So who knew there was such a thing.  With the impending birth of Meghan Markle's royal bundle (don't pretend you haven't heard, living on planet earth means we all have), this term is making it's mark! 

Wanting to give birth surrounded by women in a supportive, comfortable environment does not make you a brat, it makes real statistical sense.  Women supported by doula's , even without the proven benefits of midwives statistically have lower intervention rates, lower cesarean rates, shorter labours and  more satisfaction with their births. 

We have profoundly medicalized giving birth, resulting in women being less empowered and less satisfied with their experiences and often with little control over what happens with our own bodies.  I only wish I had been more informed and ready to advocate for my own birth experience.

So go ahead, be a birth brat, you will thank yourself for it!

Check out the link https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/ for some great information on being informed about all your birth options.

I have been asked so many times since kicking off my certification process, "Why do you want to be a doula?"  "Wait, isn't doula Greek for servant?"  "Isn't that like being a housekeeper." "A babysitter?"  So, no and no!  After I had a baby and a nightmarish experience birthing and recovering, I asked myself, 'there must be a better way....right?"  

So that kicked off the desire to doula.  Settling into the new normal of being a parent is a road that is filled with joy, fear and overwhelming moments of questions and concern.

A Postpartum Doula is there to help you heal, listen, care, and take care of your whole family. How I wished I had known more about what services a Doula can provide such as; education, guidance, physical support and resources.

I have always worked in a support role throughout my work life, so being a doula is an extension of that role.  Providing the support that I could have seriously used when I was a new parent.  So why Doula????? Why NOT?