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Training, Education and Services
October 2006 - Vol 1, Issue 5
The Power of Birth
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chana luba

As many of you know the power of birth is something intangible. It is raw, relentless, strong and beautiful. Even as a seasoned doula I have found my self startled at the power and intensity of birth. I have found that even a doula who has been to many births must constantly relearn to surrender to the power of birth and learn to trust the fine line of furry it can produce. That fine line of insanity is what brings life. Doulas must constantly find their own strength in the face of birth power and learn to trust...

The Power of Birth
open mouth birthing
The power of birth takes on many forms. The most external expression I think, is the power of sound. Some women labor quietly and calmly, while others labor loudly and boundlessly. Some doulas might think that they best way they can help a woman is to aid her in calm relaxed breathing, but sometimes a women needs to be supported and allowed the freedom to roar, snarl or bellow through labor. Each way is different and beautiful. The key for the doula is trusting each woman's instinctual way of birthing
Cultivating Tools...
emily reaching
Reminding women to keep their voices low and deep during vocalization is important. Sound vibrates through the body and the vibrations help the body to open. If women are using a lot of energy growling and snarling, remind them to take cleansing breaths between contractions. If a women has been using her more primal tools to rage through labor be aware during the birthing stage that she doesn't bite you. Have a wet wash cloth handy to give her to bite on!

I find it helpful to speak to women during our prenatal meetings about the sounds of labor. I love to demonstrate for them and then have them practice with me. Making birthing sounds before labor helps a woman feel less intimidated when the urge to open up and moan arises. I also like to moan and growl with my ladies is labor, I always encourage their wild beastly laboring energy.
Learning tools...
birthing swat
Next time you are at a birth and a woman starts to grunt, moan, snarl, growl or roar during labor, check in with your self. How does it make you feel? Do you embrace it fully? Does it scare you? Do you encourage it? Do you trust it? The art of being a doula is forever unfolding. As women grow into mothers doulas grow too. Learning to be with women and trust the power of birth takes time and openness.

I will be showing a video by Penny Simkin called the Relaxation, Rhythm, Ritual The 3R's of Childbirth at my next training and upcoming pot luck gathering (details to follow) which is full of captivating footage of the sounds of labor and birth, and the power of birthing women.
Fall Training
outside class
I have enjoyed the Q&A nights and the fall training is in a few weeks. We have a nice group already, if you would like to join this training please register ASAP. Remember if you sign up with a friend you can receive a $25 discount. Work trade options are available for committed participants.

Please feel free to forward this newletter, enjoy the winds of change and be well

In peace,
Chana Luba Ertel, CD (DONA), CLD, CCCE, CAPPA Labor Doula Trainer of MA
Maternal Wisdom

413-253-9618