The Founding Mothers Project

Since I recently shared with you about Isis Rising, I thought I might share with you some ways that you may become more involved (may it be near or far) in the doula program I work with in the prison. We are working on an exciting project which invites people on the "outside" to become more connected with the women we work with on the "inside" by contributing to a project which provides doula care for the mom's we work with.

The Isis Rising Founding Mothers Project is seeking 100 founding mothers who will each donate to the cause (hopefully each contributing $100, though ANY amount would be welcome). Each of these founding mothers will have their name, or someone else's name of their choice, incorporated into an amazing art piece, which will be displayed for public viewing at Everyday Miracles.

I definitely want to be a part of this project, and I hope that some of you will consider becoming a Founding Mother of this fast-growing and vibrant organization.

See details below:


Become an Isis Founding Mother
We are all connected and part of the same community
and by supporting those who are struggling;
we can better the quality of life for all.


WHAT WE ARE DOING

Everyday Miracles is has been supporting incarcerated women in Minnesota since 2009 through the Isis Rising Program.

Isis Rising is a prison-based pregnancy, birth, and parenting program provided to women at Shakopee Women's Prison. The program includes individualized support for expectant incarcerated mothers along with a mothering group facilitated by our doulas, providing support during birth along with the education and skills they need to be stronger, more connected mothers. We provide client-directed care and education through a multi-disciplinary team including doulas and midwives, psychologists, nutritionists, and parent educators. In partnership with our parent organization, Everyday Miracles, we provide support and education that breaks the cycle of child abuse and neglect, teaches mother-baby bonding, reduces recidivism, and prepares incarcerated women to be more capable and confident mothers.  

 WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY  

  

The number of women in prison has grown significantly over the past three decades. Many of these women are mothers and many of them are either pregnant when they enter prison or have recently given birth prior to incarceration. Consider the following facts:   

• One-quarter of women in prison will have either given birth within a year of their arrest or are pregnant at the time of arrest.
• The female prison population has increased by 872% since 1977.
• Prior to incarceration, more than 85% of these women were the primary caregivers of their children.    

HOW YOU CAN HELP   

The good news is that there is something you can do-become a Founding Mother! Our goal is to provide 10 women with educational programming and doula support with our 2012 fund drive called Founding Mothers. Your tax-deductible donation will help us reach our $10,000 goal. Each contributor will have the opportunity to have their names incorporated into a public art piece to be hung and displayed at the Everyday Miracles Pregnancy Center as a show of their support for our project. More importantly, each contributor will be making a difference in the lives of mother and child, mother and family, and communities across Minnesota.  Your contribution to Isis Rising will help us provide essential resources and support directly to incarcerated mothers.    

We believe that all humans have the capacity to change, grow, and transform through the birth process, do you? 

HOW TO DONATE

Online:

www.everyday-miracles.org

**At the bottom of the page click on the "DONATE NOW" link  

On Facebook:

 

**On left left hand side of the page click on "Donate" with the pink pig.  

    

Call our office:  

612.353.6293  

  

Snail mail:

Isis Rising- A Prison Doula Project 

Everyday Miracles  

1121 Jackson St NE #121

Minneapolis, MN 55413   

When making a contribution please be sure to include the name that you would like displayed in the Founding Mothers art piece.  

Words cannot express how truly thankful we are at Isis Rising for your time and for considering our cause. Your donations are greatly appreciated.  

Kind Regards,

Debby Prudhomme, Mary Williams & Erica Gerrity

What Every Dad Needs to Know About Having a DOULA.

I recently asked a past client (in particular the dad-to-be) what his thoughts were about having me attend their birth. I wanted to have some information to post on my website. I couldn't post everything that he said to my website, but I thought that some of this might be helpful for dads or partners who are unsure if they want to have a doula attend their birth. I always say the best way for a dad or partner to know what to think about having a doula attend the birth with them is to ASK a dad who has had the experience. Often times, they are the most enthusiastic about having a doula after the birth. I will say no more-- straight from one dad's mouth.

How did you feel that I enhanced the relationship with your wife during the birth?

You did a great job communicating with both Rachel and I together. Obviously, in many ways Rachel was your focus, but you always took time to ask me questions and ask us questions together. You recognized that we were in this together, I never felt separate or left out. Also, during the birth you never came between Rachel and I, and you knew just when to step aside and let us have time to ourselves.

In what ways did we work together as a team?

Again, communication was key. You were very inclusive in your approach before the birth and during the birth. It was clear that the three of were working together to get the baby born. Before the birth we always met all together and leading up to the birth and during the birth, decisions were made together. Once Rachel was in labor, you and I focused completely on Rachel, helping her through each contraction, encouraging her and taking turns sleeping through the night so someone was always with her. 

Did you feel emotionally supported during your experience of becoming a father? How?

Absolutely! Not only did you give Rachel encouragement, but you encouraged me as well. You always made sure I was doing okay, asking how I was feeling and if I needed anything. If you hadn't been there I wouldn't have had any support and I really needed it considering it was such a long labor. I remember while Rachel was being prepped for the c-section and I was waiting to go in you were there with me talking through the process and just being there. I was very emotional in that moment and it meant a lot to me that you were there.

Why would you tell other dads that they should hire me (or another doula)?

I think especially for first time dads having a doula is great! A doula is advocate for not only the mother but for the dad too. They can answer questions, help out during the delivery and generally make the process feel much less daunting. Also, as a soon to be dad you are the main support to your wife, which can be overwhelming at times, but with a doula you have someone to assisting in that and it really takes some of the weight off your shoulders. I would particularly recommend Hope as your doula for a number of reasons. She's calming, easy going, easy to talk to and work with, she won't undermine you or try to make decisions for you. She's very encouraging and supportive not only to the mother, but to you too. She's very knowledgable in birthing, responds quickly and is confident in what she's doing. Finally, she's committed. My wife had a very long, challenging labor and Hope was there every step of the way, I honestly don't think we could have done it without her. She's a rock star doula in my book and I would highly recommend her!

How to Choose YOUR Doula.

Two posts ago, I wrote about some ideas about how to interview doulas. After all of that hard work, you need to decide on which doula is right for you. While many doulas can answer interview questions in very different ways, there are some main things to consider:

-Who do you feel the most connection with, despite any other minor flaws they gave may have?
-Who do you most envision working with you throughtout the birthing process?
-Whose style fit with your style and comfort level the most?
-Whose voice was most soothing and comforting to you?
-How does your partner feel about your coice? If you differentiate, figure out why. It is best to choose a doula that you both will feel comfortable with.

When you have made your choice, let all of your prospective doulas know as soon as possible. Many doulas tentatively hold space open for prospective clients, and it is good to know if that space is going to permanently be filled so they don't take on additional clients, or if they now have that space open to accept new families. A simple e-mail note will work just fine.

You can hire a doula anytime; even when you are already in labor! If you have your baby and wish you had a doula, you can always hire a postpartum doula! The sooner you can hire a doula, the more you will get for your money. Most doulas offer unlimited phone and e-mail support, and that will come in handy when you start having tough questions come up, and interventions that are offered to you in clinic, before you are ever even in labor.

How to Interview a Doula.

(Image from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTsdsetdpNzUe0ryxkkVDGCIhsA3Y9BFCgnigU4WGJ7eYDJD-mQwlMIXpr8GMZXnDfV8ZAZod8HTWQV2YJncxGTDEPyJ0BWU_IcpzH3PWjb4wRvp_2YZB3A77fxbh3GA3d0mjKdOaD4o/s320/_+a+doula+3.jpg)

If you have made the choice to have the emotional and physical support of a doula at your birth, considering exactly WHO that person will be is a very important process. The most important part of interviewing doulas is finding a doula that fits you and your family. This should be obvious, but I would like to remind you of this important factor. When selecting doulas to interview, start with the basics:

-A doula who has a birth philosophy (information on their website, or that you can gather over the phone) that aligns with the kind of birth you are hoping to achieve.
-A doula who has availability on or around your due date.
-A doula who has been through a doula training program.
-A doula who is within your range of cost, and has a payment plan that works for you.

After you have narrowed it down to a few candidates, set up a time and location to meet for coffee, dessert, or a meal. A 30-60 minute interview is typical.

Things to keep in mind during the interview:
-How does the doula carry herself? Notice if she is quiet and calm, or confident and outspoken, perhaps both. You may prefer one style to another for the kind of support person you are looking for.
-How does the doula sound to you? Take time to imagine this voice speaking to your in your most vulnerable state; is her voice soothing and calming to you, or does it feel like nails on a chalk board? A doula's voice can be very important to consider.
-How does the doula engage your partner, and make him or her feel? Remember that a doula will work with your partner (and any other people you want to be present at your birth). Imagine how they might interact through that process, and think of how they might work together as a team during the process.

Interview questions: (Here are some to get you started, but add others that would be helpful to your personal background and pregnancy)

-What made you decide to persue doula work?
-What kinds of tools do you bring with to the births you attend, and how do you use them?
-Are you certified as a doula? Why or why not? What kinds of birth experiences have you had?
-What is your scope of practice? (It is very helpful to read over what this is, so you are familiar with what  each doula will or will not do).
-When do you join me in labor?
-How do you work with partners?
-What do you do when a labor is very long?
-What happens if you cannot be at my birth, because of a rare event or illness?
-Can I choose who my back up doula is?
-How does your payment process work? What if I need a refund for any reason?
-How many births do you take a month?
-Are there any times you are unavailable because of work or family obligations around my date?
-What does your doula package include? What kinds of things will we talk about in our prenatal meetings?
-How do you help women advocate for themselves when you notice their birth wishes are not being carried out by the care provider?
-How would you describe your style in working with women?
-What kinds of support do you offer in early labor, active labor, and throughout the pushing stage?
-How will you help to create an environment that is relaxed for my birthing time?
-Do you offer any specialties in your package for your clients?
-What is your favorite book to recommend to expectant families?
-How do you keep yourself up to date with evidence based information?

-Do you have a list of references or mothers you have worked with in the past?
-Do you have a back up doula that you typically work with? Do you have their contact information?


After you are done meeting with your prospective doulas, it is time to make a decision about WHO your doula will be. Stay tuned for another blog about How to Choose YOUR Doula.