and yay for Oregon for allowing them!) are also extremely knowlegable and sweet!
Which school? In Portland or Eugene? I went to the midwifery school in Portland, Birthingway. It was wonderful.
Had a homebirth w/ CNMs, covered by insurance. PM if you want to talk....won't be able to get on the internet until Monday, though.