I always had a belief in natural birth, but became even more passionate about birth after enduring my own [seemingly] unnecessary cesarean section in December 2008. Everyone’s experience is different, but my cesarean section changed me in profound ways. I became a complete birth junkie and activist in the months following the birth of my son culminating in my desire to become a doula and, hopefully one day, midwife. I obtained my doula certification from Aviva Institute in November 2009. In addition to this, I also have a Bachelor’s of Science in Cytotechnology from the UAB School of Health Professions. A major focus of cytotechnology is women’s gynecological health. I was also accepted to the UAB Surgical Physician’s Assistant master’s degree program in 2008- with the goal of focusing in OBGYN- but took a one year medical deferment to have my son, Davy. After Davy’s birth I realized that my passion for women’s health would be best realized as a doula and midwife rather than assisting with cesarean sections. I am certified through The American Red Cross as a “professional rescuer” in adult and infant CPR.
My philosophy regarding birth is that the vast majority of women are fully equipped to give birth naturally, vaginally, and joyfully if they are in a supportive environment and are encouraged to listen to their bodies. My goal as a doula is to help remind women that birth is a normal process and to facilitate her own labor coping instincts as well as helping partners be involved in whatever means with which the laboring couple is comfortable. I can be as involved as the couple wants- recommending position changes and relaxation techniques often (and employing the “take charge routine” if needed!) or fading into the background (or the hallway) when the couple needs a private moment. I can be an advocate and ambassador to the clinical team, as well. Ultimately, though, the laboring mother should remember the birth of her child as a day in which she was able to make empowered, informed decisions as a woman- whether she has a completely unmedicated vaginal birth, a medicated vaginal birth, or a cesarean section. The couple should remember the day as being joyful, not stressful. For more information about the value of having a doula at your birth, I recommend reading The Doula Book by Klaus, Kennel, and Klaus as well as The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin (great for moms and partners alike!).
My philosophy regarding c-sections is that of the International Cesarean Awareness Network. Cesarean section can be a life-saving procedure for both mother and baby in the correct circumstances. However, with an overall c-section rate of over 30% in the United States when the World Health Organization recommends a rate of no more than 10-15% I certainly feel that many c-sections are performed for no good reason other than convenience, impatience, or fear of litigation. Cesarean surgery is just that- surgery. MAJOR ABDOMINAL surgery. There are marked risks for both mothers and babies and the risks increase with every c-section that is performed. If you are considering an elective c-section, I urge you to research the risks of cesareans versus the risks of vaginal birth. Think about the reasons you are choosing to have surgery. If you have a fear of vaginal birth, talk to a counselor, a doula or a friend that has given birth naturally. There may be ways to work past your fears or reservations. Good luck!
