LET’S START BY TELLING EVERYONE ABOUT WHO YOU ARE AND WHY YOU DECIDED TO BECOME A DOULA.
Mercedes: “I’m originally from México and moved to NS in 2013 while I was 24 weeks pregnant with my first. When I arrived in NS that was the first time I heard the word Doula. I was offered to be a volunteer Doula through ISANS and the Volunteer Doula Program. At that point, I really didn’t know what Doulas were and chose not to have one. I took the HypnoBirthing Prenatal class and had an amazing birth experience. In Mexico, I used to be a Psychologist (had my practice) and I was a volunteer paramedic. When I took my HypnoBirthing Educator training (to be able to teach HypnoBirthing to expecting families), I took the training with a number of Doulas and started learning more about what a Doula does. It definitely piqued my interest, but I had a 6-month-old baby at the time and I didn’t know people in NS or had a babysitter. I didn’t feel that I was able to keep up with that lifestyle. It wasn’t until 2017 that I decided I was ready to take my doula training and had enough support in place to make it happen. Now we are a family of 4, I have 2 daughters, one 8 years old and the second one 6 months old.”
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER AND WHERE?
Mercedes: “I am a Birth and Postpartum Doula, I teach HypnoBirthing Prenatal classes and train educators. I support couples in their fertility journey and I am a Counsellor and Hypnotherapist. I have my counselling practice where I work with all types of clients, especially around perinatal mental health. I also work closely with survivors of violence (domestic and sexual) and I work with trauma.”
WHAT TRAINING HAVE YOU DONE?
Mercedes: “I was trained and certified as a Birth and Postpartum Doula through bebo mia and DONA. I’ve done training on the use of a Rebozo (a wrap/fabric used by native Mexicans during pregnancy, birth and beyond). I also have taken lots of other training around the use of Hypnosis for birthing (HypnoBirthing), Fertility, postpartum (HypnoMothering); DBL Baby Language (to understand newborn babies cries and better respond to their needs), Trauma, Counselling and specialization on Perinatal Mental Health.”
HOW MANY BIRTHS HAVE YOU ATTENDED? (HOW MANY IN-HOSPITAL VS HOME BIRTH?)
Mercedes: “Around 30ish, probably 25 in hospital and about 5 at home.”
WHAT (IF ANY) POSTPARTUM CARE DO YOU OFFER?
Mercedes: “I do offer packages of hours to be used as needed.”
WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING WITH YOU? WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO BOOK? WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR “DOULA STYLE” OR YOUR CORE VALUES?
Mercedes: “At this point, I only take on clients that have taken the HypnoBirthing Prenatal Class with me because I have very limited availability and I give preference to families I am already working with. My work as a Doula is very aligned with the HypnoBirthing philosophy where we work with our bodies to allow them to do what they’re trying to do. We work with letting go of anything that can affect the birthing process and getting rid of any fear or anything that can cause stress so that the birthing person can be relaxed and the process can happen as nature intended.
HOW DO YOU SUPPORT YOUR CLIENTS DURING LABOUR AND AT HOME?
Mercedes: “A big part of the support is emotional, as I mentioned before. Most of the work with HypnoBirthing is done during the pregnancy, in preparation for the birth. When we work with the birthing person during the pregnancy and help them change their mindset and get rid of all the fears and stressors they could have towards the birthing process, the birthing process is often easier, gentle and more comfortable. I also have knowledge of other techniques that can be used during pregnancy and labour to increase their comfort (use of rebozo, acupressure, massage, among others).”
WHAT COPING TECHNIQUES HAVE YOU FOUND MOST HELPFUL FOR LABOR?
Mercedes: “Doing a fear release when the birthing person is stressed can be one of the best tools to use. I also work closely with their breath and relaxation. I use a Rebozo and have used acupressure points. Water immersion is also great to help the birthing person relax.”
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT PAIN MEDS?
Mercedes: “I think they have a place and time to be used and they are great when they are needed, but I don’t think every person needs them. I think they are often too used and maybe sometimes even abused. I also think a lot of people use them without knowing the consequences of using them and how they can affect the birthing process and breastfeeding (among other things).”
DO YOU HAVE A BACKUP DOULA OR PLAN IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT TO A BIRTH?
Mercedes: “Absolutely!”
YOUR NUMBER ONE TIP FOR LABOUR? FOR PREGNANCY? POSTPARTUM?
Mercedes: “For labour, relax (I know, easier said than done, that’s why preparation is key!). For pregnancy, preparation is key! Information is power! Totally immerse yourself in pregnancy/birth and learn about all of it, so that you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family. Look into all kinds of classes and take one that resonates with you and your beliefs. But actually educate yourself in birthing and have a clear picture of what is important for you. For the Postpartum period, relax, enjoy your little baby, learn all about breastfeeding (if you choose to breastfeed) and forget about everything else. All that matters are you and your baby.”
If you would like to learn more about Mercedes and hypnobirthing, you can find her on Instagram and her website.
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