Meeting our Doula

Our "homework assignment" from our last doctor's appointment was to think about how we want the birth of the baby to be. From day one I knew I want it as natural as possible. I have an image in my mind of myself laughing...at how ridiculously painful it'll be. And after reading about how the body needs the pain as a way to know what to do to help moving the labor along, I know the key during these next few months is to learn not be tense or fear the process.

I started to look into alternative methods of pain relief such as self hypnosis. I was also interested in the water birth after hearing from my friend whose 4 kids were born that way without any medical pain relief. But since this is my first time, Chris and I felt that it would be best to give birth at the hospital. And this is why when we interviewed our doula Octavia, I knew we found the right match for us. A doula who believes that you can labor at home in a birthing tub, then deliver at the hospital.

Octavia was referred to us from our doctor who we love and trust. I typed in her name in a web search and was able to find a lot of great reviews about her from her past clients. After talking to her briefly to set up an appointment, she came over to our house the following Saturday afternoon...with her deep pink hair and funky glasses. She looked a little bit like a friend of mine so immediately I felt comfortable around her. As she begin to explain her background and services, I felt strangely excited about giving birth, and that was exactly what I was hoping to get out of hiring her.

Octavia has a medical background in helping AIDS and cancer patience with pain relief without medicine. She uses massage, reflexology, and aromatherapy with her clients. And sometimes even music and uses visualization. She also said something that Chris and I both wanted, which is to create an environment where we'll be "present" throughout the experience. She also had a lot of great things to say about our doctor, and the nurses at the hospital where we'll deliver the baby.

I was feeling more confident and excited about what sounded like a wonderful spa treatment, except I'll leave with a baby! We ended the interview with me saying "Let's do it!"