I am given such gifts by my clients every year—their trust, their willingness to include me on an intimate family journey. I am given the gift of seeing strength, vulnerability, courage, fortitude, patience, and love. And I am always learning and growing alongside my clients. I am also grateful to the couples who have trusted me to assist in their preparation through my childbirth education classes. You are also gifts to me.

So in return, I would like to offer you this gift of a slideshow retelling some of those memories shared. The images you’ll see are only those that had previously been posted on social media with permission. So not every single family is represented.

While it is no secret that 2020 was a struggle for all of us, some more than others, it still had some special moments. While my family came through the year rather unscathed, I’ll still admit some of the brightest spots were when I was standing alongside my clients as they held their babies in their arms for the first time. You are all so dear to me. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Here’s to 2021 and hopefully an even brighter year for us all.

It is important to know what a doula does….and what tasks they do not perform….before you hire someone to be your doula!

A birth doula…

• believes in the birth process and works to impart that same confidence to her clients

• recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life and strives to preserve that memory in a positive way

• understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor

• assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth

• stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor

• provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and reminds the couple of their options throughout labor

• preserves and complements the partner’s role in the birth, encouraging them to support
  the laboring woman as they are most comfortable and supporting them as they do so

• offers an objective viewpoint and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make informed decisions about her care

• advocates for the woman by facilitating communication between the her and her partner, and her clinical care providers

• strives to facilitate labor progress by maintaining a calm labor environment with lighting
  and music and minimal distractions

A doula does not…

• perform clinical tasks, such as vaginal exams or fetal heart rate monitoring. However, I WILL provide physical and emotional support to you and your partner.

• make decisions for you. However, I WILL help you get the information you need to make an informed decision about your care. I will also remind you of your wishes as outlined in your birth plan.

• speak to the medical staff on your behalf. However, I WILL listen to your concerns and review options with you that you and your partner can discuss with the clinical staff.

• replace the father during labor. However, I WILL support and encourage the father and enhance his support style rather than replace it.

Here are some photos of me supporting families during and immediately postpartum: (photos by Kimberlin Gray Birth Photography)