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HIRE A DOULA!

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Char Haas CD (DONA)

Char is a DONA Certified Birth Doula, and available as a baby-sitter.

char&dogs02Hi, I'm Char.  I’m the tall one in the back. The puppies are, from left to right: Bear, Neill, and George. (Neill is the pup with the thumbs....) This picture was taken some years ago, Neill is ten now, and we’ve lost both dogs in that time.

I’m married with just the one child (unless you count the four footed son, and the six foot tall one.....)  Neill is adopted. I’d always wanted to adopt, being adopted myself, so when we found out that there was very little chance of my carrying a child to term, adopting was a natural choice.  We started out wanting an international adoption, so that there would be no scary birthparents in the picture, but for various reasons, our first attempt at adopting fell through.

Two years later, we came into contact with Krysta, in Ohio, and ended up adopting her baby.  I was in the birthing room when her son Nathan was born, and got to cut the cord. A number of things happened that she didn’t want, and I remember feeling so out of control and useless.  I didn’t know about Doulas then, or I’d have hired one for Krysta.

I first heard the word Doula later that summer, at a class on childbirth practices in the middle ages. The instructor was a Doula.  She taught us how to use a sling for a back carry, among other things.  I won’t say that I decided that moment that this was something I was meant to do, but it is something that has stuck in the back of my brain for nine years.  I’ve attended other labors since Krysta’s, mostly in the role of a good friend giving comfort and support... hey, wait... isn’t that what Doulas do?

It wasn’t until 2007 that I found out that there was a certifying organization for Doulas, and training specifically for this type of support.

In March of 2007, I attended a seminar given by Midwest Doula Trainers.  Amy, Ruth and Karen were AWESOME. It was an extremely intense weekend, 21 hours of theory, and practical workshops. I received my certification from Doulas Of North America International (DONA) in January of 2009.

I’m also a big proponent of baby wearing.  Babies are happier and safer in mom or dad’s arms than anywhere else, but your arms get terribly tired, not to mention that it is very difficult to get anything done with your hands full of baby!  Neill spent most of my waking hours in a sling, because structured carriers cut off the circulation to his little legs, and my arms.

I’ve begun making slings, under the beautiful bundles brand name.  Beautiful bundles slings are often available at Bellies and Babies Boutique in Well Rounded Maternity Center.

I am a Baby Signs7 Independent Certified Instructor.

e-mail CHAR

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