If you haven’t, go take a look right now.  There are more than 200 doulas pictured there, from all over the world.  It’s really a trip to see how diverse our field is, from conservatives to liberals, Christians to atheists, black, white, straight, gay and queer.  There is definitely a doula for every woman who wants one.  And if you’re looking for one in central Northern Illinois, perhaps this doula is the one for you.  /shameless plug.

I’m so excited to look at people’s faces and see the face of doula care.  We are legion, and we are amazing.

My first thought was to write about the history of birth …

(yes, I went there.  Pop star on a bear skin rug, yo.  How could I not?)

… but that turned into a 10-year long dissertation prospect, so I’m breaking it down into much, much smaller bits.

First look at the history of birth care:  La Trotula.  This is a compilation of several treatises on women’s health care from about the 12th Century AD, and it’s amazing.  Not only does it suggest any number of really, really nutty-to-us cures for female troubles, but it also puts forth helpful advice, actually things I would suggest to my clients.

“Let sneezing be provoked with powder of frankincense placed in the nostrils” and “Let her drink ivory shavings” and “Likewise, the white stuff which is found in the excrement of a hawk, given in a potion, is good” — none of these are going to make my Top Ten Tips for a Sweet Pregnancy and Labor.  I don’t even know where to get any frankincense.

The requirement to suspend coral from your neck couldn’t hurt, I suppose.  Unlike the white stuff from the excrement of a hawk.  Really?  Really.

But the neat thing I found in this book is the amount of advice that holds true 900 years later, probably because this is the kind of stuff that has worked for the last 900 years, and for the 200,000+ years before that.  “If her feet swell up, let them be rubbed with rose oil and vinegar…” and then feed the pregnant woman the best food you have around.  YES.  Also, when the pregnant woman reaches her ninth month, “let her be bathed often, let her belly be anointed with olive oil or oil of violets, and let her eat light and readily digestible foods.”  YES AGAIN.  Who doesn’t love a massage and a little pampering?  And if labor is difficult?  Walk around the house, slowly.  A THIRD TIME, I CONCUR.

When it comes to birth and the care of women who are birthing, there is really nothing new under the sun.  Massage, warm baths, good food and walking around area all excellent ways to care for the pregnant and laboring woman.  I like sticking with old favorites.  Except the hawk poo.  Getting rid of that was a big step forward.

More thoughts on the history of birth and birth care coming up during March for Women’s History Month!

This means I’ve met the high standards for labor support set by DONA International!  This means that Prairie Doula is now more awesome than before!  It also means that I can stop worrying and overthinking my application!

I’m feeling very win right now.

Katherine Keyes CD(DONA)

From 11:00am to 3:00pm at 263 E. Lincoln Highway, Prairie Doula and other doulas, childbirth educators, massage therapists, yoga and fitness instructors, lactation consultants, acupuncturists and members of the Northern Illinois chapter of ICAN will be milling about The House, ready to answer your questions.

This is a great event for pregnant women, young families, and those who want to get to know the purveyors of alternative health care in the DeKalb area.  We’ll have door prizes (Prairie Doula Services is giving a gift certificate of $75.00 off labor support services!) and giveaways for the first 50 people through the door.  The House Cafe serves up delicious food and drink, so stop in over lunch and check us out.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave them here in the comments or email me directly.  If you’re a vendor/service provider looking to set up a table and join the fun, let me know that too, using the comments, the email form on my Contact page, or emailing me directly.

Looking forward to seeing you there on Saturday, March 27th!