Dear Client,

You’re in labour. The doctor is suggesting something unexpected.

You’re not sure what it means—and the words just blur together.

You aren’t sure if it is the best decision for your baby.

You are scared.

You can’t think clearly or tap into your intuition right now. It’s completely overwhelming.

You start to doubt the choices you have made so far.

I get that. I’ve been there too.

It’s not because you haven’t prepared yourself enough.

It’s just the most difficult thing you have ever done and you are being asked to make decisions quickly, on the spot, and it involves the first really hard decision to do with your baby’s wellbeing.

No wonder you are scared and overwhelmed.

No wonder you can’t make up your mind right now and you just want to leave and not deal with this now but you can’t.

I stand next to you, take your hand, smile at the staff, and restate the benefits of the procedure slowly. Then the risks of the procedure slowly. I take a breath each time knowing my calm will be your calm for now. I help you ask if there is another option. My hand on yours helps you feel grounded. Repeating the information in this way instead of asking you to make a decision gives your brain the opportunity to stop panicking for a moment.

I don’t tell you what I would do even though you ask me. I help you come back down into your own body and make that decision yourself so you feel like you are being heard and you have time to process it.

Labour is hard work and it’s not always the physical aspect that is hard. Sometimes you have to make quick decisions when your brain and your body are completely overwhelmed.

That’s why I’m here.

That’s why I show up exactly when you need me.

But, I want you to remember. You calmed and took a breath too. You made a really hard decision. I was there to help, but you took a moment, thought about it, and you spoke to the doctor stating your choice. No force. Just calm, centered, decision making when you thought you couldn’t.

I’m so proud of you!!

Your Doula ♥️

When you are offered a test or treatment you can ask how urgent the situation is and if you have time to ask questions and figure out options.

An easy way to remember this is: BRAINED

B - what are the benefits of this recommendation?

R - what are the risks involved?

A - what are my alternatives?

I - what does my intuition say about this?

N- can I do nothing, can we wait (not now), what is next?

E- is this an emergency? (can I have time to breathe and think)?

D- what is my decision?

If you want someone by your side who brings clarity when things feel overwhelming, let’s talk. I’m here to help you feel calm, confident, and connected—no matter what unfolds > Free Consultation with Tara