Second book launching soon on Barnes & Noble * Google Play books * Ingram Sparks * KDP Amazon
by Kim Turton Palmatary
January 20th, 2018
When we became pregnant with Daniel we didn’t think twice to choose midwifery care. We had the feeling that the midwifes would give us the most personal approach and would do everything to support a natural birth. Now that our son is four weeks old and we look back. At one of the birth nights at the midwifery centre a doula, Katie spoke about how she could support couples both during the delivery, but also post-partum. As first time parents she really got our attention, because we were both feeling a bit anxious about the whole labour process, but also if we would be up to speed right away to start taking care of our baby.
We felt a really good connection with Katie, so we asked a couple of weeks later if she wanted to be our birthing doula and luckily she said yes! As the delivery date was pretty close to her holidays, she also arranged for Kim, our second doula, in case she couldn’t be there. In the end we were lucky and could have both, because Katie helped us during the start of labour and Kim did the second part. They were both wonderful in supporting us through the whole process. The start of labour did not progress really fast, but Katie got us through it. She supported Cécile with pain relief methods, like the TEN’s device, massage and different positions, but also supported Edwin in helping him to help. It helped Cecile a lot just to be able to hold Katie’s hand during every contraction, knowing somebody was there to help her deal with them. Kim got us through the second part of labour and helped really well with Cécile to push. We think that without them it would not have ended in a natural birth, so you could say that their help is really invaluable!
The day after we got out of the hospital we had our post-partum doula helping us at home. She added a whole different dimension of help. As our family and nearest friends are all in Europe, we were looking for some support and also help in the household. The doula helped us with that, but what was much more important, she managed to get us into our new rhythm very fast and made us feel much more comfortable taking care of our son. The first time she came, the first priority was breastfeeding. With her help we got that going from the first day, which was amazing as we thought it wasn’t going really well when we left the hospital. With all of her experience and calm approach she taught us all the small details (and let us learn by ourselves). Thinks like how to latch, what’s a good latch, which positions work, burping, etc. They teach you these things during prenatal class and in the hospital, but you only really really get it when you take the time at home with an experienced person to support. Also, the first day at home we realized we were clueless about what was going on. Why is Daniel crying right now, when should we feed him, why doesn’t he like to sleep in the bassinet, so where are we going to put him to sleep, what’s the right diaper size for him, how and when do we bath him……well….the list goes on and on :-). After 4 weeks it feels like Daniel has been with us forever. We’ve established a routine and feel very comfortable taking care of him.
Hiring our doulas has been one of the best decisions we have ever made.
Cecile and Edwin
Posted in birth |
August 12th, 2015
I was recently at a birth where the mama pushed out her OP baby. OP means posterior! Her will power to have a birth with no interventions, (other than a bit of Gas) was achieved. I don’t consider Gas to be an intervention or medication
This Mama was given a choice of an episiotomy and a big push – which she said NO!! or a c-section. I leaned into her and repeated what the Dr had said, then told her she could have the c-section or she could push this baby out. She only took a fraction of second to tell us, she “only needed a couple more pushes” – and she was right
3 pushes later we had a beautiful boy – with no episiotomy But better still NO c-section
You could be the next strong woman I meet
Kim … Loving my Job, Birth and Strong Women
Posted in Birth |
July 28th, 2015
This has been one of the best summers, I love the heat and freedom from rain. I have had the good fortune to be given more clients than I usually take in the summer time. Births come to me for different reasons, VBACs, or women that need a bit of extra care for anxieties around labor or birth. I love all birth.
I love that I instinctually know how to help a woman navigate the wonders of labor. The crazy strong parts, the easy and manageable parts, and when I see her admire her baby at the end of labor, resting in her arms, I always have a genuine sense of pride that I was asked to be present at a birth.
So although I have been busier than I thought, I thank you all so much for enticing me to be there – present – while you birthed your baby. I can’t imagine spending my summer any other way
Posted in birth |
January 24th, 2015
I am sure I have written about this before – but I am still so amazed at the resilience and strength women show during labor and delivery. Women of all backgrounds, sizes and age fascinate me. When put to the challenge of birthing their baby, the places they draw from, what is needed and then the satisfaction they realize when the baby is put into their arms.
It’s what helps me get out of bed in the middle of the night and drive to a birth.
Posted in Birth |
May 30th, 2014
I was at a very lovely birth. I had gone to the prenatal visit and meet with two very lovely people just before Halloween. We talked more about the birth than their back ground.
The nurses at their birth informed me, that the Dad had never meet his birth parents. Upon meeting his newly born son, he said “I have been waiting all my life to meet you”
A comment that is said in the moment of truth, and heightened emotion, with such depth; I am humbled by what I see and hear while helping people in labour. Comments made from the centre core of their heart; and the strength of women, as they scrap together the last bit of energy to push out her baby. It is such a pleasure to assist at someones birth.
Thank you to everyone that has allowed me to be a part of your birth 🙂
Posted in Birth |
March 16th, 2012
I watched as dad ‘tasted’ the placenta, the care provider sliced a tiny piece when he asked if he could taste it. What flavour, would you think? He replied, Nothing, No flavour.
Posted in Birth |
March 5th, 2012
Spring – an amazing time to enjoy. We get so excited that the weather is changing and warming up, getting rid of the boots and heavy jackets. Well for me along with Spring is the start of a wonderful season of New Babies!! I so love being immersed in Birth 🙂
Yesterday an adorable little girl arrived ‘early’, perfect in all ways. This had been a long awaited event for her parents, and the whole labor and birth was surprisingly quick, especially (and thankfully) for her mother! What was the best part for me? For ten minutes, I stood beside Dad, he helped catch his daughter and place her on Mum’s chest. He was so excited about catching his baby he didn’t look to see what sex the baby was. Maybe the tears of joy peaking from the corner of his eyes, made it hard to see 🙂 Mum was asking what they had, with no response from a stunned Dad, she lifted the baby’s leg and screamed, It’s A Girl! and then the tears ran down Mum’s cheeks. They both believed it might be a boy, then the discovery of their daughter, brought a serge of excitement for both parents.
It is no wonder that a Doula loves what she does, the excitement of Birth, is addicting.
I am looking forward to a full new season of Beautiful Babies and Over the Moon Excited Parents!!
January 19th, 2012
We finally got our snow in Vancouver – thank heavens I have nobody due. I love everything about snow – except driving in it. My part of town didn’t get the huge dump like everyone else, which is fine with me.
I am excited to be taking the Doula Post Partum course this weekend, and offering this service to clients. I am venturing into this work, and am looking forward to taking care of mamas and their baby and/or family.
Enjoy this weather, it will soon be hot and sunny again.
Posted in birth |
January 4th, 2012
I believe that the baby (in spirit) ‘chooses their parents’ so to all of you pregnant people, this baby inside you is listening to everything, and feeling every emotion; and waiting anxiously to meet you. He/She picked you to be it’s perfect parent, smile! you are blessed
Posted in birth |