My friend wants me to be her doula

[Bekka]

I have a friend who asked me to be her doula/attendant when she gets pregnant. I am not looking to be a professional doula, but are there books, etc. that would be good to read as a support attendant in preparation? This is all in the "what if" bin, but I would start to read ahead of time. Any suggestions?

[SJane]

I would suggest The Birth Partner and The Birth Book. The birth book is by Sears, I can't think of the other author right now.

[jordmoder]

The Birth Partner is by Penny Simkin. Great book!

[Deni]

When we asked our friend Valerie to be our doula, she said "your what?". But she agreed. So, since we were doing the bradley method, we just gave her a copy of the books we were using. During the weeks of class, we would get together once a week for a meal, then practice with her the stuff we had learned that week. It went great! She was wonderful during the birth and in fact used some of what she learned to help another friend during pregnancy and birth.

Deni

[CookieMonsterMommy]

To the OP--is there any way you can attend the childbirth classes WITH her and her partner?

I also triple endorse the Birth Partner by Simkin

Best Wishes!

[VeganDoula]

Also "Birthing From Within" by Pam England. It's INCREDIBLE for birth attendants and parents alike.

Another suggestion--try not to learn TOO much. There's really something to going with your heart in birth, and if you're not planning on doing it professionally then all the extra (medical type) info can be a little much to dissolve. It takes a while to let go of the extra stuff once you learn it, so I would suggest getting good solid basics and following your heart (and mom's heart).

By the way--WATCH OUT! LOL I didn't want to be a doula but my sister-in-law asked me to be hers and it SNOWBALLED from there! It's great, and I love it and would never trade, but you just might find yourself sucked in if you're not careful!

[saritabeth]

yeah, the birth partner by Penny Simkin....Love it!