Choices in Childbirth Mission: Choices in Childbirth is a non-profit organization that strives to improve maternity care and birth experiences by providing access to information about the range of choices available regarding where and with whom to birth. So often we hear from the women we work with that the decisions they made about their birth environment and the people that they invited to share in their birth experience all fundamentally affected the outcome of their birth and their level of satisfaction.
Update: Tonight’s (February 10th) Choices in Childbirth Inspiring Birth Stories Event has been cancelled due to the blizzard in NYC, but they will be back in March.
I just found out from one of my doula clients that she posted a review of my doula services on the BoCoCa Parent’s Listserv (BoCoCa = Boerum Hll, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens Brooklyn), and that as a result, she was asked to share her whole birth story at an upcoming Choices in Childbirth Inspiring Birth Stories Event. I’m so happy for her, and believe that telling her birth story is a wonderful and important ritual for mothers. The Inspiring Birth Stories Events are free and I highly recommend them for any mama-to-be. From the Choices in Childbirth Site:
Inspiring Birth Stories
Our highly popular Inspiring Birth Stories evenings offer expectant parents a night out in which to draw strength and inspiration from women and men who have recent experiences of birth in New York. The evening features inspiring ? not necessarily easy! – stories from three to four new parent storytellers and expert commentary from mother-friendly birth professionals. The stories tell of a range of births (stunningly short, impressively long, unexpectedly challenging, remarkably straightforward, twisty-turney, painless, orgasmic, painful, cesarean. VBAC, twins, etc.) and reflect a range of choices (home, birth center, hospital, midwife, Obstetrician, family practitioner, doula, family support, etc.). We hope you can join us for an upcoming night inspiring birth stories.
Aubrey & Hendrix
Aubrey & Hendrix
Aubrey’s Story
Andrea became my doula when my original doula, the also fantastic Laurel Axen Carroll (acupuncturist) had a death in the family. As soon as the doula swap happened, Andrea came over, armed with coconut water and questions to get an assessment of what coping mechanisms might be best to help me through labor. I found her to be warm, sincere, and incredibly knowledgeable.
When I went into labor, I had “risked” out of the Birthing Center by being one day over 41 weeks, and was afraid that laboring on the regular Labor and Delivery floor would result in a different birth experience than I had planned and hoped for. Andrea’s experience on this very L&D floor combined with her determination to provide a laboring woman with an unnecessary-intervention-free labor relieved me of a lot of stress.
Andrea also helped my husband by soothing him and communicating to him the range of choices that we had so we could make informed decisions. She was instrumental in making sure we were stocked with a variety of beverages and snacks to keep me hydrated and nourished. She also provided aromatherapy and other forms of relief. Most impressive was how she kept me focused on my goals when I was going through the most intense contractions and whimpering that I couldn’t take it any more! She was a rock for my husband and I, helping to make the birth of our son, Hendrix, the kind of story you want to be able to tell!
After Hendrix’s birth, Andrea went out and got me a terrific meal. She has been checking in on us by email and is coming for a follow up visit sometime this week.
-Aubrey, mom of Hendrix, 1 week old
