Need Advice on Being a Brithing Coach!!

I was recently blessed with the chance to be on the other side when my best friend went into labor a month and a half ago. It was the most amazing experience. She too, had her baby at a birthing center. I had two hospital births. I had no idea what to expect, how to act, any of that. But it came naturally. I just talked to her, telling her how great she was doing, not to give up, telling her how strong and amazing she was, and so on. (all so true) The birthing center experience was unbelievable! She gave birth in a bed, completely naked, all natural, the way God had intended. It was just amazing. She took the baby out, herself. They just do things differently there, in a good way. Afterwards, the midwife showed us the placenta and we learned about it. it was crazy cool! I never saw my placentas so it was just an all around neat experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Just enjoy the experience and everything just comes naturally. ~ N. ~

When I was prego, we went up north to visit family. A friend of mine had become a doula. I was scared to death to give birth. She gave me really good advice. I was only 6 months along and I really wished she could have been by my side, but I just kept thinking of what she said....
She explained to me how this is the closest me and my baby will ever be. We are working together to complete one goal. I cant do it without her and she cant without me.
She also said with every contraction, you are that much closer to seeing this precious baby you created! That is 1 less contraction yopu have to worry about.
I am not sure this will help, but it sure helped me. I was a nervous wreck...as you can tell this is my first.

You have both had other children so you know what to expect. I really wanted a birthing center, but my midwife did not deliver there. I am hoping to have a water birth for my next...if there is a next. lol You should feel very honored to be a part of this. She needs you for support and she knows you can do it. I would love to stand by my best friend's side and let her know how wonderful she is and what an excellent job she is doing. I know you wil find the words to express to her. After all, you are her best friend!!
Maybe look up doulas and birthing centers online. You will find alot of helpful advice. I also had oils prepared(soaked a cotton ball so it didnt make a mess). When I packed my bags, I packed a little toiletry bag with "birthing" essensials. That way it was easy to find. (Chapstick, scrunchie, oils, hard candy...)
http://www.homemakingcottage.com/mother/pregnancy.html
here is some natural and homepathic ways to birth your child, and info on pregnancy.
Enjoy this gift she is giving you!

H.,
You must feel good that your friend wants you to help through the birthing process. This is a key experience in a woman's life and being a part of it is very rewarding.

I have been a doula for the past 7 years and my advice to you is to just be calm, guide her through her contractions ONE AT A TIME, and reassure her that her body is doing what it needs to do and to just relax, BREATHE, and trust that everything is going to be okay. The more she relaxes, the easier it will be for her. Obviously, she has done some research on birthing, since she chose a birthing center. Birthing centers provide a very natural and calm environment, and it will be easier there.

Chill, relax and know that everything that is happening is normal. She is having a baby and that is a unique experience even if you have 20.

Hope I was able to help some. You need to be calm too and be there for her all along.

maybe you can go visit the birthing center and meet with someone there who can show you around & tell you what to expect :-)

what a fabulous thing you are doing!!

How wonderful! I had my daughter at a birthing center and loved it! It was such a different experience then at the hospital where I had my first two births. The main difference is it was very laid back, no constant poking and proding, no hook up to a baby heart monitor or the stress environment in the hospital. It was just more like experienced older sisters helping me to have a comfortable, safe birth. There was a hot tub that I relaxed in- I almost had my daughter there because I did not want to get out! ;> Also a birthing ball which helped to alleviate the contractions. I was also free to walk around/even outside if I wanted to. They did periodic checks with a hand held heart monitor to check on the baby heart rate.

I know the best part for me was that they gave my daughter directly to me and let her lay on my chest while they cleaned her off, checked her and Dad got to cut the umbilical cord, all right in my arms. I loved that I was able to hold her right away.

I would suggest visiting the birthing center, meet the midwife, and talk with your friend about what she wants. You should be allowed to bring in incense, candles, oils, flowers etc if she'd like. You can read up on different positions she can use to alleviate the pain and speed up the labor. Also, this might sound strange and it may not be for her, but when I had my son the nurse placed a mirror so I could see his head coming out and told me to feel his head coming out- that was so amazing to me. Instead of just blind pain, it helped me to focus on my son being born and truly connected me to the moment!

You have been there so follow your instincts of what she might need and keep her comfortable. Be sure she stays in the moment and enjoys the power and miracle of her child's birth!

May you all be blessed with a safe and wonderful experience!
A.

Dont worry too much about it if it is her 3rd the kid will most likely just pop right out of her!!! I am dead serious the more births a woman has the easier they come out!!! just do what you normally do talk to her and be her friend through it all! she will apreciate having someone else around to think of conversation!!! hospitals and stuff can get dull after the first hour!!!--C.