Pregnancy. The time when suddenly everyone is a pregnancy or parenting expert. People you encounter on a daily basis love to share their horror stories or give you their unsolicited advice. Maybe you love the attention. Maybe you hate it.

 

With all the stories people share, blogs and books that are available, scholarly journals and Pinterest articles, handouts from medical providers, even a quick search of google, we are surrounded by information. But how does one decide what is best from them during their pregnancy and upcoming birth? What is the best way to prepare for a baby and care for the baby once they are born?

 

Maybe you want to do things the same way your parents did; maybe you want to follow your care provider’s instructions without asking questions; maybe you want to take a childbirth class or spend hours researching scientific articles and coming to your own conclusion; or maybe you just want to go with your gut and make the decision that you feel is best, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

 

The plain and simple answer is: not one of these ways of determining what is best for you is better than any of the others. Each person is unique and has their own way of making a decision. Some people like to make quick decisions based on what they feel is best, while others prefer to see what others are doing and hear their experiences. The best way to make a choice in pregnancy and parenting is however you prefer to make your own choices.

 

As your doula, I can’t tell you what to do or how to make your decision. But I can allow you to feel empowered by making your own choices, whatever they may be, while supporting you whole-heartedly in those choices.

 

Because I am a professional, I am not personally attached to any option. I am able to offer unconditional support, free of judgement or bias. I am able to encourage you as you make choices to reach your own goals.

 

If a situation arises where you have to make a choice and you truly don’t know what to do, I am happy to discuss your options with you and give you the time and space you need to determine how to move forward. In every circumstance, I want you to feel comfortable making the best choice for you and your family.

 

Maybe you want a birth, free of medical interventions; or maybe you want to schedule your cesarean as soon as you find out you are pregnant. I support you.

 

Maybe you want to practice attachment parenting; or maybe you want to set your baby up on a  schedule right away. I support you.

 

Maybe you want to exclusively formula feed; or maybe you want to breastfeed until your baby self-weans. I support you.

 

No matter what choices you make, or how you make those decisions, I will support YOU.

 

I won’t question your decisions. You know yourself and your family best and I trust that you are capable of making decisions without pressure or feeling judged. I won’t offer my personal opinion or advice. I won’t encourage you to do things the way I did. This time is about you. I want to allow you the space to make your own decisions and use your own voice.

 

When your doula offers completely judgment free support, you are able to feel empowered in your choices and confident in your decisions. My only goal is in the end you will feel supported, unconditionally,  in your choices throughout the journey.