Your Custom Text Here
Photography by Kallyn Boerner, Heart in Hands NC
You thought you were prepared for the changes that come along with bringing a new human into the world. You’ve been planning and prepping throughout pregnancy (and often times, before). Now, there’s a new element to consider. A Pandemic. A. GLOBAL. PANDEMIC.
The additional fears around COVID-19, and hospital support restrictions, it likely feels like your world is upside down in new, and scarier ways.
As your doulas we want to remind you:
Photography by Kallyn Boerner, Heart in Hands NC
There are a lot of reasons why pregnant people and new parents hire doulas.
In birth, it’s often because we offer a deep well of information when you need it. Providing evidence-based information about your birth options, interventions, and suggest labor positions you might try. We often bring a lot of hands-on comfort, too- massage, counter pressure, reassuring touch, etc.
As postpartum doulas, we offer a lot of practical help. Folding laundry, tidying the kitchen, cutting up fruit and vegetables as quick snacks, or prepping tasty, nutritious meals. Postpartum doulas also sometimes take over baby care so tired, exhausted parents are able to nap, shower, visit with friends and family, or just have some alone time.
Photograph by Kallyn Boerner, Heart in Hands NC
Most often as birth doulas, we’ll talk about and share ways in which we support the birthing person during pregnancy and birth. That’s fair, though, right? Birthing people are doing a good portion of the work, and will need that support as they move through the process.
I still cringe when a friend or family member (always well-intentioned) says something along the lines of "at least you had a healthy baby" after I share my birth story. I still avoid news articles and slide shows featuring photos of mom looking lovingly into baby's eyes immediately after birth.
Read more