Howdy! My name is Christine and I am a Doula in the Tulsa area and I am so glad you're here! A little bit about myself, my husband and I moved to here from Colorado in 2021 when we were expecting our son. We have absolutely fallen in love with the Tulsa area and are truly blessed to call it home. The community has been so friendly and we thoroughly enjoy the restaurant scene and all of the kid friendly activities. Personally, I love all things pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood, and enjoy learning new things that can help families in that process. When I'm not a doula meet-ups or taking additional trainings, I love to cook, brew kombucha, and listen to podcasts. Also, I can't forget our furbaby, Andouille, Dewey for short, a long-haired red weenie dog (who my husband been training with to enter him in the Tulsa Oktoberfest Dachshund race, watch out other weenies!).
Though we are grateful to be here in Tulsa, moving while pregnant to a new area where we knew no one was pretty challenging. Additionally, having a newborn with very little community support added a degree of complexity to our postpartum period that neither my husband or I anticipated. That is where doulas came in for our family, and (not to be dramatic, but) it honestly made a lifechanging difference for us. Their kindness, compassion and expertise is what ultimately motivated me to pursing becoming a doula myself and I feel honored to walk along side other families in a similar way.
My hope throughout these blog posts are to provide some education, encouragement and highlight local resources in the community that have impacted our family in big ways. From Lactation Consultants, to local farmers, child birth education classes, to local mom meet ups, my hope is to give a little bit of connection to other families in the midst of the most rewarding and also vulnerable season that many of us (including myself) find ourselves in. But first, we'll starts with the basics!
So, what is a Birth and Postpartum Doula?
I get asked this question all the time so I feel it's important to address. A doula, derived from the Greek word meaning "a woman who serves," is a trained and experienced professional who offers support to expectant parents before, during, and after childbirth. Birth and postpartum doulas, in particular, focus on two pivotal aspects of your parenting journey.
Birth Doula: The birth doula, a steadfast companion during your labor and childbirth, provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support. Their presence is like a reassuring hand to hold during this monumental event in your life.
Postpartum Doula: As you transition into parenthood, the postpartum doula steps in to nurture you through those early days and weeks after your baby's arrival. They offer compassionate care, practical assistance, and emotional support to help you find your footing on this new path.
The Power of Continuous Support: Benefits of a Doula
While doulas do not provide medical care or make medical decisions, they play a vital role in complementing the care provided by healthcare professionals. Their presence offers a reassuring and constant source of support, helping parents feel empowered, informed, and heard during one of the most significant life events
Birth Doula Support
The presence of a birth doula during labor and childbirth can be a game-changer, offering a multitude of benefits. Doulas are skilled at providing emotional support, creating a calming atmosphere, and offering reassurance during moments of uncertainty. Doulas also provide evidence-based information, empowering you to make informed choices about your care and to ensure that your questions are answered and your choices are honored. Research has shown that individuals who have a doula by their side experience a 25% reduction in the risk of cesarean birth. Moreover, labors tend to be shorter with doula support and individuals are less likely to opt for pain medications like an epidural. Those who have the support of a doula often report higher levels of satisfaction with their birth. Doulas offer a calming presence during the intensity of labor, offering guidance, reassurance, and personalized care every step of the way. With a birth doula, you're not just navigating childbirth; you're embracing it with intentionality and a supportive ally by your side.
Postpartum Doula Support
Likewise, the benefits of a postpartum doula are paralleled. The arrival of a new baby is a joyous and life-changing event, but it can also be an overwhelming and challenging time for new parents. This is where the role of a postpartum doula becomes truly invaluable. Postpartum doulas provide a nurturing and supportive presence during those critical early weeks and months, helping parents adjust to the demands of caring for a newborn. They offer practical assistance with newborn care, assist with household tasks, and provide guidance on breastfeeding and infant soothing techniques. Beyond their practical support, postpartum doulas are a source of emotional reassurance and a listening ear during a period of profound change. Personally, my goal as a postpartum doula is to not only ease the transition into parenthood, but help parents feel more confident and capable in their new roles and seen in this transformative season.
I hope this helps clarify some questions as to what a doula is and how they can benefit you and your family. In the upcoming blog posts, I'll share more of my own experiences, local resources, and other practical educational resources to help you on your own journey.
If you have any questions or specific topics you'd like me to cover, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to be your trusted friend as you navigate the world of birth and early parenthood. Until then, thanks for letting me share with you in all things motherhood!
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