As you all should know by reading my profile is that I have been in search of my purpose, my way of doing something that matters and makes a difference in someone's life. And all of you that personally know me know that I am what you may call a hustler....not a con artist but one that will work her butt off doing two or more jobs at a time. If you've ever heard the saying, "jack of all trades, master of none".....that would probably be me. I can do a little of everything but not yet an expert of any one thing. For example, I can sew but I am far from a seamstress, I can cook but could never call myself a chef, I can take great pictures but I'm no photographer. I can go on and on but I'm sure you get the point. So along with children's event planning I am now one of Richmond's newest birth doulas! For those of you who do not know what a doula is I will give you a brief description. A birth doula is someone who provides labor and birth support and ensures a safe and satisfying birth experience either in a birth center, at home or at a hospital for the family. A doula also provides emotional support, physical comfort as well as assist in communicating with the medical staff to make sure that you have the information needed to make informed decisions. Studies show that the use of a doula reduces the cesarean rate by 45%, reduces length of labor by 25%, reduces use of pitocin by 50%, reduces use of pain medication by 31%, reduces the need for forceps by 34% and reduces the request for epidurals by 10-60%. Also, several studies show that doula care has multiple long term benefits. Again, this is just a brief, straight to the point description of what a doula is and does and I am so proud and excited to be a part of it all. My doula website, www.smallwondersdoula.com will be up and running shortly so make sure you check it out.
