I first want to start off by admitting that I am technologically challenged. I struggle with anything more than the basic computer programs. I am learning a lot as I go along creating a Facebook page, a Linkedin accout and a blog, however there is still so much I need to learn. So please hang with me as I figure this all out.
I decided to create a blog to keep all the birth stories from clients, interesting articles and pretty much any information I find interesting all in one place. I will start by giving you the "who, what, where & why's" of me and this blog...
Who am I?
My name is Brynn Sorensen. I am a wife to an incredibly supportive husband and a mom to 4 pretty cool kids. I have recently become a DONA, International trained doula. I'm in the process of completing the requirements to become a Certified Doula by attending 3 births. If all goes according to plan I will be certified by the end of the year. I have a passion for helping women know that they have choices in childbirth and that knowledge is power. I am excited for what this journey will bring to my life and look forward to assisting in, and witnessing the miracles of birth.
What is a doula?
The word doula in Ancient Greek translates to "a woman caregiver". There are two different kinds of doulas. A birth doula and a postpartum doula. A birth doula assists the woman in preparing and planning for labor and the birth and assisting the mother and her partner during it. A postpartum doula is someone who helps after the birth at the family's home with whatever needs they have.
I am a birth doula. I will meet with couples about two times prior to the birth, assist them during the birth, and meet with them once about a week or two after the birth. My job is solely to care for the mother and make sure her emotional and physical needs are met, along with her partner. I do not replace the partner but work together with them to insure the mother is taken care of.
I will help my clients find the information they need to make informed decisions regarding their birth and help them to create the perfect birth plan for them, whatever that may be. Childbirth can be unpredictable at times and I will be there to help the couple understand the procedures so they can make their own decision on what would be best for them.
Where will I work?
I will support in hospital, birth centers and home births (as long as a midwife will also be in attendance at the home). I will join you when you need me during labor, whether it is at your home or at the place of birth.
Why I became a doula.
As I mentioned above, I have 4 children. With my first pregnancy we signed up for childbirth classes, but dropped out because I didn't think I needed them. I was just going to go to the hospital and get an epidural and the baby would come out. Well, I was wrong. I ended up with an emergency cesarean delivery after laboring and pushing for a total of 17 hours. I decided to educate myself for my next delivery because I wanted a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). I read somewhere that a doula can significantly decrease the risk of cesarean. I didn't even know what a doula was, let alone that one lived just a few yards away from me. My experience with having a doula was supreme and I immediately knew I wanted to become one. She helped me more than words can express and helped make my experience something I never want to forget. I was able to have a successful VBAC completely naturally with no drugs. I didn't even have an IV. It was incredible. As every birth is different, with my third I attempted an unmedicated birth but made a choice that was best for me at the time and got an epidural at 8cm to help me relax so I could get the baby out. Another successful VBAC! I had an epidural with my 4th as well. 3 successful VBACs!!!! And I really feel that I owe much of my success to my husband and doula! They made a great birth team.
Whether you desire to have an unmedicated or medicated birth, a doula can help you just as she helped me. I have never felt as empowered as I did when I had a doula at my births.
I feel that with my own experiences with childbirth, and the education I have received I can be the non-judgmental labor support that every woman needs.
