In the midst of the covid-19 global pandemic, there are more questions on most of our minds than there are answers. Life across the globe is changing day by day, and in some places hour by hour. It’s a lot to keep up with for anyone, and especially for those who are pregnant, about to give birth, or home learning to parent a new baby.
In my 20-plus years of supporting pregnant and birthing families as a doula, therapist and childbirth educator, I’ve observed that one of strongest themes of pregnancy and new parenthood is a deep sense of vulnerability in the face of the unknown. Uncertainty and unpredictability are inherent in the process of bringing new life into the world–not to mention nurturing and protecting that life once your child is here. Under ordinary circumstances, these unknowns may include a long list of questions like: When will the baby arrive? Will they be healthy? What will labor be like? What kind of parent will I be? How will parenting impact my most important relationships? How do I know if my baby is getting enough to eat? The list of question can feel overwhelming at the best of times.
Enter a global pandemic. There is nothing I’ve seen in all my years of practice that has had the power to collectively amplify the intense feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty that are already inherent to new parenthood. What is happening today is unprecedented in our lifetimes. All of the usual questions are still here for today’s families, with the addition of all of the questions that come with the covid-19 pandemic, from weighing risks to mother and baby, to social distancing, shelter in place orders and hospital visitor policies that change by the day.
Even with all of this uncertainty, there is one question that has a clear answer: Yes, you absolutely can have a doula.
Doulas provide parents with a calming and strengthening presence through emotional, informational and physical support throughout the childbearing experience. We are here to help you reduce fear, access your own strength, and find a sense calm through the most challenging of moments. While most doulas would rather be physically by your side to provide this support, we’re grateful that technology allows us to offer effective and comprehensive virtual doula support to our clients, even when circumstances don’t allow for us to be there in person.
As always, your Ann Arbor Birth & Family doulas are here to provide compassionate and knowledgeable support throughout your birth and new parenting journey. We’re here to connect with you during your pregnancy and help you plan and prepare for the experiences ahead, while developing resilience and flexibility in the face of the unknown.
Your birth doulas are on call for you throughout your pregnancy to address your questions, help you process your fears and concerns, and access all of the resources you need to thrive, even under difficult circumstances. We’re there to help you make a birth plan that communicates your preferences, while being flexible enough to adapt to whatever unexpected turns of events may unfold. Virtual doula support means your doula is always “in your pocket’, available day and night to support you through your labor–ready to respond and connect whenever you need a pep talk, a calming presence, guidance with comfort measures, and navigating provider communication and decision making.
Your postpartum doula is available to help you navigate those early days and weeks at home, with customized support for maternal recovery and comfort measures, newborn care, and establishing sleep and feeding routines. Even more importantly, she is your sounding board for all of the joys, challenges and concerns that arise from one day to the next during this important time in your life and the life of your family.
Now more than ever, the calm, compassionate and grounded presence that a doula support provides is an invaluable resource for expectant and new parents. We are here for you, and are ready to support you as you navigate all that birthing in these times may bring.
If this sounds like the kind of support you are looking for, please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about virtual doula support options!