Montreal Doula

On the heels of my doula trainer Lesley Everest's post regarding her births of 2011, I thought I'd take some time to go over the birth stats of the women I supported this year.
2011 was my first year as a doula and fresh off my training, I started accepting clients in the spring and have been on call almost constantly since. I love being a doula! It has been a wild ride of a year, from taking the step in following my passion to realizing the goal of working for myself, and doing something that makes me feel that I am making a difference. It truly feels amazing and I am so blessed that women and families have invited me into their lives, homes, and births. What a year. I am so looking forward to 2012 and all that it has to bring.

I doula-ed for 13 women this year! (There was 1 more expected for 2011, but at this point it's safe to say this will be a 2012 baby!) Because this isn't a huge number, it isn't easy to make any assumptions or gather any real statistics but this is just it, my year as a doula in review:

12 were planned hospital births, 1 was a planned birthing center birth that ended in a transfer to hospital.

4 of these births were C-Sections, 1 planned for twins (second time mom), the other 3 were unexpected c-sections (all for first time moms). 2 of the 4 c-sections were induced due to post-term babies with cervidil and/or synto and turned into long and difficult labors. Both ended in c-section due to some form of fetal distress.  C-Section rate of 30%, which is actually quite high.

A stat that I find interesting is that 8 of the 13 women had some form of induction or synthetic augmentation of labor (Cervidil, synto, articifical rupture of membranes/water breaking). In some cases it was to begin labor, in others to keep contractions strong and close together. 6 of these women had epidurals, and 3 had c-sections. All of my clients who took an epidural also had some form of induction or augmentation of labor (before or after the epidural).

3 women had epidurals, but did not have c-sections. Of those who did have epidurals followed by c-sections almost all took the epidural as an alternative to a c-section in order for labor to progress.
Epidural rate of 23%.

Like most other doulas, I accept as clients those who want a natural birth, those who aren't sure, and those who know for sure they want an epidural. Many are surprised by the outcomes of their births and find that what they thought was impossible actually can be achieved and some also find that birth is full of surprises and is always keeping us on our toes.

I very much agree with Lesley's take on the "natural birth" stats- as if we could fault a mother for needing a vacuum extraction or some synto to get contractions closer together and then "take away" her pride in having a natural birth. When a woman tells me she hopes for a natural birth, of course she would like to avoid any unnecessary interventions, but she is mainly referring to a non-epidural birth.
Of my 13 clients 5 had natural births.
Of those 5, 3 gave birth on hands and knees and the other 2 used a variety of positions during the second (pushing) stage.
An interesting stat: 7 of these 13 women had NO or very minimal (1st degree) perineal tearing and NONE had episiotomies! This is wonderful to hear, as a very common fear I hear from women is how worried they are about tearing. I saw many women pushing following their own urges rather than directed pushing from hospital staff, and I also saw many doctors applying compresses or using their hands as counter pressure so as to reduce the pressure of the baby's head on the perineum.

My first birth I attended this year (and ever!) was also the most medically hands off as well as very memorable. All of mom's wishes were respected, she labored in her own home made shirt with buttons sewed on for easy skin-to-skin access, there were no IV's, no managed 3rd stage, no tearing, she delivered on hands and knees, and also arrived at the hospital at 7cm- the nurses and doctors barely believed she was a first time mom!


I am very much looking forward to the births I'll be attending in the next few months and here's to many more happy and healthy moms and babies!

Happy New Year!

I really should add this on my website under frequently asked questions... the simple answer is- It's never too early or too late to hire a doula!

For some first time parents the questions, fears, excitement, and planning begins as soon as the pregnancy is known. I have been contacted and hired by couples as early as 7 weeks!! I think it's wonderful and sweet to meet with excited and eager couples and really, it's an honor to be part of their experience starting so soon in. I can be available by phone or usually e-mails if there are any questions that come up: What can I do for nausea? When will I start showing? What are these strange things happening to my body?
Any question that isn't a medical concern or might be embarrassing to ask a doctor- as a doula we hear it all!
Some women want to find out about how they should be preparing for the rest of their pregnancy to be as healthy and as comfortable as possible. Some want to know about what type of exercise they should be doing, or what they should be eating. It can be reassuring to know that there is someone there for the little questions, someone to recommend books or websites to help with information needed, and someone to share in the excitement as the weeks pass by.
I generally start meeting with women or couples in the second trimester. At this point the pregnancy is established, the caregiver and place of birth is generally chosen, and women tend to be thinking more about the impending birth. There's been time to process the options and usually many questions have been lingering around waiting to be asked and answered. This is also when tests, measurements, weight gain, ultrasounds and the like will begin and then the questions really start rolling in. It's nice to have some time to read some books if you're looking for some new information, to space the prenatal meetings a few weeks apart to allow for reflection and updates, and it allows us to get to know each other better.

But- remember what I mentioned before- it isn't too late if you haven't hired your doula by this time. You still have a chance to benefit from all of this, even if you're due next week! I swear.

Perhaps you didn't hear about doulas until late in pregnancy or maybe you had but thought it wasn't your thing. Maybe someone mentioned having one or knowing of one in passing, and it spiked your interest. Sometimes just one confusing or upsetting appointment with a caregiver can lead to a woman or couple feeling like they may just need that extra support. Whatever the reason, if you're a bit late to the draw, it's ok.
As a doula I have a very flexible schedule, so last minute meetings can be arranged. There's still time to spend hours getting to know your doula- talking over a cup of tea or coffee, discussing your hopes and fears for birth, explaining what type of support you're looking for, and getting those last minute important pieces of information that could potentially make all the difference during your labor and birth. It's worth it!

I will of course recommend that if you find a doula that you feel you'd like to meet with or felt like you had that great connection with, it's usually best to grab her when you can! Most doulas, myself included, will only take a certain amount of clients per month to ensure that we don't have conflicts (which can still happen- birth is SO unpredictable!) and to make sure we have time to give everyone the attention and support they deserve.

I am currently booked through the end of January.

I always offer a complimentary meeting. This is a one-on-one meeting where you can get all your questions answered about doula care, find out if our personalities match and make sure you feel comfortable with the doula you choose. Someone who makes you feel at ease, encouraged, and confident is usually the right one!

Feel free to contact me if you'd like more information or to book a free meeting.

Megan