Baby Doula's Help Expecting Moms

Having a child can be a scary experience for not only the mother but the whole family.

But here in the Permian Basin there is a new type of support for old and new mothers.

It's called a baby doula.

Doula actually means mother to a mother.

And that's exactly what they do.

They help women from the moment they find out they're pregnant  to the actual delivery.

I caught up with one baby doula here in the Basin who told me what she does is the greatest gift she can give to an expecting mom.

Having that bundle of joy is a lot of hard work.

"With my first child I had an epidueral the experience was not what I expected at all and thats why the second time I wanted something totally different," said Candy Gabriel.

A totally different experience is what she got.

She hired a baby doula.

"I know that with some of my birth experiences theirs that moment of panic and I don't want anyone to feel like that," said Jennifer Land.

Jennifer acts as a de-stresser.

She helps moms relax before and during the birthing process.

"I am mothering the mother, I meet with my clients and ask what their wishes are," said Land.

In fact, in addition to helping mom feel comfortable, she helps fathers who might become overwhelmed.

"Sometimes the dads are their for the wives and want to be part of the process but they don't know what to expect either, during the labor I give them jobs to do," said Land.

"Jennifer would tell him hold her this way and stand in front of her and support her this way. So he wasn't so nervous like omg i dont no what to do i dont no what to do, he was so calm and he could actually enjoyed the labor," said Gabriel.

The doula also gives mothers advice for what to after the baby is born.

Tips on breastfeeding and even changing diapers.

Tt's a personal experince Candy says she has only shared with her doula.

Someone she turns to when she has doubts.

"To be a doula its a gift. You have to that nurturing nature and as a mom you are nurturing my children and I need someone to help me know that I am doing it right," said Gabriel.

"Birth is such a miracle and I love being a part of that for someones family, said Land, "And the process of someone becoming a mother."

Doula's assist women who are doing any type of births, not just natural.

If you would like to hire a doula or become one Jennifer told me she would happily assist other women in this process.

For more information on doula's you can contact Jennifer Land at radish4ever@gmail.com.

Or you can visit her facebook page at www.facebook.com/LittleLandings.

If you are pregnant and seraching for a doula visit: www.doulamatch.net.