new life

well that title has a triple entendre.
tonight at 8:07pm: spring begins!
also, obviously, i'm off to Portland soon for my own new life.
but especially at the moment, babies! not mine, not yet. i just got back from my DONA doula workshop. i completed an important step in the certification process toward being a birth doula.

a birth doula helps a woman (and her partner!) through labor and delivery [emotionally, physically, and informationally] by being there for her completely and applying extensive knowledge of birth and natural methods of pain management. a birth doula acts as an advocate for the mother by helping her find her own strength, not by speaking for her. Studies have shown that the presence of a doula reduces the rates of interventions such as cesarean (by 50%), pitocin (by 40%), forceps delivery (by 40%). Use of a doula also reduces the length of labor (by 25%) and increases the number of women reporting higher satisfaction with their births and more confidence in themselves as mothers.
every mother deserves a doula!!!

i can't wait to finish the rest of my certification and get started on helping women birth happier.