Doula Do

We had our first meeting with our doula last night. It was a "getting to know you" meeting which turned out really well.  I liked her a lot from talking to her on the phone and Dave wanted to meet her, too.  We are both excited (and relieved!) to imagine her in the room with us during labor.  She's got a great positive, upbeat personality but I can also see her being calming and encouraging during the hard parts.  We both think it really makes sense for us to have a doula, someone with a wee bit more experience that either he or I have in giving birth, but who can also coach us through the situation.  She is also very non-judgmental about whatever happens during the delivery--if I choose an epidural, well, then that's what I need to do.  We're hoping not to have one, but I think having her there will help me be more comfortable with whatever decisions we have to make.   

It's also really cool b/c when she lived in Indianapolis, she worked as a doula-on-staff at their Community Hospital. That way, anyone giving birth could have a doula at her side.  Isn't that the coolest thing?  I really think CMC here in Charlotte would be open to such a program.   It would certainly make a difference for me in choosing which hospital to give birth.  And I knew, Knew, KNEW we were on the same page after she described her tour of Presby's labor and delivery and maternity ward.  Presby is a fine hospital with great nurses.  People truly enjoy their birthing experience there.  However, its current L&D/recovery rooms are not to be confused with attractive or comfortable rooms.  They are opening their new ward in Sept or October, so I imagine those will be very nice.  However, as they are currently, she and I had the same reaction.  Oh, did I mention she just found out she was pg again?? Hence the hospital tours. Great news for her!  In any case, philosophically and personality wise, both Dave and I are very happy to have found a doula like her.

With her permission, I'd like to post her name and contact info on here in case I get any web searches for doulas.  (BTW---if you find this web page and you're searching for doulas in Charlotte, either leave a comment or contact me via the envelope below, and I'll email you back with info)

Final note:  it's really amazing that at my old-hag age I get to experience all these new things in my body (and it is not menopause).  I've been "me" with this body for so long.  I am familiar with each bulge and bump and effect of gravity.  I am fascinated with this new belly.  I am amazed at each kick.  I love my boobs!!! It's probably supposed to be way past my time to feel new things like this with my body---but I think I can appreciate it more now.  Of course, I'm also still checking out that there are at least some unaffected parts of my bod.  As I was checking out my butt the other day in the mirror and proclaiming to Dave that I didn't think it had changed so much.  Poor Dave couldn't get past staring at my belly to check out the booty.  "You are HUGE!" was the response I got.  And honestly, I liked it.  My belly is huge.  And it's only going to keep growing.  Truly amazing. 

7:26:45 AM