Doula - but i have pets
You have been thinking about hiring a doula, but you have pets.
Unfortunately, Dowdy the most magnificent Blue Merel Australian Shepherd has issues with stranger danger. You see he is a working dog, and he does not like new things. He is used to the normal daily grind. He loves his mamma and family as soon as anyone shows up, he is on guard. He takes his job seriously.
But then Marco, the rescue dog who is also a Red Border Collie and working dog, has been through a lot. He loves people but he also does not like chaos. You see he has spent a lot of time in the shelter and can get pretty excited with new people. He must be with mom at all times because she is his emotional support human. He must be in the middle of everything that she is doing.
Well then you got Maggie. You see this 65lb Red Bone Coonhound will steal your heart with her soft coat and her magnificent satin ears. She will greet you with the most powerful tail whip and if you are not careful a quick jump to sucker punch you to the ground for an extensive facial cleaning. She doesn’t mean harm, but she would much rather be in your lap, spreading out in the middle of your bed sleeping, or howling to be let out.
Do you have your other “Family” members in your birth plan?
You think that having a baby is going to complicate your life? Well, they do and your other “Family” members will too. Now what about your doula? You see the right doula for you will blend right in. They will help you and take the complications out of it.
When the time comes your animals, they will be right in the middle. But part of your doula experience should not exclude your animals. You see for me I love animals. If I didn’t, we would not have a miniature farm. Part of being your doula includes prenatal visits to get to know you and your pets. All of them. Most people don’t start their labor in a birth center or hospital; they begin their birth experience at home.
What happens when things start picking up? Are you a first-time mom or a veteran? Have you called your doula? Did you get the diaper bag and car seat ready? What about the dog? Are they going to eat my doula!
Some simple steps that can be done before your day:
Create a “dog plan” just like a birth plan
Who lets the dog out?
Who feeds them?
Where do they rest during labor?
Practice calm routines
Walks, crate time, or settling on a mat while you rest
Pack a dog station
Food, treats, leash, poop bags, toys, meds
Especially helpful if you’re leaving for the hospital
Remember that your doula is there to help in all your needs big and small. There have even been moments where the goat was a part of a family walk headbutting dad while mom was in a contraction. As a Hill County Doula your pets are part of the birth plan.
