Teaching CBE - Sometimes Challenging as a Doula

I choose to teach in a hospital setting and have off and on for 29 years.  Many question - why - knowing my philosophies on birth.  My answer?  That is where I feel I make the most difference - even if it is just one woman at a time.  Here is an example:  I didn't teach for a few years and decided to get back to it last year.  A few months ago I had a wonderful class - 12 couples - I call the person who came with the expectant mom and the mom a "couple" for class purposes.  Anyway...the first night I always introduce myself and explain that I was a practicing doula for 15 years - still consider myself a doula but no longer practicing.

We went along with class and had a great time.  I love larger classes because they are usually more interactive.  You have a mix - some are quiet - while others speak up and florish.  With smaller classes they sometimes just sit there and want lecture - which is not my ideal way to teach.  This group was VERY interactive.

The last class came and one of the dads worked at a large food chain so he brought in some wonderful items to share with class.  At the very end of class one of the women raised her hand and said - I have something to say and want to share it with everyone.  When you introduced yourself and said you were a doula I groaned inside.  (I saw several women shake their heads)  You see, I am that woman who thought she wanted the epidural as soon as she got to the hospital.  Well, you taught such a balanced class giving all the pros and cons - risks and beneifts that now I am thinking seriously that I just need to give my body and my self a chance.  I am sure I will still get an epidural but not immediately upon arriving at the hospital.  I have a more open mind now. At this point all the dad's - yes, the DAD'S stood and clapped and pointed at me.

I DO have prejudices and preferences.  I would prefer that ALL babies be born in a calm and gentle environment.  That they stay with their mom's and not be seperated for even a minute.  That the first hour only the mom hold the baby for imprinting - not even the dad.  That breastfeeding get off to a good start and continue at least for the first year.  I also believe an unmedicated birth is best for mother and baby and that we do not need a 35% cesarean rate even when it is the woman's choice.  But those are MY preferences.  I feel the evidence is in my favor but I will always have that mom in my class who is not ready to make that leap - at least not with this baby.  I will also always have at least a few women per year who do have to have a cesarean with an epidural and I don't want her to feel less than adequate because she truly needed to birth her baby that way.  Yes, there are true reasons for cesarean births.  And for babies needing to be seperated from their mothers.

I feel I do have my prejudices about birth but I also believe I am realistic and this comes across in my teaching.  Over the years I cannot tell you how many times a woman has said to me - I would like to have an unmedicated birth and I have said - good for you, lets get started.  And she has said to me - you are the first person to tell me I can do it.  THAT makes it all worth while.  THAT makes me a change agent!