The Doula Sherpa (for your birth adventure)
Laying here with my dog, curled up on our sofa, I cast my mind back a decade…pregnant
with our first child; a different house, a different couch. I had no idea what a ‘doula’ was
then. My husband and I engaged a private obstetrician (OB) under the direction of my GP.
I had not considered my needs, outside of physical safety, or what I wanted from my birth.
Simply by choosing the private hospital (despite a low-risk pregnancy) I was now in
medically managed care and more likely to receive interventions in labour and birth.
In hindsight, I chose a high-risk biomedical expert not a physiological birth expert, as I
had been conditioned to believe birth was a medical event. I had no concept of it as a
right of passage. I simply could not grasp that through the process of birthing, I would be
shedding my former skin and rebirthing myself as a mother. And, that I would be so
enlivened by the experience, I would later gestate a career allowing me to support and
empower other women in birth.
I check my phone for the tenth time this hour. I am on-call for two women due this month.
I want to see if either is showing signs that labour is near. “Stomach cramps and a mild
euphoric feeling” accompanied by a vomit and butterfly emoji. Hmm, could be soon. I
need to get off the couch and make dinner, scrambled eggs perhaps? My children are
hungry and asking if I will be home to put them to bed. “Yes, if there’s no birth” I reply.
My youngest enquires, “Are her waters intact?”, I nod, smile and reach for the frying pan.
Kate who sent the message is a 32 year-old woman with no risk factors and intending to
birth at the local public hospital. Kate wanted a doula to help provide continuity of care
through her pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Her husband had not previously heard of
this role. At our first meeting, we laughed over the pronunciation of the Greek word ‘doolah’ (meaning: to mother the mother).
I explain the role using the analogy of going on a trek. Imagine the labour and birth
journey as an epic hike up the great mountains of the Himalayas. The woman and her
partner have chosen to embark on this adventure together. The doula is chosen by the
couple and works for them. She has walked this trail countless times through clear skies
and stormy weather. They have built trust in her and she understands what they both want
from the journey. As challenges arise, she guides them to push past mental and physical
barriers. She knows what is required and will help them navigate the winding paths and
steep peaks. The sherpa provides unwavering support every step of the way.
Midwives, I explain, are the medic stops. They are skilled medical professionals that work
for the hospital and ensure you are clinically cared for. For this woman, in the public
system, she can expect one, two or three different midwives, depending on shift changes
and staff allocations.
An obstetrician is the helicopter rescue if you or your baby encounter complications and
need to be air-lifted off the mountain with obstetric instruments or a cesarean-section. In
the private system, the OB is the main care provider. For women with complex needs this
can be a suitable option and there are some excellent doctors that practice womancentred care.
Kate has been coming to prenatal yoga classes since 12 weeks. She wants a natural
unmedicated birth and no unnecessary intervention. They understand their options and
together we developed a ‘birth map’ so they feel prepared. Once labour is established, I
will join them in their home and assist to optimise her body’s natural response. I provide
support for them to stay at home as long as they want and remain with them until after
they have their baby. I debrief the birth experience postpartum and ensure they have all
the support they need for early parenting.
I support women to optimise their experience of pregnancy and embrace the journey
towards motherhood. I believe an empowered birth is one where every decision is made
with confidence, no matter what unfolds. I offer specialised prenatal yoga, birth mapping
and full spectrum doula services. I am your Sherpa through this major life transition.
Article and Doula Services by,
Sarah Newling
Ph: 0417 711 300
sarah@yogimama.com.au
www.yogimama.com.au
https://birthmap.life
IG: @sarah.yogimama FB: @sarahyogimama
