Thank heaven for doulas

As first-time parents, there are a lot of unknowns coming our way in the next few days. Not the least of which are questions like: How do we know if it's labor? How long can we (or should we) wait before going to the hospital? And how can we tell when it's time to go?

Thank fully, E did some research on doulas, who are essentially labor coaches (a more complete definition is here). After making some calls, we found a great doula locally. She's available by phone 24/7 and will help us know when E is in labor. Once labor starts, the doula will come to our home and help E stay as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Best of all, she can tell us when it's time to go to the hospital.

While she can't communicate with the doctors and nurses at the hospital, by being there for us, she will help us make sure that we advocate for ourselves so that we have an experience that is as close as possible to our birth plan. This is especially comforting given the fears we have about medical intervention and the possible effects on both mother and baby. (See "The Business of Being Born" below.)

Without this kind of guidance, especially since we're at T-minus five days, I'd be a complete basket case. But knowing that we have the support of a good doula, we're both very calm about the whole process.