Doula Misconceptions - Part 2

In a recent blog post, I shared about a conversation I overheard at a party.  And how I realized that my friends, and probably most folks, don't seem to have any idea what it is that I do for a living.   This came up again when I was talking about working on Monday mornings.  A friend inquired about what I do when I'm working.  If I'm not attending a birth, what exactly am I doing?  Well, in addition to writing blog posts, analyzing and/or changing my google ads, updating my availability at doulamatch, much of my time is spent on pre-natal support for my clients.

When I'm interviewing with potential clients and explaining what is included in their care, I'm usually met with a blank stare when I mention "unlimited prenatal support."   I meet with each client (and their partner) 2 times before the birth for their prenatal appointments but I also offer unlimited phone, email, and in-person support throughout the pregnancy.  Most doulas do.  But very few clients seem to have a clue what I'm talking about.  So here are a few examples of what this unlimited care might entail, though it is hardly an exhaustive list and it varies widely based on the client and their needs...

• A lot of women suffer from high blood pressure or other ailments during pregnancy.  Acupuncture is often recommended for pregnant women so I'll email my clients the contact info for different acupuncturists in the area, like Bird & Bee Acupuncture over in Redmond.
• Pregnant women are often quite uncomfortable.  They might email me and mention their aching hips or sore back.  So I'll email over different ways to alleviate the pain or discomfort.  Or I'll recommend a massage therapist.  For those interested, my number one recommendation for a massage in Seattle, pre-natal or otherwise, is M'Lissa Hayes in Queen Anne.  Sometimes I'll send over the details for prenatal yoga or water aerobics classes.  
• Most of my clients are busy trying to prepare for the impending birth by making sure they have everything they will need once the baby arrives.  I am often asked about the best books, best baby carriers, best swaddling blankets, best white noise machines, best baby monitors, and the list just goes on and on.  

Sometimes this unlimited care comes in the form of medical-related questions.  It can be hard to know if it's time to call your doctor or you are just experiencing some of the normal (though often unpleasant) side effects of pregnancy.   Some of the questions I get on a regular basis are:

• My skin is really itchy.  Is that normal? 
• My belly feels really hard and tight sometimes.  What is that all about?  
• My emotions seem to be awfully close to the surface these days.  Did you feel that way when you were pregnant?
• I get these strange pains in my lower abdomen sometimes.  Do I need to call my doctor or is it ok to wait until my appointment next week?

So as you can see, a lot of my pre-natal work comes in the form of email or phone calls.  I'm at the disposal of my clients when they need quick tips, ideas, advice, brainstorming, or referrals.  And like I mentioned, each client also gets 2 official pre-natal visits for us to get to know one another and get prepared for the birth.  More on those visits in my next post.   For now, though, you have a better idea of what it is I'm doing on Monday & Wednesday mornings when I'm working.  Or supposed to be working anyway!