Bella means beautiful and birth is exactly that.
What makes a birth beautiful?
You.
No matter if it’s a natural quick birth, or an extended tough labor, or a cesarean section, your birth can be beautiful. An experience to treasure, a story to tell. Women who have good support are empowered to make informed decisions, feel in control and have beautiful births.
Use the links to the left to your advantage, an educated mother is an empowered mother.
Whether this is your first baby or your family is growing, visualize what your Bellabirth would be. Take a few minutes to ask yourself the following questions and maybe discuss them with your partner.
- For me the ideal place to give birth would be……..
- My top three priorities for this birth are……
- I want the following people to be there to support me…….
- And I want to be sure the following things are there…..
- For me, I would like the following clinical/medical personnel there ……
- For me, the best approach to pain management would be…..
- What else is very important to you?
Use these questions as a jumping off point to creating a
BIRTH PLAN.
Another client and dear friend responded with the following when asked about my doula services:
"Me, "Hey Melz(her spouse), Stephanie is looking for testimonies about her doula services." To which he replies, "Oh, I would definitely do that, having her there was great. I am so glad we decided to have a doula again." Me, "I think you just gave her one!"
Stephanie, you were amazing. I know my hard labor was short but the motivation that you gave us to stick to our birth plan was invaluable. Your knowledge about labor, delivery, and how to interact productively but respectfully with hospital staff was a huge comfort to have during the sometimes uncomfortable experience of childbirth. We will recommend you to all of our friends!"
Thanks Laurie and Melzar! client 2009
The above links are all very valuable resources for Information and Important Tools for making your own Birth Plan. As your doula I will help you gather the information you need and create a Birth Plan in advance of the Big Day.
Childbirth Connection and Birthing Naturally have scores of information on all your options, and BirthPlan.com has a very simple, user friendly format to create,save, share, and print your Birth Plan.
Informational Support
Take a minute to visit the
great links listed
on this page!
Make myBellabirth.com yours.
Penelope's first breath
International Breastfeeding Symbol
Click here to learn more about Mothering Magazines Breastfeeding Resources and Lactivism
This exhaustive list has everything from Maternity Clothing Stores, Postpartum Depression Support Groups to Playgroups & Teen Pregnancy Assistance. All in West Michigan. Feel free to ask any questions if the list is overwhelming!
Know Your Options
You have great choices in the Grand Rapids Area for Care providers and Birth location. Among the major Hospitals in the area there are Direct Entry Midwives that can provide you with Homebirth and Waterbirth Services. For more info on homebirth midwives in the area visit:
