I've given birth twice. Once my water broke at home and my labor lasted just four hours. The second time I was induced but didn't need pitocin. I've never had an epidural, mainly because I'm terrified of needles. This is a snapshot of Dana's birth stories.
Every mom has her own birth plan and resulting birth story ... just about the only commonalities are the pain and the joy.
If I have the chance to give birth again, I would want my story to include a doula. In fact, I think I've found the doula I would want to join me on my next journey to motherhood.
Barrie Rein Thunneman is the local mom behind Full Moon Birth, and her mission is "to offer you the highest quality, holistically based, childbirth classes and doula care for the Seattle area, Eastside and surroundings. My approach is based in the Birthing From Within philosophy which emphasizes experiential and hands on learning, self discovery and expression, and validating parents individual wisdom, needs and differences."
From what I know of Barrie, she focuses on building confidence and empowering you for the birth of your child. Her approach can be used in any birth location (from home to hospital) and with any type of pregnancy. She also shares this on her website: "Current research has shown that the presence of a calm and knowledgeable doula at birth tends to decrease the need for interventions and pain medication. It also tends to reduce the incidence of Cesarean birth."
I asked Barrie, who has attended many births as a doula and has birthed two of her own babies - to share the three things she knows about giving birth, and this is what she said:
- The childbearing year is one of the most powerful and transformative times in the lives of parents. Parents can discover new strengths, new wisdom and a greater knowledge of themselves from the journey of pregnancy, labor and birth and the joys of our newborn children.
- Pain is an inevitable part of childbirth, yet much can be done to ease suffering. Pain-coping practices work best when integrated into daily life, rather than "dusted off" for labor.
- I trust birth and I trust you as a birthing woman and her partner to navigate your own way through this incredible experience in your lives.
CLICK HERE to find out more about Barrie Rein Thunneman, the mom behind Full Moon Birth.
CLICK HERE to register for a Birthing From Within class.
