Did you know that the doula isn’t just for the mom? We are there for the whole family! So why would you, as the father, care about hiring a doula? You won’t be the one in labor, but you will still need support! What are some ways that a doula can support you, the dad, through the birth of your child? We can give you a break. Yes of course you don’t want to leave your partner’s side, but…
Unless you have been living under a rock, I’m sure you have heard about the tragic events at Disney World in Orlando. Déjà vu kicks in here, since not even three weeks ago our social media outlets were covering a similar incident in Cincinnati. Both are terrible, terrible events that took place in locations that are otherwise considered safe, family friendly places. No one expects to watch their child be dragged around by a gorilla at the zoo. No…
Around four decades ago there was a push to rethink childbirth. Instead of looking at childbirth as an illness that needed treatment, more and more mothers wanted an active role in their own labors. Their partners did too. Childbirth education participation soared in the 1980s and 1990s, but has recently seen a downturn in attendance. Many cite the overabundance of information available on the internet as a catalyst for the change. But is that good? Heidi Murkoff, the author…
Today, we are going to talk about Pitocin. Pitocin is the most popular drug used to stimulate contractions of the uterus to induce or quicken labor. Many providers also use it to reduce bleeding after delivery. In order to understand Pitocin, we need examine the history of the hormone oxytocin. The word oxytocin comes from the Greek term oxytocic, meaning “quick birth”. In 1906 by Sir Henry Hallett Dale discovered that oxytocin was vital to uterine contractions.1 but was not sequenced or…
(Last week we posted this ‘Advocate’ graphic on our Facebook page and it got a lot of attention. It brought about a lot of discussion in the doula world about the word ‘advocate’. Since it has received so much attention, and we have had the opportunity to really hash out our feelings on the subject, we are going to share them here.) When you hear the word advocate, what comes to mind? Many of the most popular synonyms include…
Packing your hospital bag for the upcoming arrival of your child can be a bit overwhelming, so we have decided to help with a few quick tips to get you started! DO pack your favorite lip balm/chap stick. Chances are your lips are going to get dry and chapped during delivery. Also consider bringing facial cleansing wipes and lotion. DON’T worry about bringing pads to the hospital unless you just don’t want to use the ones they have…
I am sure you are thinking I am crazy. Two doulas? Why in the world would anyone need more than one doula? However, as crazy as you think I am, the decision to only hire one doula is even crazier. Why is that? Here is one quick question that I think will put it all into perspective: what happens when you go into labor and your doula is sick? Or, what if her kids are sick? What if…
1 – Better outcomes for mother A study done in 20121 found that women who had uninterrupted support during labor were less likely to use pain medications. The need for vacuum or forceps to assist birth was also reduced. In addition, mother’s labor was an average of 40 minutes shorter. Negative feels about labor and delivery were reduced. The study also noted that when the individual providing the continuous support was neither part of the hospital or one…
Childbirth is one of those times in your life that you can feel the most prepared and the most unprepared all at the same time. If you are anything like me, leading up to labor and delivery you switch back and forth between the two, feverishly writing and checking off lists. Still, no matter how prepared you are there can be a few surprises that come up when the time actually comes to bring your new baby into…
The term doula comes from an ancient Greek term meaning “a woman who serves”. Women have been supporting other women in labor and during postpartum for centuries. Ok, that is nice, but what is a doula? Doulas are like having your own private cheerleader, best friend, wedding planner, and maid of honor for your birth. With Mid Kansas Doula Services, your doula team will spend valuable time with you before the birth helping you plan and prepare. Only you know how you…
You’ve been there. Your friend posts a picture of her cutie pie in the…
