Friday, April 24, 2009

Doula

Sometimes it seems that all of my schooling towards my nursing degree was a waste. I'm not a nurse- so what does that tell me? Anatomy & Physiology kicked my butt each time I took it. I even shot my anatomy book one day when Adam and I went shooting! It felt good. This has been something that has been really discouraging to me. It's mixed around with a lot of feelings of failure & self-doubt. When I found out I was pregnant, I knew that my efforts towards my degree were about to be prolonged even further! This was both good & bad. I was tired of the constant disappointment failing brought me & happy to get some relief for a while, but also sad that I had worked so hard for something that seemed like wasted time.

I think I may have found the solution though. A happy happy medium. Well, I say medium, but I have no idea really. Recently I have been thinking about becoming a Doula. Need a definition?

dou⋅la / [doo-luh]
–noun
a woman who assists women during labor and after childbirth

....that's a pretty simple definition, because I think they do much more. But that's the sweet & simple. Basically, they are a life-line in labor, delivery, and the transition time that follows. They give you support (emotional & physical), they can be an advocate for you and your partner in the delivery room, and be whatever you need them to be in that sensitive time of giving birth to your child.

Anyways! I went to a mini-doula training this past Saturday (thanks Leigh!), and it was so awesome. It just validated further that doing this career change is the right move for me. I am so passionate about the whole birthing process- the natural, simple process. I think it is so easily overlooked. I am planning on making the move to do this at some point in August after I have a few months of getting use to being a momma! I am going to attend a few births- then do a few of them for free for the brave people that trust me enough to hire me!- and then plan on doing it on my own soon after. I am so excited!

I have also thought about the possibility of becoming a home-birth midwife...but that is further in the future, so we will just have to sit on that for a while :)

Here is a picture of my last visit with my midwife Mary...she is awesome. Look at that massive belly!!
So, that's that, but I also wanted to give you all some pregnancy updates!

*As of right now, I am 36 weeks!!! She is safe to come anytime according to my midwife...Ah!
*I am feeling pretty large...ok VERY large. Sleep isn't the same. But I guess that's what you can expect when a large human is in your belly.
*I LOVE eating ice. Love it. Adam hates it. He thinks I am not a "polite-ice-chewer". Ha!
*I pee almost everytime I sneeze. Wanna hear something funny? I have an extra pair of underwear on my purse at all times "just-in-case". Gross.

Besides that, I am feeling WONDERFUL. Pregnancy has been a blast. A LONG adventure so far. But it's crazy that it's coming to an end soon. Am I ready? No. Somedays I think I am, but most days I feel like I am in un-charted territory (which I am), and it's pretty overwhelming. But hey, how many woman have done this and conquered? Too many to count. I think I'll be just fine...
I will leave you with a picture of me these days. If you see a hint of a double-chin...well, I'm just a little hungrier these days....

Alexa & I
Love, Krystle

8 comments:

Leigh Steele said...

I love you, I love Ellie, I love Ellie, I love the path that you walk. I look forward to your journey - birth and beyond.
You are too cute for words.
xoxo
Leigh

Leigh Steele said...

Um, in that last comment, I didn't mean to say "I love Ellie" twice. Although I do. I meant to say "I love Mary"
LOL

Unknown said...

You look amazing!!! I can't wait to hear your birth story!!!

Anonymous said...

ok, you do NOT have a double chin!

You are so close! :)

Shannon said...

I can totally see you in that career, it sounds so awesome! You are totally cute pregnant
:)

Jessica and Deric MIller said...

I think you'll be a great doula!! The moment you said that I thought, "That's totally Krystle!" That's a perfect career for you!! Ellie will be here before you know it!! :) Sleep up now!!

taqfamily said...

That's funny about the ice...I don't think you can chew ice and be polite at the same time haha... And when I saw you last you were 6 months...It seems like time has FLOWN by since then and now you are almost full term! Wow. You look great and I'm sure if you decide to do go ahead with the doula job, you will be an awesome one!

Ashley said...

you look AMAZING! no double chin... geez, did you see ME at 36 weeks?! I was so puffy, you look so awesome. I'm so excited for you and your career change... can't wait for that sweet little baby girl to come!