NBC Doulas

Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We, Doulas of Greater St. Louis along with local childbirth educators and birth activists are asking for your support. Recently, NBC aired a piece on labor support which we feel left viewers with a negative view about doula support by kicking off the interview with the question, “Is it worth it”.
In a hospital interview, an obstetrician stated that they “banned” doulas, because they “get in the way”, suggesting that doulas interfere in critical moments that can adversely affect outcomes. Another physician went on to state that doula services are a “luxury”. If you didn’t see this segment, please take the time to view the piece at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27808452/.
We would like an opportunity to turn this view into something positive by gaining signatures and support of local families, obstetricians, midwives, doulas and other concerned citizens. Doulas are here to physically, emotionally and educationally support families in the childbearing years. Our support significantly decreases chances of medical interventions including use of Pitocin, pain medication and cesarean surgery, increased success with nursing, positive feelings about the birth experience, and a reduced possibility of post partum depression. Aside from the positive affects on the families we serve, doulas are helping hospitals and insurance companies alike by cutting the cost of the overall labor and birth. We have made great strides in the hospital setting working as team members with doctors and nurses alike.
If you have worked with a doula who contributed to positive feelings about your birth or such experiences of your clients or patients, please sign this document which will be used to encourage NBC to air a new piece on doulas and the positive effects of the services we provide. As many of you already can attest, in today’s atmosphere of managed care, we are a necessity, not a luxury.
Thank you for your support and consideration,

Rambly Hodgepodge

I guess intention does create reality. Less than 24 hours after I posted, I was invited to a party. Yippee! That's way outside my comfort zone. Gulp.

BTW in the spirit of Thanksgiving, don't wait for hallmark to tell you when to express gratitude.

Utah Phillips is on my mind today.

Truth or Dare?

Dare. Quit acting like the whole universe revolves around your kids, the tidiness of your house and birth. I love my girlfriends. I am grateful that I have an abundance of them. I am promising myself right now.... Friday night 11pm ... that within the next month, I will have at least one social adventure after dark outside of my comfort zone. I am a single woman, and I need to embrace it!

Really shocked at this change.... Wonder what's next

I was really surprised to hear that the Ammendment to ban gay marriage in California passed. What's next with this? Is it to remain a state issue, or will the federal government take it on? I don't know that much about it, except that it is a bunch of crap. Why is it anyone else's business who someone chooses to love? Seriously people... get real.