How is summer almost over? It is like it went by as a speeding train!
I did get to see most of my precious family including my three grandchildren who live out of state. That was the most precious thing of all.
The work that we do for new families is so helpful in getting them off to the best possible start. I hope you are very proud of your part in helping families learn about the process and possibilities, supporting them in their birth and/or walking beside them when bringing the new little one home. It may be only a short time that you are involved, but it makes a great difference.
On my recent travels, I had a chance to meet up with 5 doulas and childbirth educators for dinner one night. It was such a pleasure to see what is happening in various locations. This group of birth workers were so passionate about working to become certified. Jacki Abbott is mentoring them. Another of their friends ended up showing up and surprising us and there were hugs all around. This wonderful doula and childbirth educator was a bit late because she had just finished supporting a mom during a birth! She intended to go back to see her in the mother/baby unit after our meet-up. That is commitment!
My grandson was having a hard morning and as a grandma-mommy and doula, I was thinking about what he needed to “change up the room”. When I brought out his favorite books, he didn’t settle down immediately, but I calmly kept reading and shortly after, he came over to see the book and when we finished, his temperament had changed. Sometimes as birth workers, we have to “read the room” and think about ways we can help make a difference. It might be specific things your students need in a classroom, or changing the way moms feel about asserting their power in asking questions or asking people to leave the room. At home, we can also make sure the parents are in charge, and we can be a buffer between them and the world outside while meeting their needs in their new little nest. The little things you do make a big impact. Are you coming to the Circle of Care Conference this year? I’m so excited to be there with so many of you in San Antonio, from October 18th to 20th. The early-bird pricing lasts for about another month, be sure to register soon! We are having a pre-conference session with the Immediate Past President, Elizabeth Kirtz, “More than Boobs: An Infant Feeding Workshop for the Perinatal Professional”. It is only $50 more and taking a class from Liz is always great, you are in for a really fun time!
Hope to see you soon!
Warmly,
Debbie
