While still less than 2%, according for the CDC* in Atlanta, out of hospital births have been on the rise since 2004. In 2012, 1 in 49% of births to non-Hispanic, white women was an out-of-hospital birth. Home births are on the rise in Greensboro, too. However, we don't fit into the highest or lowest categories. Our community is lucky to have to experienced doulas. The word "doula" comes from the Greek, meaning "to serve." and doulas do so much more than deliver babies. They are there to assist families before, during, and after the birth. From belly binding to placenta encapsulation to spinning babies to reiki, doulas do more than you can imagine.
From her website, we know that Sandra is the doula behind Greensboro Doula and she has been blogging about her profession and professional experience since July. We didn't get to meet Sandra yet, but we did get a chance to admire her very catchy vehicle. Maybe she'll be at Greensboro's next Baby Belly Bazar. Every dula we have ever met, has an air of calm about here. Maybe we'll hire one for all of the health and well-being aspects, even though no children or grandchildren are on the horizon.
Happy Thursday!
*CDC data, here.
How funny you should mention that GDP, my niece who lives in Canada has just had a baby and she had a doula, up until then I'd never heard of them.
Posted by: Grace | Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 09:19 AM
This is the first time I've heard the term doula.
Posted by: William Kendall | Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 11:49 AM
The first time I ever heard the term doula I said, "A what-a?" Now I am a doula. FYI... doulas don't catch babies. Catching babies is the job of the midwife or obstetrician because a doula is a non-medical support person. We provide information so that you know your options, along with physical and emotional support, etc. Doulas not only attend home births, we attend hospital births as well as birth center births. We provide service for "natural" births, births with epidurals or other pain management, as well as cesareans. Post partum doulas provide care in your home after you have your baby. :)
Tequita Williamson
Heart and Hands Birth Doula
Posted by: Tequita Williamson | Friday, September 18, 2015 at 05:04 PM
Wowza!
Thank you for featuring my car as the picture of the day! I just found out about it and I am flattered.
I second Tequita, that a doula is not only for home births and we are not healthcare providers. Under www.GreensboroDoula.com you can find what a doula does and what not.
In fact, we are more likely to attend a hospital birth than a home birth, as we are really needed in a medical setting. Keeping a birthing woman's space and keeping her in her 'birthing zone' while supporting communication with her care provider is one of the main tasks of our job. And we support all kinds of birth. YOUR birth, YOUR choice! A doula should always offer non-judgmental support to her client. We just want our clients to be informed about pros and cons so the can make an educated decision!
If anyone has more questions about a doula and/or the services I specifically provide, please shoot me an email, text message, or call me!
Sandra Nishihata
[email protected]
www.greensborodoula.com
facebook.com/greensborodoula
Posted by: Sandra Nishihata | Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 09:08 AM