When it comes to giving birth, there are a lot of different options and opinions out there. If you’re looking for support and guidance through the process, The Beginnings Center may be a great option for you. I had a chance to speak with the owner and pregnancy and postpartum doula Madelene Martin, to learn more about her experience and the services she provides to pregnant women and new mothers.
An interview with Madelene Martin, the doula, and owner of The Beginnings Center.
How did you become a doula?
While I attended undergrad and grad school, I was involved with a non-profit that served mothers through the ups and downs of parenthood. There, my passion for helping women through birth and the postpartum period developed, and I was introduced to the career of a doula. When my husband and I moved to North Carolina, I opened The Beginnings Center and have loved supporting families in this way ever since.
What’s your favorite thing about being a doula?
I love seeing parents’ confidence in themselves build. It is so rewarding to have gently guided a parent through a new parenting skill, point out special parts that they thrived in, and see them smile and take a deep breath. Parenting comes with so much pressure, both at birth and postpartum, and I love being a safe space for my clients to share their hard feelings and thoughts along the way.
What’s the most challenging part of being a doula?
Living life on-call has definitely been a transition. Babies come when they are ready, and that means that doulas need to be ready at any time!
How long have you been a doula? What kind of experience have you gained in this field?
I have been practicing as a doula for over a year and a half. Continuing education is important to me, and I have gained specialty training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, infant feeding, and TENS units (a labor comfort measure tool). I also volunteer with Moms Supporting Moms and Triangle Area Parenting Support. Serving families walking through perinatal mood and anxiety disorders is a passion of mine.
Do you provide lactation support?
I am currently working on gaining my Infant Feeding Specialist certification, and I frequently help families with lactation at The Beginnings Center.
What is the strangest request as pregnancy and postpartum doula have you ever had?
I haven’t had a strange request yet, but one of the interesting things about my work is listening to such varied playlists! I have had clients make specific labor playlists and specific playlists for their babies. Labor music has included one-hit wonders, Hawaiian music, pop, and so many more! Some babies seem to love Taylor Swift whereas others are more into the sounds of heartbeats and waves.
Do you think having a doula is necessary for all pregnant women and/or new mothers?
Having a safe and trustworthy person to ask questions, share real and scary thoughts and feelings, and give mothers a break is vital in both pregnancy and postpartum!
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is considering becoming a doula, what would it be?
Take care of yourself! Just like flight attendants instruct you to put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others, we need to take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally before we can offer the best support to families.
Would you like to add any more information for moms-to-be?
Many parents experience scary and distressing thoughts, but you do not have to walk through these alone. Reach out to a trusted individual, a counselor, or your doctor to talk through these thoughts and feelings.
The Beginnings Center: Pregnancy and Postpartum Doula Services in Raleigh, NC
As a doula, Madelene Martin understands the importance of support during pregnancy and postpartum. If you are pregnant or have recently given birth and are in need of support, The Beginnings Center may be a great resource for you. Madelene offers consultations to discuss your needs and provides services that can help you through this special time in your life. Schedule your consultation on her website or give Madelene a call at 919-330-1183 today to get started!
Documenting your birthing journey is an amazing way to capture those special moments in time. You’ll have all these wonderful Maternity and Newborn photos that will document the growth of both you and your baby during this short but incredible life span!
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