New blog

Goodbye, Old Blog!

Please visit my new blog at:

www.daynadueck.com/blog

I'm in the newspaper!

http://www.bclocalnews.com/lifestyles/56946317.html

Please note that there was an error in this article: I was not certified in November 2008 -- I started the certification process then. The process generally takes about 2 years but I expect to be certified in early 2010. I am happy to announce that I have completed one level of certification already -- I am now a member of the "A-list" referral group of the BC Doula Services Association. Check out their great website here -- lots of great resources for new parents.

FAQ!

Tell me about yourself...

I am a mom of four children under the age of eight. I gave birth in Maryland (hospital induction with an OB/GYN), Germany (with a midwife at a hospital), Alabama (in our van en route to hospital with my husband assisting), and British Columbia (at home with a midwife). I consider myself an educated person, but I was shocked at how little I knew about birth when it came time to have my first baby. After that birth, I started reading and educating myself. I have always been interested in birth and photography and find myself energized by the work that I’m doing. I love educating and supporting families and witnessing the mysteries of birth!

What makes Birthing From Within classes so special?

Birthing From Within is a unique kind of prenatal education that has been around for a long time. It was inspired by a book by the same name by Pam England and there are now BFW educators all around the world. To “birth from within”, you need to go inside yourself and see the resources and abilities that are already there – that you can take with you into birth and parenting. This is what we build on in my classes. It is not outcome- focused – so anyone can benefit from these classes, whether you are having a planned Cesarean, hospital or homebirth. Rather we focus on awareness during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. We practice pain-coping like one would practice yoga – by actually doing it! In my classes, we also use art exercises, discussion, and film to prepare for the psychological and emotional aspects of childbirth. BFW has been getting all sorts of great press lately, even from Dr. Oz. :) For more information, please visit www.birthingfromwithin.com

Where are the classes held?

I am so lucky to be holding my classes at South Delta Midwifery. I also hold “Birth Circles” there (community groups for moms due around the same time) and birth documentary discussion nights.

What does a doula do?

A doula normalizes birth through her presence. Her wealth of training and experiences can be drawn upon during the birth process and she provides consistent care and support to the parents throughout the birth.

As a doula, I have been asked to do all sorts of things: run back to the house to get a yoga mat, or provide much-needed massage during back labour, provide advice when all sorts of medical surprises come up – and my favorite task of all, taking pictures!

Why birth photography?

Birth photography has had a profound effect on me. I was still reeling from my first birth experience when I saw Rineke Dijkstra’s birth series at the Tate Gallery in London. These photographs changed my life. I had no idea that birth could be so powerful (she displays these women opposite portraits of bloody bullfighters). After that, I relied on birth photography to prepare for my subsequent births. We just don’t get an opportunity to witness births in our culture – birth photography is a great way to visualize birth and to learn about it.

It can be a wonderful experience to have a professional doula and photographer present so that dads are freed up to birth as fathers and so they can really focus on supporting their partners emotionally, as well as being their medical advocates.

Beach Maternity Pictures

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Fall-Winter Calendar

September 1st: “Fall Birth Circle” Meeting 7-9pm (open to all moms due Fall 2009)
September 11-13th: “Birthing From Within” Childbirth Preparation Weekend
September 12th: Birth Art Café 10am – noon (Open to all pregnant & postpartum moms)
September 15th: Orgasmic Birth Film Discussion Night 7pm
October 8th: Pregnancy Loss Group* 7pm
October 1st: Book Club* “Between Interruptions” 7pm
October 3rd: Breastfeeding Challenge 11am
October 6th: “Fall Birth Circle” Meeting 7-9pm
October 20th: TBA Birth Film Night 7pm
November 3rd: “Fall Birth Circle” Meeting 7-9pm
November 17th: TBA Birth Film Night 7pm
November 26th: Book Club* “The Birth House” 7pm
January 5th: Winter “Birthing From Within” Childbirth Preparation Series begins (5 Tuesdays)

* Book Club & Loss Group hosted by Wendy Frasca. Please email wfrasca@telus.net for more information.

To reserve your space at any of these events, please email daynadueck@me.com or RSVP on the South Delta Midwifery Facebook page.

Beach Day Photoshoot 6-30-09

Natural Light Portraiture Workshop 6-28-09