Why a Lighthouse?

I have long been comforted by the idea of lighthouses. Built strong and sure they stand in the storm, light beaming to keep ships safe. Their composure and beauty doesn't change when the storm comes. It remains and persists. It works through the night to create a beam of light that directs and reassures ships passing in the sea where land is, as well as providing a point of reference for where they are headed.

Imagine coming toward land as the storm blows, fairly sure of your position but not entirely sure because your GPS went out hours ago. Trusting your instincts you look up from the analog gauges and see in the distance a light. It may be faint at first but you see it. It helps you know how far you are from shore. You exhale because you thought the rocks might be right underneath you. After a moment you picture the map in your head and remember that the port is north of the lighthouse. Two minutes ago you were in the dark, following your instincts (which you have always trusted), and now you have confirmation of your position and can confidently steer your ship away from the rocks and north toward safe harbor.

As your doula I am that calm in the room. The grounding force that lets you let go. The soft touch and whisper of comfort and reassurance as you lean in an trust your baby and your body. The presence in the room that gently guides you and your partner.

During our prenatal visit we will make a plan, just like sailors do before a voyage. We will discover and discuss birthing postures that encourage you to soften your body, make a plan to create a quiet room with comforting music, touch base about your emotions around birth, and create a birth plan so that we are all on the same page. As the birth comes closer you will know that you have prepared, you feel safe, you have found your voice and made your requests, you have created an environment to support yourself and your baby. With your partner and your doula by your side you can rest.

When labor begins we will have that common plan to support your choices during birth. As things shift and change we will shift with them knowing all is well and allowing you the space and freedom to sink into your body and free your thoughts. We will turn north towards port trusting that we are safe.