[SerenityDoula]

I have been a doula for about 5yrs and i know it doesn't seem long to so many of you thats have 20+ but these have been busy busy 5yrs. I have a mom being induced this afternoon, and i am having major anxiety, even fears of inadequacy. She has been a dream client, read everything she could, researched everything before she made any conclusions and is keeping herself very open for the experience, nothing is set in stone. I dont know what it is but i actually lost sleep last night fretting. Has anyone had this happen before? suggestions? comforting words of wisdom? I have tried doing some soul and memory searching to make some connection, but.... no avail! HELP!!! I cannot bring this anxiety with me to her birth!!

 

[doulamichelle]

Hi, I have been working as a birth doula for 5 years. If it helps, sometimes I need to remind myself that this is "their" birth and not mine. If mom2B has been well educated about induction and still chooses to follow through, then you would be of most help by planning with mom how to manage the induction. Remind her that labor can be longer and therefore she needs to rest during early labor. You can help her to stay well hydrated (if allowed), make sure she empties her bladder every hour, talk about techniques for comfort as labor progresses, encourage positions that will facilitate birth. I think a doula is needed even more at an induction than any other time to "soften" the experience and help the mother to have the best birth possible <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> Hope that encourages you a little. Happy birthing.

 

[SerenityDoula]

I arrived with her at the hospital this afternoon to start her induction (home now they are starting wth cervidil tonight pit 9 am if she needs any additional <i>help</i>) once i got into gear all my anxiety went away, ill be back early am to be with er all day tomarrow, reflecting to the anxiety now, i think perhaps (this sounds aweful) she had educated herself and empowered herself sooooo much far surpassing any client i have ever had, that i felt i need to SUPER perform?!? im not sure if that makes sense, i strive to empower my clients not to just coach, not sure what the issue was, but once i got into gear today it was gone, put on my "doula" hat centered myself and presto! If im babbling or not making sense its way past my bedtime, has anyone ever had these temp feelings? This was the first time for me, i also wonder if the fact that this is the first baby since DEC for me had anything to do with it, i typically have 2 a month?!? any love would be great!

 

[1stimestar]

Heh, I do know how you feel. Once you get there and get into the "things you know" then it is much better. Also, it is being able to "do" something that sometimes helps, though of course, we have to be careful of that and not be doing without need.

 

[SerenityDoula]

Letting everyone know mom and baby are doing well, was called back to hospital at 3am, cervidil was the little push she needed, Celebrated a birthday at 1:02pm this afternoon, with a the most loving intimate couple. It was a beautiful beautiful experience, for both them and myself! Going to get some shut eye!