Creating A Birth Plan

One of the most exciting parts of preparing for your baby to arrive is crafting your birth plan checklist. Putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, is an excellent way to clarify your hopes and preferences for your birthing experience. 

Creating your birthing plan gives you the opportunity to deep dive into how you envision the hours surrounding your baby’s arrival. It is personal and unique to you. And it tells your birth team precisely what is important to you during this time.

If you are seeking expert support for your pregnancy, birth experience, and postpartum needs, reach out to Sweet Beginning Doula.  I am here to serve you in whatever capacity you need. With a wide range of options, I provide the support you deserve.

What Is a Birth Plan?

The idea of a “plan” of any kind for birth may seem odd to a lot of people. After all, how do you plan for something that, by its very nature, is unpredictable? 

In past generations, there certainly wasn’t much planning surrounding a birth. It happened whenever it happened and, often, wherever it happened. But even without formal plans in place, previous ages still had habits to help the birthing parent and baby.

Today, however, birth plans are standard for many expectant parents, and for good reason. Having a checklist or another form on hand when you have your baby helps ensure that your team knows your wishes.

Your plan gives everyone on the birth team common ground and a clear understanding of your ideal birth experience. If you are working with a doula, they can help you decide what you want to include in your document. 

Typically, a birth plan checklist covers the following topics and timeframes:

• Before Active Labor

• Active Labor and Delivery

• Postpartum and Newborn Care

Before digging deeper into these areas, let’s consider why you might want a plan in place.

How Does a Birth Plan Help?

Many parents wonder how necessary a birth plan is. They assume they can make their wishes known when they arrive at the hospital or birthing center. Or perhaps they just want to let things unfold without specific expectations. 

Yes, you can absolutely do that. Both of those options can work.

However, when labor begins, the birthing parent may be too uncomfortable or exhausted to make decisions and advocate for themselves. They may not even be able to think calmly about what they do or do not want. After all, their body is preparing for something mighty that is about to happen.

And some parents have found that without a birth plan in place, they don’t feel that the medical staff listens to them as well. And in the heat of the moment, it can be hard to speak up for yourself. 

Without at least a basic plan in hand, you may find that your birth experience feels out of your control. And if you have a doula by your side, she can be sure the staff has a copy of your plan. She will speak up for you when you cannot, she will advocate and protect your birth space.

What Should I Include in My Birth Plan Checklist?

There is no right or wrong way to have a baby. So your plan is unique to you and your desires. You may get a lot of unwanted opinions from your family, friends, and medical team. But ultimately, this is your birth experience, not theirs.

Here are some things to consider in each piece of your plan.

Before Active Labor

• Who do you want in the room with you? Your partner? Your newborn photographer? Your doula? If you do not wish to have any visitors during this time, be sure to include that information. The staff and your doula will protect those parameters. You have no obligation to allow family and friends into the room.

• If you want visitors, do you wish to allow them to take photos or videos? Again, you have every right to say, “no.”

• Do you want to bring special items from home? Some birthing parents like to bring their own lighting, a diffuser for oils, or some calming music.

• Would you like to be able to soak in a tub?

• Would you like any equipment in the room, such as an exercise ball?

During Active Labor and Delivery

• Who do you want in the room? This may be the time that your doula and medical team escort others out of the delivery room.

• Are you planning for a vaginal or cesarean delivery? Be sure you have also had this conversation with your medical team ahead of time. You need to know the plan if a problem were to arise.

• Do you want to be able to move around during this stage?

• Do you want to Eat & Drink?

• Are you ok with using pain medications?

• Do you want to be on Monitors?

• Do you want an Epidural?

• Do you want IV medications, such as IV Fluids?

• Do you want to try alternative pain management options?

• Will you want your practitioner to break your waters?

• Do you want your provider to induce labor with Pitocin?

• Do you want to avoid an episiotomy?

• Will you want to allow the use of forceps or suction to assist with delivery?

Postpartum and Newborn Care

• Does your partner want to catch the baby?

• Do you want immediate skin-to-skin contact?

• When will cord-cutting happen?

• Will your partner cut the cord?

• Are you banking the cord blood?

• Are there requests around the placenta?

• Do you want all baby procedures to be on you (skin to skin)?

• How Soon afterbirth will the baby receive vaccinations?

• Do you want the newborn to be removed from the room at anytime?

• Do you have a plan for breastfeeding? Be sure to find out if there is a support specialist on hand for that.

• When do you want visitors in the room?

• How soon after do you want to bathe the baby?

Remember That Things Can Change

Birth plans can offer tremendous support during this exciting time. But it’s essential to keep in mind that things can change quickly.

The most common changes to a plan come from the birthing parent. You may suddenly realize you don’t want family members in the room, contrary to your plan. You may decide to labor longer without medication than you anticipated. Or you may choose to take it at the first offer. This is all ok.

Some changes to the birth plan will come from your birth team. The staff will do their best to honor your wishes. But they may have to switch gears rapidly if difficulties come up during labor or delivery. Make sure you have discussed these possibilities with your providers before you go into labor. Make sure you are educated with the possible interventions that may occur in the event of an emergency.

Your Birth Team is your Anchor to help you go through each stage of labor.

Honored to Be on Your Team

At Sweet Beginning Doula , it is a privilege to support expectant parents as they meet their baby for the first time. With services before, during, and after delivery, I will help you feel empowered and prepared. Reach out today and  see how I can serve you.

A Guide to Hiring Your Doula

If you have found this post, then there is a good chance you are already in the process of looking for your Doula. Yay! This is such an exciting time!

Read on to learn what we consider the fundamentals to finding and hiring the right doula for you.

 When to Start

First of all, you may be wondering when you should even start. Well, we say it is never too early! Many doulas book out far in advance. Plus, the sooner you have your doula, the more time you have to build your relationship with them and the more time you have to reach out to them when guidance is needed.

Many people often think of birth doulas just being for birth. But our support starts at the moment you hire us. There can be many things that come up throughout your pregnancy where having a doula can be instrumental. Doulas provide resources, referrals, will have lots of suggestions and holistic remedies, and can help you navigate anything that comes up along the way. And even if everything goes smooth and is uneventful throughout your pregnancy, having your doula early on means you wont have the stress of finding one last minute.

Also, starting the process early on gives you the time you need to work through the early steps in this guide.

Your Birth Vision

We encourage you to be thoughtful about the process of hiring your doula. It is important to be clear on your vision for your birthing experience and what you expect and want from your doula/doula team. This doesn’t mean you have your plan in place and have all the details set, but it does mean you have clarity around your values and needs and are then able to look for a doula who fits in with those values.

Ask yourself:

How do I see myself giving birth?

How do I envision my doula supporting me?

Being clear on what you are looking for and what your expectations are, will help you narrow down your search with more discernment.

 Your Preferences

Keep in mind that much of your birth experience is tied to those who are present during your birth; how you are made to feel by those around you. We encourage you to take the time to pause and think about the type of “energy” you want around you during your birthing time.

Although many doulas offer similar packages, we are not all the same. Consider your preferences around personality, approach, communication style, and philosophy. What is their professional background, do they specialize in any areas that would be beneficial to you? Do they have the amount of experience that aligns with your priorities?

 Start Researching & Get Referrals

Now that you are clear on what you are looking for, you can begin to research local doulas. Depending on where you live, there could be only a few doulas, or an overwhelming list to search through. Here in San Diego, we are blessed to have a vibrant doula community, and although at first glance it can seem daunting, it means there IS the right doula/doula team for you! Here are some places to begin your search:

Word of Mouth - Friends, forums, message boards and online groups are all great places to start. You can even post on your own social media that you are looking for a great doula. When asking for referrals, be sure to also ask about the person’s specific experience with their doula. Get curious about how and why that doula was right for them.

Provider Recommendation - Many local holistic practitioners have a list of doulas their clients have used. Acupuncturists, chiropractors, childbirth educators, midwives, and massage therapists are all great places to start.

Search Online - Search the term "doula near me" or "doula in (your city)".

Read Reviews - Google reviews are great places where you can learn more about other people’s experience with the doulas in your area. Check out their Instagram page, how they communicate to the Community

Begin to Narrow it Down

Once you have some doulas/doula teams in mind, scour through any materials you can find by them. Read through their website and check out their social media accounts.

Here are some questions to help you get a sense if a doula may be a good fit for you:

Do the services they offer align with what you are looking for?

Is there anything unique to their services that stands out?

What are the fees for their care and what is/is not included with that fee?

What is their experience level? How long have they been practicing and how long have they served your area?

Is there a distinctive “voice” you are hearing in their writings and posts that feels good to you, or doesn’t?

Do you resonate with the words they use to describe their philosophy?

Are there any red flags that come up for you?

Are the steps for reaching out to connect with them clear and easy to follow?

There isn’t necessarily a right and wrong here, but rather it is more about how the answers to these questions stack up against your vision and preferences.

 Schedule Consults

Most doulas (but not all) call these meetings “consults”. They are really less of an interview, in that the doula/doula team is ALSO wanting to get to know you and make sure they too feel that you would be a good fit. Doula support is incredibly personalized and intimate, and a seasoned doula will understand that the heart of doula support lies in RELATIONSHIP and so they will also want to ask you questions.

Here are some of the questions that we ask parents during our consults:

·      What are you envisioning for your pregnancy and birth experience?

·      How do you envision your doula team supporting you?

·      Is there a role you have in mind that you want your doula team to take on?

·      Are there any things about you or your care that are important for us to be aware of?

·      What are some ways you are already preparing for this transformative experience?

It is important when setting up these consults to make sure that if you are partnered, that your partner is able to attend the meeting, as well. A wise doula will understand and see you as a parental team and want to make sure you are all able to connect before moving forward.

We also always recommend you interview several doulas/doula teams when searching for a doula. If you only interview one, you may miss out on finding the doula who would have been a better fit for you. If you interview too many, you may start to lose track of who felt like a better fit. Plus, keep in mind that the more experienced doulas may get booked out by the time you finish your interviewing process if it takes too long so try to keep it to a couple of weeks, max.

The most important thing you want pay attention to during each consult is how you feel during the conversation. How does your body feel? Are you relaxed? At ease? Excited? Or is your stomach tight? Do you feel heavy? This is your intuition speaking to you and you want to pay attention to it. Any pink flags that comes up during the conversation that go beyond basic miscommunication, should be trusted.

We recommend reading our post on Interview Questions, but in the meantime, here are some things to consider beyond their answers to your questions.

·      How was their communication when setting up the consultation?

     Were they timely in their responses? Were they attentive to your questions?

·      Are they welcoming and warm but still professional?

       Or does it feel like it’s all business and more transactional?

·      Do you feel held and safe when sharing with them?

·      Were you heard, respected, valued?

·      Are they easy to talk to?

·      Are they warm and friendly?

·      How does your partner feel about the interaction? Were they encouraged to ask questions, too?

 A Note on Price

Financial limitation is of course a very real factor. But one thing we have heard many times over the years, is that at the end of the day, picking the doula/doula team who is the best fit for you MENTALLY and EMOTIONALLY can be priceless. And know that most doulas are open to discussing payment plans and will do what they can to accommodate your financial needs. 

Hiring Your Doula/Doula Team

Trust your intuition here. If so far on your doula search, you haven’t found the right fit, then keep looking. If you found someone you love but who maybe doesn’t have the same amount of experience as someone else, ask yourself if that really is the most important thing to you.

Doula support is about relationship. So think about those relationships you really value in your life. What makes them stand out? Usually they are people who care, people want to learn about your hopes, dreams, and fears. People with whom you can say whatever you need to.

You know you have found your doula when you feel loved, valued and respected.

Warm Wishes on Your Journey

Isabel Cuevas|Doula

What is a Postpartum Doula?

Here’s What You Should know before Hiring One….

Stepping into the role of parenthood is an exciting and transformational time, but it can undoubtedly come with uncertainty and exhaustion, especially during the postpartum period.

Thankfully, some professionals specialize in providing new parents with unmatched support during this time, known as postpartum doulas.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about postpartum doulas, such as what they can help with, if and when necessary, and what to look for when trying to find the right doula.

What is a postpartum doula?

A postpartum doula is a trained professional who can provide emotional, physical, and informational support to new parents and the rest of the family during the postpartum period.

The postpartum phase can last up to a year after giving birth, and it can be challenging as parents navigate the many changes that come with having a new baby. 

A postpartum doula will typically be with a family within the first three months after your baby arrives and is there to offer a compassionate presence that helps parents adjust to their new roles, support with parent-baby bonding and soothing, provide guidance on breastfeeding and newborn care, and offer practical support such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, and even caring for older children.

A postpartum doula is a nurturing and supportive ally committed to helping parents and families feel more confident when so much change occurs.

What does a postpartum doula do?

A postpartum doula can help parents in several ways during the weeks and months following childbirth. Their primary role is to provide emotional, physical, and informational support to aid families in adapting to their new roles and the responsibilities that come with them.

Doula roles might include assistance with:

• Feeding

• Soothing

• Diapering

• Bathing

• Guiding infant sleep

• Sibling support

• Help with mother-baby bonding

• Household assistance like meal preparation and light housekeeping

If there are older children, a new baby changes the whole family’s dynamic, which is why having postpartum care in this way can be so helpful. 

Postpartum doulas also prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of the parent who gave birth, offering a listening ear and guidance free from judgment during this vulnerable time.

Their ultimate goal is to help families thrive during the postpartum period by providing a compassionate and nurturing environment where everyone can thrive. 

Is a Postpartum Doula Necessary?

Hiring a postpartum doula depends on each family’s needs and circumstances. Many new parents find the services that doulas provide to be incredibly beneficial.

The postpartum period can be challenging for some, especially for parents who are navigating new responsibilities and adjusting to life with a newborn for the first time.

Postpartum doulas can provide vital support and guidance during this time, offering an abundance of knowledge and experience that can ease the transition into parenthood. 

Having a postpartum doula can be incredibly helpful for new parents, especially if they lack a support system, have a complicated birth, or have any medical issues. From providing practical assistance with household tasks to offering emotional support, a postpartum doula can help parents and families feel more confident, relaxed, and empowered during this time.

While a postpartum doula may not be necessary for everyone, their presence can positively impact families seeking extra support and care during the initial weeks following childbirth. 

Ultimately, a postpartum doula can be an invaluable resource for any family during the postpartum period, as they help ensure a smoother transition into parenthood and a more enjoyable experience overall.

What to look for In a Postpartum Doula and Where to Find One

When searching for the right postpartum doula for your family, it’s essential to find someone who is experienced, that you feel comfortable around, and shares similar values with you.

You’ll also want to opt for a doula who is compassionate and highly knowledgeable when it comes to working with new families during the postpartum period. Some doulas specialize solely in pregnancy and prenatal care, some only in postpartum care, and some in both forms. 

Look for a doula who has undergone professional training and deeply understands the physical and emotional challenges that many new mothers and families encounter.

When meeting with potential doulas, ask about their availability, fees based on the care you want, and services offered. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for references from other families they’ve worked with.

Luckily, many resources are available to help you find the right postpartum doula for you in your area. You can start by asking your healthcare provider, childbirth educator, or friends and family for recommendations.

When choosing a doula, take the time to consider your options and find someone you feel comfortable with. Remember, a postpartum doula can be an invaluable source of support and guidance during this particular time, so it’s essential to go with someone you feel will best fit your family.

Navigating the Fourth Trimester With a Postpartum Doula

A postpartum doula can be a tremendous asset for new mothers and families as they navigate the joys and potential challenges of the postpartum period.

From providing emotional support and household assistance to offering guidance on infant care and breastfeeding, a doula’s services can allow families to feel more confident and empowered during this transformative time.

By providing compassionate care and personalized attention, postpartum doulas can help families transition into their new roles more easily. 

Regardless if you’re a first-time parent or have experienced childbirth before, a postpartum doula can offer the support, experience, and guidance you need to thrive during the postpartum stage. If you’re considering hiring a postpartum doula, rest assured that you are making a compassionate choice for you and your family.

Benefits of Belly Binding

A Modern Approach to an Ancient Practice

Did you know that two out of three have postpartum abdominal separation, also known as diastasis recti? You usually get this while you’re pregnant. The pressure from baby pushes your abdominal wall outwards and separates the long, vertical muscles. Think about that for a second. Your abs are separated. That’s like a main support beam being knocked out from under you! Sheesh. If you’ve already had a baby, are you certain it healed properly? If you’re currently pregnant, do you have a plan for healing after baby arrives?

What I like most about postpartum belly binding is the ritual. Sure, you can purchase an abdominal wrap from Amazon that is a “one size fits all” kind of thing. But when you receive postpartum belly binding from me, you get a gentle hug for your nervous system; you get a moment to pause, reflect, and focus on self-care.

At your first visit, I assess the severity of your abdominal separation. You will lie down and put your fingers between your vertical muscles above the belly button. Is it one finger? Two fingers? Three… four? Once this is identified, you have a baseline to measure your progress over the next 6 weeks.

I’ll remind you to be mindful of the incredible journey your body has just been through. You will take a moment to acknowledge the strength of your muscles and joints. You will breath in and out and relax. Once you’re up, we begin to belly bind with your natural wrap. If your partner is home, I encourage him to be present so he can observe the wrap and learn how to assist you. The wrapping takes about 5 minutes. Finally, you will enjoy the supportive benefits of the belly bind for the rest of the day.

In a study done by obstetric physical therapy researchers, 30 mommas reported back on the benefits of postpartum belly binding and abdominal exercises. The core support from belly binding has many proven benefits. The mommas in the study started their binding within 2 days of delivery, and they got STRONGER and SKINNIER and HAD LESS PAIN. Please note that this particular study highlights the increased benefit of abdominal exercises. I'll write another post on postpartum physical therapy and movement to heal.

Key Benefits of Postpartum Belly Binding:

• Increase in abdominal strength

• Decrease in abdominal separation

• Decrease in waist circumference

• Supports the spine

• Improves posture

• Stabilizes the body by supporting ligaments and muscles

• Reduces strain on lower back and pelvic joints

• Alleviates back and pelvic pain

• Improves ability to lift

• Assist organs returning to their pre-pregnancy position

It makes perfect sense. When we reduce stress and support the muscles in our core, our body has the ability to heal faster in the delicate postpartum phase. If you think you “missed the boat” and had your baby months or years ago, it’s not too late. Check right now. Lie down flat. Insert a finger between the two vertical muscles right below your belly button. Raise your shoulders off the floor like a partial crunch. Can you fit a finger in there? Can you fit two? If you can, then you have diastasis recti. If you have any abdominal separation, I also suggest getting in touch with a pelvic physical therapist that specializes in postpartum recovery. Get on a plan, momma! You can do this. And you have support. Just reach out.

Get in touch with me if you have any questions or want to get wrapped yourself.

What Is a Doula?

Often, I Get asked…. “What is a doula?” 

A question that I started finding myself answering to.

Many of momma’s to be that know what is A Doula can’t wait  to find “their doula” and hire them to be part of their birth team and forever part of their baby’s birth story.

On the Contrary the momma’s to be that does not know what A doula is are searching high and low for the meaning of a doula , the advantages and disadvantages  of having a doula and if it is really worth the expense.

The word doula is derived from the greek word meaning ‘female slave;’ however, in the context of modern society, doulas include people of widely varying identities; and, while some offer volunteer services, others are paid large fees for their services.

Thus, the semantics of doula have evolved to mean a support person who works with people and families in their reproductive journeys, lending physical and emotional comfort, reassurance, information, and presence, usually through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

In our modern society A doula is a trained professional birth worker with knowledge and experience to guide families through the monumental life changing experience of having a baby.

A doula will give you non-judgmental support, evidence-based information, and be an advocate for you throughout your journey to parenthood.

 I will Cover two types of Doulas in which I very familiar with;

 A Birth Doula and A Postpartum Doula

What is a Birth Doula?

A birth doula will support you from the end of your pregnancy, through labor, and until the baby has arrived. During the third trimester, they will help you prepare for birth by creating a birth plan, plan your hospital bag, and more. They will come to your home once you are in labor to help you labor at home until you are ready to go to the hospital or birth center. Finally, they will join you at the hospital to support you until the baby has arrived!

What is a Postpartum Doula?

 A Postpartum doula will support you during the end of your pregnancy and once the baby is born. During the third trimester, they will help you prepare for postpartum. Once the baby is born they will join you at home and guide you through newborn hood with their knowledge of newborn care, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, baby sleep cycles, help with simple meal prep, light house work, and more. Postpartum doulas can work both during the day or at night.

What are the Benefits of a Doula?

There are so many benefits to hiring a doula! For birth, APA studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin (Pitocin) by 40%, requests for an epidural by 60%, and families are 66% more likely to have an overall greater satisfaction with birth.

For postpartum doulas, studies have shown that families who hire a postpartum doula are more likely to have success breastfeeding and are less likely to struggle with postpartum depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. While much of PPD and PPA are hormonal, some aspects are linked to stress, lack of sleep, and other external pressures. A postpartum doula has the experience to help identify mood disorders, as well as the resources to get the family the help they need.

Why do I need a Doula If I have a Partner?

Having a doula on your birth team in addition to your partner is often helpful for a few reasons. A doula is a trained birth worker who has the experience and knowledge to guide you and your partner through birth and postpartum. It may also be hard you’re your partner or parent to see you in pain and they might have a hard time supporting you the way you need it; a doula will not be phased by the effects of labor the way your partner might. Doulas will have more experience in birth and newborn care than your husband or your parent will. A doula’s only focus is you and your baby; everyone else in the room has other jobs and responsibilities.

What do birth doulas offer?

 Physical Support

Position ideas for comfort and labor progression cross over with hands-on comfort measures like comforting touch, counter pressure, breathing techniques and other “doula magic” for families. A doula’s skilled hands and positioning tools can often help a mispositioned baby find its way through the pelvis and into the birthing parent’s arms.

Emotional Support

Doulas help families to feel supported, easing the emotional experience of birth and also helping to create a space where the hormones of labor can work at their best. Whether a birth is completely unmedicated or medically very complex, every family can benefit from nurturing and connection at this tender, incredible time in their lives.

Partner Support

Whether it’s a romantic partner, a friend or another family member like the baby’s grandma, the birth partner’s experience matters in birth. Doulas are there to support every birth partner in being as involved as they’d like with the birth. Physical and emotional support make a huge difference for everyone involved.

Evidence-Based Information and Advocacy

DONA International doulas are trained to help families connect with evidence-based resources so they can ask great questions and make informed decisions about their births. Our doulas serve as a bridge of communication between their client and their providers, lifting them up to help them find their voices and advocate for the very best care.

All families benefit with a birth doula on their team!