Doula in the Greek means, woman who serves. In today's society it means a woman who is trained to assist another woman during childbirth, and may provide support to the family after the baby is born. Hi, my name is Christina McKone and I am a Doula. I have been passionate about birth since the birth of my own children and believe in the importance and need for women to feel safe,supported and love
d throughout childbirth. I have been helping mothers on and off for the last few years, but just recently began my certification through DONA international. Here are some things you can expect when you hire me as your doula:
Typically when I meet with the mother for the first time, we talk about how she is feeling, her family life, her past birthing experiences, any fears or concerns she may have, her due date, where she is delivering and if she would like a birth plan.( I will then give her print ups of birth plans if she is interested). It is a lot of me listening to her and learning what she needs from me. I offer advice when asked, but I am mostly trying to get to know the mother. After the first meeting, if we both feel we are a good match, I will schedule a second prenatal visit around 37-38 weeks and give the mother my contact information. I am available for any questions or concerns she might be having. Though I am a non medical support person, I am well versed in the pains of pregnancy and am usually able to explain what is happening in the body. The second prenatal visit is usually at the mothers home. I will bring my birthing bag and we will go through the different comfort measures I offer. We will practice different relaxation techniques together, and then go over the birth plan and wishes. We will discuss who will be at the birth, and then come up with a plan to make sure everyone knows what your wishes are. I answer any questions mom and partner may have and discuss what my role will be at the birth. I believe a good doula never takes the place of the partner, but teaches the partner how to best support the mother and then supports them both. When labor begins I ask the mother to call me to give me a heads up. I usually encourage mom and partner to labor together through the beginning stages of early labor, but will go and be with mom sooner if she needs additional support. When active labor begins I will either meet mom at her home or the hospital. Once there, I will begin working with mom (and partner) assessing what their needs are. I bring my doula bag and the birth plan with me to make sure the medical staff are aware of what your birth plan is. Once I'm there, I do everything possible not to leave the mother until her baby is in her arms and she is recovering. Labor is exciting, hard and sometimes scary. A Doula is there to "hold the space" for you, to help advocate for your wishes, to be the calm and reassuring voice and the firm encourager when needed. I am there to serve and support you through one of the biggest events of your life! After you are home, we will schedule one postpartum visit. We usually discuss the birth and go over any concerns you may be having. I leverage my network and connect you to any resources you may be needing, and answer any questions you or your partner may have. Childbirth should be one of your greatest achievements in life, not one of your greatest fears. It is my job to inspire and empower you to believe in yourself! "There is a secret in our culture, and it's not that birth is painful. It's that women are strong." ~Laura Stavoe Harm
