Birthing Center vs the Hospital

When it comes to developing a birth plan, one of the most important details is location. Whether you're considering a home birth, water birth, or the more common, labor and delivery room, there are several very important factors that you'll want to consider when deciding which is the best option for you.

To meet the demand for a more natural birth experience, hospitals here in Michigan and across the nation have begun to incorporate more holistic techniques that include allowing the mother to labor in a pool, tub, or Jacuzzi - which a client of mine absolutely loved - and the use of birth & peanut balls to help maintain a more comfortable position during labor. All hospitals and birthing centers have their own set of qualifications when it comes to determining eligibility for a 100% natural birth. Please don't get hung up on the word "eligibility". 

We'll go over the basics here, providing you with enough information to begin discussing your options with your spouse/partner and your Mid-wife or OB-Gyn. I also feel as though it's important to know ahead of time, the established protocol for where you've chosen to give birth. How to find that information is also included in this post. 

As previously mentioned, many women today are opting for a more natural experience. And although we doulas love the natural method, not all women fit the criteria for an all natural birth. For example, mothers who have been diagnosed with a high risk pregnancy are generally under close observation during the majority of their pregnancy. While in labor, high risk moms are often attached to a fetal monitor to ensure swift intervention if needed. No need to worry, this is simply a preventative measure. Being placed on a fetal monitor does not necessarily indicate that there is a problem. In my experience, I've noticed that most moms would rather be able to move about freely and being connected to a fetal monitor tends to be inhibiting in that regard. When it comes to most hospitals here in Michigan, a high risk pregnancy removes the option of utilizing the birthing center, due to the medical provider needing quick access to any equipment needed to ensure a safe birth, in case of an emergency.

But aside from all of that, the primary difference between the two in my book is simply the environment. In a hospital setting, there tends to be a lot of visual distractions that seem to takeaway from the experience. The constant beeping of equipment and the inability to get a nice stretch of rest due to the frequency of rounds made by the nursing staff (we understand that they're just doing their job) makes it hard for moms to get in the relaxed mindset that is needed while approaching active labor. Birthing centers are designed to create an atmosphere that allows the mom to feel safe and relaxed which makes a huge difference when it comes to making progress naturally. I've seen situations where progress was stalled, simply due to mom not being able to relax, that is until guests were directed to the waiting area. Birthing centers operate in such a way that allows the mother to feel empowered and in charge. Autonomy also plays a huge role in whether or not a woman is satisfied with her birthing experience. Being surrounded with medical staff who tend to be more focused on "procedure" rather than the mother having a positively memorable experience puts a huge damper on an event that is supposed to feel special and even sacred, although we understand that they are just doing their job. 

Now there are some instances where a hospital birth is preferred. Many new parents want the sense of security that a hospital setting offers. These parents actually don't mind consistent fetal monitoring simply because hearing their baby's heartbeat reassures them that their baby is healthy and safe. It also serves as a comfort measure for families who've previously suffered a loss. It's amazing how that little squishy sound immediately puts a smile on the mom's face. It should also be noted that simply because a birth is taking place in a hospital setting doesn't mean the mother can't have a natural birth experience. Natural births are performed in hospital settings every day! At the end of the day it's all about what's most important to the family along with which setting meets the family's preferences. 

Below are some links that should be helpful while doing your research:

William Beaumont Hospital's, Karmanos Center for Natural Birth - Royal Oak, MI        

Safe Labor Expectations by William Beaumont Hospital

Hutzel Women's Hospital, Detroit, MI

Special Care for High Risk Pregnancies, Henry Ford Health System

Henry Ford Hospital, Birthing Centers, Metro Detroit

U-M Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI

I hope you find this bit of information useful in your search for the perfect place to welcome your baby. Know that you have my support where ever you chose to welcome your baby into the world! 

Celebrating World Doula Week - Doulas Make it HAPPEN!

Spring is here! (Yaaaay!) Every year around this time we celebrate Doulas around the world who've dedicated their time and lots of energy toward supporting women as they transition into the many different phases of motherhood. It's the perfect time of year to celebrate a doula's role in the miracle of birth because it's the time of year when nature awakens from her winter rest and begins to blossom.

Quick side-bar: As I write this, I'm reminded of just how much women are like the beautiful Mother-of-Nature (see what I did right there GOT fans?). You all know this story, but lets take a moment to really acknowledge this beautiful journey. A seed is planted and during the months of winter, while buried in the dark soil, directly connected to the minerals and nutrients of the earth, it begins to grow. Roots take their place and begin to strengthen and lengthen, ensuring that the seed starts life grounded, super important. From the seed, the life continues to grow, and at it's own pace non-the-less, no one is rushing this process. When the time is right, from the earth the seed emerges as it's evolved self and blossoms. Its a great analogy to use when the kiddos ask the infamous "where do babies come from?", especially if they aren't quite ready for the 'birds and bees' talk. But this is what spring is about, new beginnings, giving birth to something new, new and renewed LIFE!

What I'm celebrating during World Doula Week is the honor of being present during one of Nature's greatest miracles. I am celebrating all the little munchkins who are growing at their own pace, and waiting for their time to blossom. I am celebrating all of my fellow Doulas around the world who support women in labor, whether in a birthing center, at the family's home, or in triage - because lets face it, when it's time, it's time!

Doula's understand and respect the process that has been set before us. We use our loving hands and soothing voice to comfort and encourage the mother, while reminding her of just how special this moment is. We stand by her and hold space for her, so that she knows that she's not alone. Doulas are there during the pleasant moments, and the moments we'd rather not have to talk about, we're there through it all. 

So cheers to the Doulas everywhere! Stay encouraged and keep up the great work! And to the new moms and soon to be moms, know that I am cheering for you wherever you are! If you have any questions you'd like to ask me, you may contact me at anytime. I love meeting up for smoothies and baby talk. And feel free to give a shout out to the Doula in your life under the comments! 

If you'd like more information about World Doula Week and where this all got started, visit www.worlddoulaweek.com.

P.S. May is International Doula Month! The celebration continues!  

"What's a Doula?"

Doula services are becoming more popular while increasing in demand. "What's a Doula?" is a question that I love to answer because it grants me the opportunity to shed light on any misconceptions regarding doula-hood, our scope of practice - pretty much meaning what we do and what we don't do, as well as share the value of having a doula present throughout their birth experience. Today's blog is intended to summarize all of these points, and to give you enough information so that you can to decide whether or not having a doula is the right option for you. 

Let's start with a brief explanation of a Doula's scope of practice. Our goal is provide support to the mother (and her spouse/partner) through-out labor and birth. As far as maternity care, there are Birth Doulas, and there are Postpartum Doulas, who's primary focus is to give support the mother after the birth of their baby. We'll talk a bit more about the role of a Postpartum Doula in just a moment. 

In short, Birth Doulas are hired by the family to provide emotional and physical support during the birthing process. Doulas work cohesively with the medical care provider in efforts to support the natural process and reduce the probability of undesired intervention. Doulas generally advocate for a natural birth but will support the mother in whichever method she chooses. Doulas share the responsibility of implementing the birth plan as closely as possible, as well as communicating the mother's wishes to medical staff and family members. We use what we've learned in our training as well as hands on experience to educate the mother and her partner on how we all can work together to have a positive experience. 

I'd also like to take a quick moment to share that no two Doulas are totally the same. This is why the interview/consultation service is so important. You'll want to make sure you and your Doula are a great match. With that being said, generally, your Doula is expected to be present prior to active labor and through out your baby's birth. During this time the Doula will be using various techniques that will help the mother cope with the sensations & surges that are normally experienced at that time. Doulas are trained to recognize all stages of labor, and to know when it's time to head to the hospital/birthing center, unless provisions were made for a home birth.

Most Doulas who will labor with the mother at the family's home prior to transitioning, along with being present during the birth. Other Doulas will meet the mother at the hospital and begin support at that time, along with being present during the actual birth. Your Doula's role is normally established during the interview/consultation. This is also a good determining factor as to whether or not that particular Doula is a good match for you. I'll be addressing more about how to chose your Doula in another blog that will be published soon. In the meantime, most Doulas will provide you with a contract, detailing the services that will be provided. 

Postpartum Doulas; also considered to be the greatest blessing/gift a new mom could receive, provide services that support mothers post-birth. Remember that services do vary among Doulas. However, you can expect to 1. get some sleep, and 2. Have a loving, caring woman who understands the importance of balancing self-care and bonding time with baby.

Postpartum Doula services range from helping with breast-feeding, to providing assistance with light house work. Some Postpartum Doulas offer special services, such as meal prepping and placenta-encapsulation. Postpartum Doulas are trained to sooth crying babies (and mommies), tend to multiples - twins and beyond, and have all of the skills required to step in during those moments of uncertainty.

Again, I highly encourage patiently going through the interview process to ensure that you hire the Doula that fits your needs. I truly believe that there is a Doula for every mother and that every mother deserves a doula, even the independent mother who's determine to catch her own baby (smile). If you have any questions related to this post or about services that I offer, I'd love to treat you to a delicious smoothie and have a light-hearted chat. To all of the new moms reading this, know that you have my support and I'm cheering for you wherever you are!