Everyone needs a website, but it just isn't me! Well, maybe it will be someday. But for now, this is the way I LOVE to communicate and express myself to others. I admit, I don't know much about HTML codes and such, but I know how to introduce myself here! I am Meliea....some call me Mel when they get to know me....it's easier to pronounce. I consider myself an artist, enjoying all things writing. This blog is about my becoming a birth doula. A birth doula is somewhat an artist also. Dictionary.com defines art as: the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance. What a perfect description of what I wanted my births to be! A birth doula simply helps mom and dad/partner(or in the case of the single mom...just mom) paint that picture.
After the birth of my last child, I realized....I MISS BIRTH! I loved the energy of birth and the women who helped me(my midwife and her assitant). I will tell that birth story soon!
So for now, I live in charlotte with my blended family: Hubby, J, as I call him. My 17yo daughter graduates from high school in 2 weeks. I have a 10yo son who I call my "artistic autistic" as he navigates his way through Asperger's syndrome. Stuck in the middle is my 8yo stepson , who is still getting to know me and I'm confident will decide that he likes me....someday....LOL. And then, there is the baby...my 10month old, mine and J's masterpiece together.
Birth has changed through the years. There have been some great medical advances! An internet friend of mine gave birth at 24 weeks and that baby just turned 1!! Amazing. However, some of those advances have created great fear and more of a sense of "what can go wrong" instead of creating a positive view of birth. A normal, healthy pregnancy will result in the wondrous and natural process of birth without much intervention. However, we bring into the process all of our fears, perceived inadequacies, trust issues and of course, the memory of all the horror stories our friends have told us during our pregnancy.
I see my role as a doula to be whatever YOU need it to be. All things from encouraging you that you can do this, to just rubbing your back so that your husband/partner can look into your eyes and give you reassurance. Of course, along the way, I will help you find positions for labor to ease your discomfort as much as possible. I will make sure that you fully understand everything the medical staff is telling you. I will offer emotional support and positive energy for you to fall on when the going gets tough.
So that's me! Check out my links and see if having a doula at your birth is right for you.
My contact information appears(or should shortly) on Charlottedoulas.org
