I had 74 births in 2011!  I am blessed, thank you to all of my clients, for allowing me to journey with you at your baby’s birth.  I had my last baby on Dec 31 at 8:30 a.m. and my first birth of the year Jan 2 at 10:12 a.m.

I would love to have twins this year.   I look forward to being at your birth – even if you aren’t having twins!!   🙂

My last client of the year, due Dec 23 is secretly wishing her baby is born in 2012!  This past month I have attended ten births, and two just since the early morning of Dec 28.  I surprisingly had 3 days at Christmas off, and am hoping that I don’t get a call New Years eve.  I now sit exhausted! and in total and complete joy, for the parents I have helped, bring their babies into this world in 2011.   I attended a total of 73 births this year, wow !! how did I do it??  I know my year went by sooo fast, probably because I was working at my passion – BIRTH!     I thank the Universe for helping me keep my schedule on track – I rely on them so I don’t over lap and have a conflict in labouring mamas.  They did throw me a few loops; like back to back births several times, but I attended all.  Except for the bit of time I took off; I believe I was away for two births.  All in all this was a fabulous year, now for the coming year………

2012 is going to be very successful – if we chose it to be.  For myself; fewer births and delving into Post Partum work.  I have not as yet professionally experienced this side of the birthing picture and I look forward to having more time with babies.  I so enjoyed my four babies when they were new, they are a mystery and a delight 🙂   My schedule is starting to book up, so please contact me soon if you are looking for either doula work or combination birth/postpartum doula work.

Enjoy your New Year’s celebration, be safe.   I wish everyone an abundance of love – peace – joy as we all live together on this glorious planet.

Did you know that statistics have proven that doulas make a huge impact on the comfort of a labouring woman by helping her to achieve an easier, quicker birth.  These numbers continue to increase as doulas become more popular and attend more births.  It makes perfect sense to have help during this time when you are so involved in just trying to breathe.

It is a required medical procedure to have your care provider, whether a doctor, midwife or obstetrician, at your birth.  It should also be essential to have a doula, as doulas can be an integral part of creating a positive birthing experience.

Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993) compiled the results of over fifteen years work with over 1,500 women from several different countries in Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth. According to the authors, the benefits of using a doula are as follows:

– 50% reduction in Cesarean rates

– 25% shorter labour

– 60% reduction in epidural requests

– 40% reduction in syntocinon (Oxytocin) use

– 30% reduction in analgesia use

– 40% reduction in forceps delivery

this is from my book “What Does a Doula Do?” – so tell me why would you not want a Doula present at your birth.   In addition, there are so many different techniques and specialties a Doula can use during your labour.

“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”

John H. Kennell

I had four fabulous births this past week – leading up to the New Moon of July 30/ 11.   There was one that was 30 hours; one where the baby was not going to come out, (but by c-section) no matter how hard we changed things; and then two that were quick and easy.    The variety of labor and birth always keep my work fresh and fun.

I am putting this thought out to the world – that the medical insurance companies, should be helping to pay for doulas, both birth and post partum .    The savings on the medical system would be hugely reduced.

I believe when women are attended by doulas, before – during and after birth, we are empowering women to be the best mother they can be.  These babies will run our countries soon and we best make sure all children get the best possible start to life.

Women can journey long and hard, laboring and having their baby.  I recently encountered a long  journey getting to a client.  It started by getting on a ferry going to Vancouver Island, then an hour after being at my destination – I received an unexpected call to attend a client 35 weeks – water broke!  I got on a plane  back to my home town – was picked up and driven to my car, and then drove to the birth.

My day was very exciting, I enjoyed all the glorious scenery – and my client was happy to have me at her and her husbands side as their son was born.  The Universe ensured I was given the proper transport and also allowed for a healthy and perfect baby to arrive – all safely 🙂

in the last seven days I have seen 5 girls and 1 boy born, I have helped their mums and dads as they all huffed and puffed their way to birthing their babies. Welcome all you beautiful babies 🙂

The mama this morning was very fast. Yes she was early and baby was not to big, but what a delight to see a first time mum push and deliver so well.  Getting ready now for the Lunar Eclipse and Full Moon on Wednesday, another big day for the Universe.  Expecting a busy birth week!  🙂

another beautiful – easy water birth happened June 1. the woman, strong – never asked for anything but sips of water. just focusing on the immediate and allowed to listen to her body.

I helped at a beautiful water birth the other day. This mum got exactly the birth she envisioned – no drugs – it was not so easy in the moment, but she was so happy after the baby was snuggling on her chest moments after