Evidence Based Birth compiled research for us again on another hugely important topic that seems to effect so many women's births! Just since 2009 when I started doula-ing, I've seen many of the different ways Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) is managed by a great variety of care providers and birth locations. Sadly, my own client statistics that I keep show that those who are first time moms are at the most risk for both infection and cesarean birth when PROM is how their labors begin. After many discussions with other birth professionals on this topic and hearing that other midwives and doulas have noticed similar stats for their first time mom clients, I have always had an interest in learning more about PROM. But, as Rebecca, the author of Evidence Based Birth, notes, the research is either lacking or not easy to interpret. Plus, there are so many factors. The largest study TermPROM is discussed in great detail in her article below as are a few other issues surrounding PROM prevention and management. 

http://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-inducing-labor-water-breaks-term/

What can you do as a first time mom? Well, a lot is still unclear. However, the image below is the best take away and one (I believe) everyone can agree on. This tends to be one message I find myself sharing consistently when I teach childbirth classes, am discussing a couple's birth preferences, or am reminding a mom of at the beginning of or during labor. It continues to be backed by evidence... and as usual when talking about any vaginal exam, the benefits are slim to none. Keep outta there!!!

Please share far and wide the image below that Rebecca has made as a great reminder!!!

My mission is to support new doulas by matching their passion with some practical tips and guidance as well as emotional support for all the ups and downs this work may bring. My mission stems from my own experience as a doula. I remember how energetic I was after my doula training!  I felt so prepared! As I started taking clients, though, it became clear to me that there was no way any training could cover all the many questions I would have and decisions I would have to make as I jumped into each new experience with all my heart. Like many doulas, I had a passion and growing knowledge for birth and serving women and families, but I was clueless about the business aspect of it. I also found myself surprised to experience a range of emotions after attending some births. This work is wonderful, but it can be quite challenging for a multitude of reasons that one does not really understand until one experiences. Soon I realized that I needed support! There were a few births in the beginning where I felt like I needed a doula to doula me through my doula-ing!!! So, I sought that support out. I pulled advice from many different doulas I met throughout my certification process, I processed the intensity of some births with other birth workers, and I networked with those more experienced. I'd happily refer my clients to those doulas whom I respected. Whether it would be for childbirth classes or some other service those doulas offered that my clients could benefit from, it was also a thank you for talking with me and helping keep me on my path. Through the support of my mentors, I continued to grow into the seasoned doula I am today. Still learning, always, but much more confident in how to run my business, how I’ve defined my role as a doula, and how and when to implement all the wonderful tools I’ve learned along the way. And, most importantly, I STILL LOVE MY JOB... despite the challenges! I have met so many amazing families. My heart has been warmed by the experiences with various care providers and nurses. I have gotten to doula for repeat clients and watch as the moms and their families grow. I want all inspired doulas to have a better chance at having these experiences. I want to help more doulas succeed in their goals of supporting women. I want that for them and for the women we serve.  I believe that the more doulas there are, the more women will get to have a doula. As the supply and demand continue to grow, our profession grows. ACOG published this year that there is evidence showing that doulas are a benefit to women's health, specifically as preventative of cesarean delivery. 

I know mentorship makes a difference in doulas making a difference. I offer this mentorship one on one and with confidentiality. I promise to give my mentee doulas support from both my head and heart. ~

If you are interested in being a mentee doula, visit here for more information. 

If you are interested in hiring a mentee doula, visit here to meet them.