My name is Pauline Scales. I am the mother of 6 children, ages 1-year to 12-years old. I have personally experienced a spectrum of births as I welcomed each of my children into the world. My first two children were born in a hospital, with medication, vaginally. My second two children greeted the world via cesarean section. My fifth child was born naturally at home, with a midwife, and my last child made his journey in an unassisted homebirth surrounded by his mother, father and siblings.
Because of my unique birth experience, I feel as though I will be able to provide you with a compassionate understanding to whichever birth journey you choose. I am not here to provide you with an opinion about the right way to birth, I am here to provide you with support and knowledge as you tell me about the kind of birth you envision. I believe that a Doula is an advocate of choice, and I want everything about your birth experience to be your choice.
I homeschool my children, so my schedule is open and available to you 24-hours a day, because we all know babies can't tell time and probably wouldn't care if they could! When I'm not fortunate enough to help families welcome beautiful lives into this world, I have many hobbies, such as soap making and creative writing. I also love to cook and I am an avid reader.
My husband and I were high school sweethearts and he is very supportive of me and my passion for birth and children. I've never seen him look so serene and beautiful as the night he helped me deliver our youngest child and he was in complete awe of his new son.
I am a DONA trained doula. I am also working toward becoming a board certified lactation consultant. I am a WIC breastfeeding peer counselor, working under an IBCLC towards my certification hours. I have been helping women work for the births they desire for the past three years.
What exactly is a doula? Why would I need one?
Doula is a Greek word that means 'Mother's servant'. We are trained, professional birth assistants. The idea of women helping other women during labor is as old as time. Doulas offer a calming presence, encouragement and knowledge during a very vulnerable and important part on the journey to motherhood. With the help of a doula, many mothers have had much more pleasant birthing experiences. We offer a personal touch that is often lacking in today's birthing world. I know that your feelings and experiences matter and would love to help you achieve them.
When you think of a doula you may think of nothing more than massage and coached breathing. A doula is so much more! We are there to offer reassurance in time of doubt. We can bring a snack to an exhausted father. We can talk to a frightened sibling when mom can't handle speaking herself. We remind you of your options when pressured with an important birth choice. We find information and resources when you have run out of places to look. We can be a shoulder to cry on or a firm voice. A doula can be what you need for YOUR birth.
If you have the support of your partner you may not think you need a doula. Partners need labor support too. They get tired, overwhelmed and worried. A doula can provide your partner with a much needed break and reassurance that everything is going as planned. Partners who have worked with doulas are generally more effective and less apprehensive.
A doula is an invaluable part of any birth team. According to a paper published by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, there is a 36% reduction in the use of pain medications, 51% reduction in C-sections, 71% reduction in the use of oxytocin, 57% reduction in forceps deliveries, and labors were 1 hr. and 38 minutes shorter when a doula was present. A doula's job is to provide comfort, emotional, physical and informational support to expectant parents. My goal is to assist you in having a healthy baby and the birth experience you desire.
|
|