Doula & Advocate Support
My primary goal as a Doula & Advocate is to support and empower my clients throughout their journey. I believe that it is essential to advocate for their well-being and choices, as well as to educate and encourage their support system to do the same. Here are some of the ways I approach advocacy:
Empowerment and Education: I aim to provide comprehensive information to my clients about their options during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. This education enables them to make informed decisions that align with their values and preferences. I believe that informed choices lead to a more positive and satisfying birth experience.
Active Listening and Emotional Support: I make an effort to actively listen to my clients' concerns, fears, and desires without judgment. Creating a safe and non-judgmental space allows them to express their emotions freely. By validating their feelings, I can better understand their needs and be more effective in advocating for them.
Collaborative Decision-Making: I encourage collaborative decision-making, ensuring that my clients actively participate in conversations about their care. I believe that they should be included in discussions with healthcare providers, and I am there to support them in communicating their wishes and concerns effectively.
Mediating Communication: If needed, I can help facilitate communication between my clients and their healthcare team. By acting as a bridge, I ensure that information is shared clearly and that my clients' voices are heard and respected.
Protecting Boundaries: As a doula, I'm committed to respecting my clients' boundaries and ensuring that others do the same. I work to establish and maintain healthy boundaries throughout the entire process to safeguard my clients' physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being.
Addressing Past Trauma: I understand that pregnancy and childbirth can trigger past trauma for some individuals. I approach these situations with sensitivity, offering additional support and resources to help my clients navigate these challenges.
Advocacy in Postpartum Period: My advocacy doesn't end with childbirth. In the postpartum period, I continue to support my clients in making decisions that promote their well-being, whether it's related to feeding choices, boundary concerns, sleep support, mental health, or adjusting to parenthood.
Overall, my role as a doula is to be a consistent and reliable source of support and advocacy for my clients. By promoting self-advocacy and standing beside them during important discussions, I aim to empower them to have a positive and transformative birth and postpartum experience.