Doula visit and dog training

So our Doula came for a visit last Wednesday. It was our first real visit after the interview!

She brought over a whole packet with things that would be useful as we get close to birth. We started with the easy part--we signed the contract and paid her fee. I thought it was very interesting that she had a provision if I needed a scheduled C-section, I would get half of the money back. However, for an unscheduled C-section (if I had labored and tried to push), I would not. That made sense to me.

The packet also had a list of things to pack for the hospital, a list of recommended books and videos, when to call her, and similar things. My favorite thing by far, though, was the "Wish List for Birth". This was sort of like a Birth Plan Lite. It had all of the options for birth in a checklist. We went though and discussed each one and my feelings about it. I really like the layout because it made me feel like we hadn't forgotten anything, but it was still really clear and concise.

Towards the end of the visit, we talked to her about getting the dogs ready for baby. She offered to bring over a doll so we could practice with the dogs! So I came home Monday afternoon to the cutest doll left on my doorstep! It's totally baby-sized and even baby weight. She told me the outfit was from her youngest! I love it! It's even got a monkey face on the butt, therefore, I've named him, "Monkey Butt". Creative, eh? I have to say, the dogs are doing wonderfully so far with their training.

She also brought us over a birthing ball, which Mr. Rhody inflated for me today. Between that and the 20 minutes I spent doing yoga poses, I feel great! I'm really looking forward to getting a lot of use out of this ball for our evening TV and computer time.

I think my favorite part of the interview is when our doula said, "Since you are so far along ...." I don't even remember what came after that! Let's go baby!