So we’ve officially engaged the services of a doula for our birth.

As I’m sure everyone knows (ha!), the word doula comes from Ancient Greek δούλη (doulē), which means “female slave.” Though most of the time I try not to think about that actual birth thing (who wants that?), when I do end up there, I think I’ll be glad to have anything approaching help from someone who knows what’s going on (no offense, Bart).

Bart and I agree that Donna, our wedding coordinator, was one of our best wedding planning decisions (when I say “our”, I mean “Bart’s”). She was a calm voice of reason on what could have been a super stressful day. So we figure, same concept here, right?

Margie, our doula, was referred by a friend (thanks, Karin!), and she’s attended over 200 births – that’s a lotta babies and such, when you think about it. She’s skilled in pregnancy massage (yeah!), aromatherapy (don’t ask), and apparently hypno-birthing techniques. Yep, good for pain, I suppose (or clucking like a chicken). There’s a package on its way to us with a birthing ball and a hypno-birth CD. I can hardly wait to try it out on Bart ;) Next up, Birthing Classes… So much to learn.