Support feels good!

​I am so excited to Welcome you into the new Member Area on bellabirth.org.   In the Member Area you will be able to read One Woman. Four Births, have access to this searchable archive of all newsletters, where you can comment and discuss the contents.  You will also be able to watch all the StoryTimes.  There is also a resource list.  It is free, and as simple as 'Signing up' (which you have already done).

I hope all is well, and you have the support you need, in birth and in parenting.

It feels good to be supported. It is reassuring, comforting, un-judged.
If you are not getting this support, do you know where to seek it?
Most of us are bumbling along, making it up as we go.  Usually because we are simply busy living!
For this reason, we tend to rely heavily on others, on 'experts' and friends and family, to fill in the gaps for us.  Unfortunately, this doesn't always mean being supported. In particular: it is the INFORMED aspect of support that is often lacking.  Let's Focus on the Two P's: Provides evidence-based information AND Provides time and space to digest it.
More often than not, we are 'advised' and given limited or no time to consider our options.  We are probably not being made aware of our alternatives to the advice.

The important question here is HOW DO YOU FEEL?
Tune into your feelings, are you feeling reassured, comforted, un-judged?  Or do feel pressured, or limited or rushed?  Do you feel like you can have any colour you want - as long as it is black?

In this newsletter we explore the theme of becoming informed and finding support.

• STORYTIME: 'The Story of the Little Mole who knew it was none of his business'
• FROM THE ARCHIVE: The Journey of a Modern Woman
•  'One Woman. Four Births'
• The Support Group on bellabirth.org
• What is a Doula? and do you need one?

also, a new bellablog post:

• Iv Fluids and Newborn birth weight

and some lighthearted poetry about normal birth

---

STORY TIME
The story of the Little Mole who knew it was none of his business.
A tale of becoming informed. Watch it HERE

​​READ IT!
One Woman.  Four Births.
This is my journey from First Time Mum to Birth Cartographer.

FROM THE ARCHIVE
Journey of a Modern Woman

​​NEED SUPPORT?
The support group exists off facebook*, and is just $20 to join. It helps you to DIY your birth preparations and determine the gaps in your knowledge and support-base.  Support Group members receive 10% off Mentoring Services
*Read Here about why you won't find me on Facebook anymore

​

​The flow chart below will help you determine if you need to bring in a 'third party'...a doula. 
(you can share this image via what is a doula?)

My Birth Cartography Mentoring Service is ideal for those answering NO, but not wanting to have a doula present at the birth.  I help you and your birth support partner to prepare for an awesome birth.  My package services give you Continuity of Support beyond the birth, as you find your parenting rhythm.
Find out about Mentoring Services
If you answered NO, and would like a doula to attend your birth or find out about service in our area, The Australian Doula Network has a new directory. Search for services in your area.
Search the Australian Doula Directory

Catherine is a member of the Doula Network Australia
I'd love to hear from you, contact me and i'll respond. 

---