The following list isn’t solely the expressed opinion of the Full Circle Doulas. Rather, it is the experiences they’ve had working alongside certain providers, recommendations that have been gathered, based on what others have said, & the more “popular” recommendations being shared around social media. Why are we doing this? Simple, because we are constantly seeing women asking for recommendations & receiving a whole list of basically every provider within a 35 mile radius… how’s that helpful? Why is this? Well, we are all unique! What works for one woman, may not work for another. So should you decide for yourselves to request recommendations, follow that up with a ‘WHY do you recommend them?’… You might be surprised to find that someone LOVED their Physician simply because they “allowed intermittent monitoring.” Or contrarily, “Allowed me to lay in my bed the whole time and didn’t suggest that I get up & move.” Some people feel a strong connection with them because they could act quickly and in a calm manner during a medical emergency. Whatever your cup of tea is, you should know why someone is giving a recommendation. Some people don’t desire the ability to take responsibility for their pregnancy & birth experience. But if you are one of those: ‘I want to know, I want to actively participate & take responsibility, and do what is considered best evidence,’ kind of gals, well than this is the place to be... First, you need to know and decide on a few things… -Your options for a provider: Obstetrician, Family Practice Physician, Midwife, or unassisted birth. -Your options for birthing facilities: Hospital, Birth center, or Home birth The biggest impact on your birth will be determined by your provider. Do you want to battle their policies & normal procedures the whole way? Do you want to sit in the victim's seat & just let birth happen to you? Do want everyone else to dictate your experience? Or do you want to take responsibility for your experience and maintain control over the decision making? Do you want to feel empowered & comfortable with the people you allow into your birthing space? Then this is the beginning of some very important decisions you are going to be making from now throughout parenthood... You must envision the birth you are wanting & what kind of space you want to be in. If you aren't high risk & you envision a birth where you can labor in the water, move freely, eat & drink as needed, be in the comfort of your space, have a provider that spends an hour with you at each appointment, covers things like chiropractic care, massage & is more hands off, then you might consider interviewing some midwives. If you are high risk or you feel like you need to be in a medical setting, where you can have some of these freedoms, but might need to compromise on a few things (because birth is unexpected) then you need to prepare and educate yourself. Starting with your provider. This isn't an attempt to scare you or worry you about your provider options. This is to get you thinking about what YOU want. *My goal is for everyone reading this, to leave feeling prepared, educated & supported! Not in fear over anything. Knowledge is power.
Birth trauma is real, unnecessary cesareans do happen, & far too many inductions (with a whole cascade of other interventions) are happening. The only way we can change the practice of maternity care is with our dollar. You pay these people (yes, they are human too), to give you their very best. To keep you safe, to keep your baby safe, to treat you with dignity and respect, and to work with you as a unique individual deserving of your own unique & positive birth experience. Interviewing providers It is okay & preferred that you visit at least 3 providers, to see who is a match for you! Who do you click with? Who answered your questions without making you feel rushed? Who actively listened to hear, instead of listened to speak? Who seemed honest? What was the wait time like before getting an appointment & while sitting at the office waiting for your turn? How was the staff? Did you feel welcomed or like you were being pushed through the assembly line? Was the office and rooms clean and tidy? Was it too “sterile” for you? Did your Doctor seem like a team player, someone who was going to discuss all your options with you & work with you, to decide the best course of action? You can hire & fire! You aren't going to hurt anyone's feelings- except maybe your own. Do not settle based on the extra work it takes to interview more than one provider. Don’t draw a random name based on a friend's recommendation, or worry about upsetting the Provider. If you are with someone now & you feel it's mediocre at best, interview more!! I have met women who had switched providers at 37 weeks & they were so glad they did. I haven't personally met anyone who was sorry they switched. Don't set yourself up for regret!! If you are in the hospital or whatever facility you choose to give birth at; and the staff tending to you don’t work well for your needs, or seem like they aren't there to support you 100%, there is no harm in asking for someone else! There might be hurt feelings, but it's better than the alternative, and you'll likely never see these people again. If you do this in a respectful way, there’s less of a chance of anyone getting upset. Moving on to the nitty gritty… *But first a disclaimer! These comments were gathered from various sources & for many of them, there were others who felt strongly against them. So, there are two sides to every one of them, that’s why it’s important for you to interview! Here’s what others had to say about the Top 7: Annie Overson CNM-Brigham City (There were absolutely no bad reviews for her! I can also attest to her incredible work ethics & care!) -"She makes you feel like you're her only patient and is on call for all of her patients. DR. Ferguson works with her and I cannot say enough about him either. Their isn't 2 more qualified people I would recommend. I worked in labor and delivery for 8.5 years and now the Nicu and professional experience, they are spectacular." -"Annie overson is in his office and she's incredible! I will not go to another clinic. I've seen annie through my miscarriages and pregnancy and her and her staff are incredible." -"We love Annie! She has genuine concern for her patients, is very sweet, down to earth, and on our level. I had a whole list of concerns and she read through them and immediately knew how to help me. I feel like no one judges me when I am there and it is a friendly atmosphere. I actually don't dread going to my appointments." -"Annie is absolutely amazing. She is an awesome doctor not once made me feel uncomfortable and truly was caring and kind. I had a wonderful experience and don't hesitate to go back to her when I have more kids in the future. She is great and her staff is also!" -"Annie is an amazing provider. She treats each person individually and with the utmost respect. She listens with her heart, and being a woman that is exactly what I need in a provider." -"Annie Overson is awesome to work with! Along with her staff. The environment is very friendly and welcoming. I recommend her or the office to anyone looking for a new OBGYN or just starting out seeing one. She's very kind and talks about what she can to help you reach your goals." Chase Peterson- Cache Valley -"I second Dr. Peterson. I moved from California in my last 2 months of pregnancy and he was so nice. He will answer any questions and if you call him when he's not the available he will for sure call you back ASAP. When I delivered my baby he was so caring and made sure I was comfortable with everything happening. Anyways he's great totally recommend him -My daughter in law just went to Dr Peterson at the Budge and loved him. My son said he took 2 hours to answer her questions about PCOS and they were well pleased." -"I have to give props to my OB at the budge clinic, Dr. Petersen, he was amazing at respecting all my now crunchy ways and even educated me about my placenta after delivery. (He also delivered my baby one handed...he didn't have time to put both gloves on!" -"I met him right when I was pushing. He was very calm, nice, and great bedside manners. I felt like he was my doctor the entire time. He supported delayed cord clamping and my saline lock. He didn't seem rushed to do anything and he just let my body do the work. I only pushed for like 6 minutes, but it was nice that he trusted my body. I truly liked him and I only was around him for maybe 30 to 40 minutes." Danielle Checketts LDEM- Brigham City/Home Birth -"Danielle has delivered my last 3 babies in my home. She always seeks to make the experience everything I want it to be. She brings a very serene, knowledgeable, and confident presence to the birth and is so great at allowing the mommy and the baby to create the birth that is right for them." -"The best care from the minute I walked into their birth center. We had an amazing, powerful and supportive home birth. Pampered and spoiled the whole way and postpartum care is extraordinary! Every visit was filled and were available every step of the way!! I love each and every one of them, the best team!!" -"The Cadillac birth package with Cadillac midwives!!!! Not only do they truly care about you but they are highly skilled and supportive! They listened to me and what kind of birth I wanted, and were amazing at my birth! Also, their postpartum care is so wonderful, unlike any other! They care so much about you and your baby! I couldn't have asked for any better! I will be returning to them for every baby I have, thank you Mermaid Birth for helping and guiding me threw my birthing experience! Highly recommend them!!" -"With Danielle and her team I was able to have the birth experience I had always hoped for....twice! Fully recommend mermaid birth." -"Danielle and her team provide such great prenatal and postpartum care. They made my whole experience, including labor and delivery such an amazing and empowering experience. Highly recommend!" Ricky Gardner FP- Tremonton -"He's very interested in learning about the patient. Finding out what the patients needs are and making sure that the final solution is achieved much more than other providers that I have seen in the past." -"He's the best doctor I've had. I would recommend him for anyone. He listens to the things that you're saying and the concerns that you have. If he's not sure of the answer, he will find the answer and let you know. He listens to your concerns." -"He is an extremely good listener and he treats you like you're just not below him. -He treats you as you're very important." -"He is a wonderful doctor. I would highly recommend him to anyone. I appreciate the care that he gave me during my pregnancy." Stanton Bailey OB/GYN- Brigham City -"He just delivered for me and he was great! He has a very naturalistic perspective on birth and he made the whole experience great! I wouldn't be nervous at all. He ended up having to turn my son and kept both me and the babe calm. His personality is just way relaxed and he won't rush anything if he doesn't have to." -"Dr. Bailey is a wonderful physician who truly cares about his patients. I'm excited he has come to Brigham." Jon Ahlstrom OB/GYN- Cache Valley -"He's amazing. When I went into labor with my son a day before my scheduled c-section he was out of town. He rushed into town an hour or so later so he could deliver my baby. Hands down the best doctor." -"I see Dr. Ahlstrom. His staff is awesome, and he really cares. Other doctors who know him really like him too, as do nurses. He does have a bit of what I refer to as "Male version of resting bitch face", but he is a nice guy. He can also go to either hospital, unlike a lot of others." -"Dr. John Ahlstrom it's a small office. Visits we short but thorough. He was the best Dr. I ever had deliver my baby. And I have had five different Drs. He was awesome." Tandy Olsen OB/GYN- Cache Valley -"Dr. Olsen is amazing he had been my doctor for the past 4 years I wouldn't trade him for another he has really good bed side manners and just makes you feel comfortable answers all questions and doesn't make you feel dumb with a small concern or question. He has delivered 2 of my babies and will be delivering my third in November." -"I second Dr. Olsen he's top notch." -"He's been my doctor for 6 years and delivered 2 of my babies. He's great!" -"Dr. Olsen is absolutely the best out there. My story for my pure devotion was when my daughter at 16, her OBGYN wouldn't listen, the OBGYN on call the night I brought her in wouldn't listen. The next day Olson was on call when I brought her back in. After checking her, with tears in his eyes, he held her hand as he told her that today was going to be the worse day of her young life. She delivered hours later at 21 weeks...fast forward a few years...he has helped her successfully carry to almost term 2 little amazing men, he has been great with our entire family." -"I love Dr. Olsen, he is a awesome doctor, and very personable, he explains everything that he is doing, and is super nice!" -"Tandy Olsen!! He goes above and beyond!!" -"Dr. Olsen help me with my natural VBAC. He was simply the best!" -"Dr. Olsen really is the best. He came in on his day off to deliver my baby just last week and was so awesome." -"I used Dr. Tandy Olsen. He was wonderful! I ended up needing assistance with delivery and he told me about all the options I had and let me choose. I never felt pressured to do anything. I will use him again." ***Thomas Clark**** Dr. Clark has been included on this list because of the many recommendations & outstanding care he has provided for women and families in our community. Though he is no longer accepting pregnant patients or catching babies. The hospital was insistent that he no longer attend births since back up arrangements couldn’t be provided. We hope that one day, the politics will change. Until then, go see him for other family care! -"I feel like Dr. Thomas Clark is an excellent physician. He explains things clearly. I just wish more doctors were like him. He's been our family practitioner for the past 6 years and delivered 2 of my children. I just think he's the best doctor Logan has." -"He is our family doctor, and I am going to be sad when we move away. We have been going to him for seven years. He was my OB doctor with my first baby, and he has been my doctor with all my other babies. He treats us like people and not just as a patient. If we haven't seem him for a year and even when we come back he remembers us and what we talked about." -"Very knowledgeable with pregnancy and diabetes, with his help I have been able to keep my A1C down. Anyone with diabetes I recommend. And has given me the best care I have gotten from anybody." -"He remembered things that were multiple years back in history from the time I most recently visited him. He has explained things very clearly and thoroughly. He has shown attentiveness on an individual level that's been very impressive. I know he's working through an immense client load so I'm impressed the time he spends with this patients. I feel like I'm the only one when I go in there." Should the “Top 7” Not work for you, here’s the rest of the: 'Also recommended providers'! **This is not to say that one is better than another. Rather, it was based on the number of recommendations & the physician’s willingness to provide options, support, and work well as a team member on your birth team.** David Kirkman- Cache Valley -"Dr. Kirkman! I've had 3 sections, and he's still letting try for a vbac. He is basically willing to help you try whatever delivery makes you happy, as long as it's safe. He's VERY supportive." -"Dr. Kirkman is absolutely fantastic. He was my first male OB and I was nothing but impressed. Very caring, yet laid back and super calm. He is awesome." -"Kirkman, kirkman, kirkman!! 6 days past due and he never pushed an induction. Explained my options but never pushed. I trusted him very much. His nurse and PA are wonderful too." -"Kirkman hands down I pushed for two or more hours with the nurse and when he came in he had my son out in minutes cause he knows his stuff! And he listened to all my request and never pushed me away from my own decisions." -"I was very grateful to have Dr. Kirkman as my OB. He is so patient, kind, and open minded." Brett Horsley OB/GYN- Cache Valley -"Dr. Horsley is the best. His staff & him are amazing. He is a high risk pregnancy doctor so if anything did go wrong he is highly trained for any situation." -"I loved Dr. Horsley! He was very supportive of a VBAC for me. He wasn't my doctor for my first when I had the c-section, but he encouraged me and helped me to have the experience I was hoping for." -"Dr. Horsley is my doctor he's super nice, funny, listens to u and seems to genuinely care." -"I have used Horsley through one high risk pregnancy and am now seeing him for another. He has really been great to give me the best care possible and takes the time I need for my situation." -"I'm just going to go ahead and add to the 30 other comments and say that Dr. Horsley is amazing! He has been my Doctor for years, and I have really liked him." -"He is trained in some natural medicine too. I know of at least one mama in here that didn't like him, but everyone else I have talked to loves him. He was very supportive of all of my choices including delayed cord clamping. He is not pushy at all. I had an easy pregnancy, though. Not sure if he's more pushy with high risk." -"Horsley was AWESOME with my VBAC delivery 2 years ago! Very supportive of whatever decisions we wanted to make. Took his time and listened." Gary Fowers- Cache Valley -"Dr. Fowers hands down!" -"I had Gary Fowers deliver both of my girls and he is an amazing OB doctor. He is delightful, energetic, always cheerful, down to earth, very knowledgeable in what he practices, all around great guy and great doctor." -"He's the best ever. He's very personal with his patients. He never makes you feel rushed, or make you feel like he needs to get out of there. He takes time to respond, give professional opinions. He tells good jokes." -"He's the best OBGYN doctor I know. He does the best job to make sure you're being respected and makes sure that any wishes you have during your pregnancy, he will give you what you want." Erica Smith- Cache Valley -"Erica Smith is wonderful! So personable and understanding. I had one with an epidural and one natural and she was super supportive and helpful with both deliveries. I totally recommend her!" -"Dr. Erica Smith at Budge Woman's Clinic!!! She truly is amazing, understanding, takes her time not rushing you out with unanswered questions. She is taking very good care of me during my high risk pregnancy and she is reassuring and encouraging." -"Erica Smith at the budge clinic. I just had a baby, with some complications, and she was amazing. She listened to my every worry, addressed them and helped me feel better and know everything was ok. I highly recommend her." -"I've enjoyed Dr. Erica Smith but I agree with above comments that interviewing providers would be best. I wasn't high risk but I did have 2VBA2C with Erica. I felt like she really cared for me." Moon- Cache Valley -"If you’re looking for a midwife D'Anne Moon at the women's center at the lodge is the best!! She delivers at Logan regional." So there you have it!! Did your favorite Provider make the list?! Let us know! And don't forget these were 'popular vote', everyone chooses many providers based on their own unique experiences! Can you attest to one of the Providers listed? Comment below to let others Know!!
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So you may have heard of a Doula from a referring friend (hopefully), or maybe your care provider (definitely hope so) or somehow you managed to stumble upon the term, googled it & thought 'I could certainly use a “Servant” during my pregnancy, labor, and birth!' Now that certainly isn't my favorite term to use when describing my job, but if google defines us as that, it must be true right? ….
However, that is what we do! We serve pregnant women & their families in the prenatal & postpartum period. In more ways than one… That's a blog for another day... The question we should really be asking: 'Is she really only available to assist the expectant woman with finding resources, providing her with valuable and reliable information, so that she may make decisions based on her beliefs? Does she really just educate the mom-to-be, support her in many mental, physical, and emotional ways? Then at the time of her labor and birth, waltz into the place and save her like a super hero? ...At the end, expecting a round of applause, and many thanks for giving this woman the birth experience she desires? While the delusional side of me says: 'hey, that kind of recognition might be kind of nice once in a while.' ….Kidding. The realistic side of me says 'No thanks, this isn't my birth story!' I'll let you in on a little secret, are you ready?...... ….. Doulas are just as much for the birth partner as they are for the pregnant mother! If not more. Shocker, I know. Here are 5 ways that a Doula Supports birth partners… 1. One of the BIGGEST reasons (in my humble opinion) that I believe Doulas are as important for the partner, as they are the mother; is that we pregnant mamas, expect A LOT of our support persons. I think I can speak for many women when I say that their partner performed *ahem *, less than satisfactory while supporting them in their labor & birthing time. It's all rainbows & unicorns when we are spending our time day dreaming about the bliss we will be in during our labor. Thinking about how our partner knows exactly when and where to apply that counter pressure. As he suggests a position to help turn our OP baby, reads the perfect hypnobirthing script, pulls out the rebozo, wipes our brow with a cool cloth, massages our hands and feet, then answers all the questions & wards off any unwanted interventions from the medical staff…. Dreamy right? But lets be honest for a moment. Our partners do love us, they want to help us, they are excited and nervous too. They want the very best for us & the baby. Yet, your run of the mill hospital childbirth class isn't exactly going to give them the education and support they need to help. Maybe they did learn a lot about childbirth, and (hopefully) you both attended a very informative and helpful education class for learning about physiological birth, & coping skills. However, when you have a persistent staff member trying to insist on something you aren't ready for yet, they may feel incompetent and like they're being put on the spot. Maybe seeing you in pain makes them uneasy, like they need to “rescue” you. Maybe the hospital setting in general makes them anxious. Those wonderful positions you showed him online? Forgotten. That article about the risks and benefits of artificial rupture of membranes? 'Oh, did he really have to read that?' So here we are thinking our partner is going to come in like a knight in shining armor with the touch and charm of McDreamy, but in reality everything they just learned has unfortunately escaped them. They are now anxious, trying to scramble for the right words to say, right where to touch or whether to touch at all and then shutting down. Resorting to what's on t.v., where they can get a bite to eat, or just blankly staring at you and waiting for you to tell them what to do. Sounds helpful right? I know I can't speak of all partners this way because I am positive there are many loving, well educated, prepared, & experienced partners out there being amazing birth support. More often than not though, the majority are pretty baffled at what E.X.A.C.T.L.Y their role is. -Insert Doula. She is a guide and a helping hand to the partner. Encouraging them and showing them what could be helpful at that very moment. She helps them, help you. A good Doula will be the one that's possibly off to the side, guiding and instructing your partner on what ways they can help you manage the pain, what positions can be effective and helping them to reassure you or move you. She is more behind the scenes, instead of one of the starring roles! 2. Setting the example. Maybe your partner is normally anxious or just being at the hospital makes them anxious. Maybe they are quite funny normally, but don't know that there comes a time when the humor is no longer acceptable. Maybe they are very sensitive to you & your emotions that they practically weep with you. This is where the Doula can simply make a difference by doing nothing other than setting a positive, calm, confident example of appropriate behavior and composure. After all, if there's nothing to be anxious over, she isn't going to behave that way. When she recognizes you are in the later stages of labor, she isn't going to crack a joke. She also isn't emotionally tied to you, so she can cheer you on and believe in you in a confident manner. Even if you aren't coping so well, she can be a great reminder that you are strong. 3. Bridging the gap of communication with your care provider. A good Doula will come with extra birth plan copies in her bag. She can remind you both of your wishes and nudge your partner to remind him to ask for more time to come to a decision. You don't want to feel put on the spot or caught off guard with suggested treatments/interventions, while you are working hard through a surge. She is not there to speak on your behalf. She is there to empower you both in making your own decisions, and voicing your wants/needs. She can help him or you ask for the time to decide, taking the pressure off of the both of you. 4. A knowledgeable support persons. Basically your own walking and talking google. She is a trained and educated birth professional. If she doesn't already have the information in her head, she will help you both find it. Then understand it, and then step back as you both discuss it and come to a conclusion. Having options and assistance in making an informed choice is crucial to your experience. 5. Back up. If your partner just needs some time to regroup, rest, eat, use the restroom, whatever it may be. Your trusted Doula can step in and take over while they do so. She is not there to take the place of the partner. You likely don't want to remember gazing into her eyes and think of her as you remember your experience later on. She is the facilitator. She won't be going home to raise the baby(s) with you. You want to remember sharing your intimate experience with your partner! This is you guys' time to bond and prepare for parenthood. However, this is strenuous work for the partner as well and they have to be taken care of in order to take care of you. Maybe, your partner won't want to take a break or leave your side. The good news is that your Doula can step away and grab your partner a snack, a drink or just simply give words of encouragement and continue to guide them on how they can best assist you. 6. Heaven forbid your baby need any immediate or special medical attention, they might not be sure on whether to attend to the baby or to stay with you. Certainly they'll want to be with the baby, but might feel bad for leaving you alone. You don't have to be alone when your Doula is present. Your partner can go with the baby, and your Doula can stay by your side. Helping keep you informed on the present situation, calm and not feeling scared and alone. There are several ways a Doula can be beneficial to your partner, but these are 6 very common and big ways they can help them, help you. Your partner knows you, your Doula knows birth. Together they can make a wonderful support team during this very special and elaborate process. Then you can relax, put all of your focus into your hard work of birth, and let go of any worries. Just knowing that you have these two working as a team to lift you up, Support you, cheer you on, and believing in you; can make all the difference in your experience. I'd like to hear about any other ways you've found a Doula to be helpful to your/a partner! Comment below!! |