Doula Resources - Hand To Heart

A dear friend who knows me well, and understands my connection with labyrinths, informed me that today, May 6th, is World Labyrinth Day! So, of course, in honour of this amazing metaphorical symbol of life’s incredible journeys, I HAD to blog about it. First of all, some of you may be asking “What the heck is a Labyrinth anyway?” or maybe, if you are an 80s child like me, it brings to mind Jim Henson characters and David Bowie in tight pants. Many people confuse a labyrinth with a maze – mazes tend to have many choices with possible dead ends and paths that lead nowhere (ironically, like the maze in the Labyrinth movie), whereas Labyrinths have one path, with many twists and turns, but it is impossible to get lost as the path leads you to the center and back out again. Making it through a maze is very much a critical thinking, left brain activity – you have to make choices, and try to figure out the best route to go. Alternatively, walking or finger tracing a labyrinth engages the instinctual right brain, and is often used as a meditative practice. The Labyrinth is a centuries old symbol found all over the world – in caves, in ancient churches, on pottery and tapestries. It is considered a sacred symbol of life. I was first introduced to the Labyrinth symbol at my introductory Birthing From Within workshop in 2009 where it was used as a metaphor for the journey … Read More

As April comes to a close, I realize that I cannot let it lapse without acknowledging the month of Cesarean Awareness. I’m interested to know – what does Cesarean Awareness mean to you? What does it mean to ‘be aware’? I find myself contemplating our current cesarean rate in my hometown, as it teeters currently around 30%. That’s 3 out of every 10 births! In light of these stats, I believe awareness involves seeking out information about ways to reduce your risk of cesarean, but also (and arguably more importantly) preparing for one in the event that it becomes part of your story. In my doula practice, I make a point of informing my clients about the importance of preparing for a Cesarean Birth, despite their plans of birthing vaginally – because there is only so much we can control when it comes to the story of our birth, and it is those individuals who hold onto the belief that “if I just don’t think about it/put energy into it/plan for it, it won’t happen” who run the highest risk of experiencing birth trauma. Part of preparing for a Cesarean birth is to begin to pay attention to language. I hear many refer to a cesarean birth as a ‘C-section’, or ‘Section’. Close your eyes and say ‘C-section’ or “She ended up with a C-Section” out loud to yourself. What images does it conjure for you? What emotions or physical sensations arise? Where do you feel it in your body? … Read More

Happy International Women’s Day! Throughout the years, I’ve celebrated this day in many different ways from attending a peace rally to indulging at a dessert party, but this year takes the cake (pardon the pun)! I was honoured with a nomination for the YWCA Women of Distinction 2016 award for my contribution to the birth community as a doula and educator in the category of Mentorship and Education.

In all the births I’ve attended, it still surprises me to witness birthing women find the strength and endurance to dig deep and persevere until they finally hold their baby in their arms. I think most doulas would admit to more than once standing back in awe at the raw power of a woman in labor. But one thing that isn’t talked about enough is the love and strength that I often see radiate from the dads that are also bearing witness to such a miracle (I use the term “dads” as this has been the vast majority of my experience, but the same holds turn to same-sex partners as well). Some of my very favorite moments as a doula involve observing how attentive and loving these men can be with their partners while they find their rhythm during labor. As much as I work towards preparing these men prenatally for what to expect when they support the mother of their baby, it becomes clear quite quickly that they really had no idea what to expect – and yet, they step up and dig deep, holding space continuously for hours, going without food, sleep or bathroom breaks, providing constant emotional and often physical support. So many times, I wish I was a photographer and somehow could capture the look of awe, wonder, and pure love on these dads’ faces as they watch their partners get in touch with their primal selves in labor. Something happens in those moments – a … Read More

Like many doulas, I became one to change the world. Almost 10 years ago, when I found out I was pregnant for the first time, I had fantasies of a labor and birth filled with soothing music, candlelight, and a supportive circle of love while I gently breathed my baby down and out into the world. Yeah… it didn’t go that way. My experience actually consisted of a 2 day long induction, IVs, intense pain that I wasn’t prepared for, and finally an epidural – a decision which filled me with guilt, grief, shame and disappointment. I pushed my baby Earthside under an intense beam of bright light, legs spread eagle with a room full of onlookers. So, suffice it to say, I felt robbed. I roared and raged at the healthcare system, at my body that I thought had failed me, and at myself for not being “strong enough” or “wise enough” to persevere with my original dream of a natural birth. Becoming a doula was my way of “making it right” and “making sure” this didn’t happen to other mothers. Oh, how I’ve grown since that time. So much has shifted for me on this doula journey of mine. Through the passage of time, experience, support, and gentleness with myself, I’ve learned to not only let go of the hurt, anger and guilt associated with the birth of my daughter, but even embrace it as THE pivotal transformative experience that has shaped who I am as a woman, … Read More