different Mama's, different binders?

[Cherylkind]

I have only given 1 client a binder so far (2nd client tomorrow) and that first binder was special, because it's a homebirth client, who is due any day, so I didn't waNT TO overload her with more info then she'd have time to read.

My next client is a 2nd time homebirther, and so has already been through much of this stuff, and doesn't need all the same info.... so I'm considering making a special binder for her as well.

I'm now debating having a master copy with everything, and then just putting what I feel that client needs in their binder (ie- a homebirther doesn't need pain med info, and someone expecting a girl doesn't need info on circ, and so on). I think this may make things easier for me as well, with each client feeling more individual and knowing the info I give them is tailored to them.

Does anyone do this? Any thoughts on this?

[earthangel]

I do think that a home birthing mom needs info in pain medications, because they could transfer and not know their options. And, what if mom thought she was having a girl that turned out to be a boy? The more info, the merrier. I think all the information is relevant.

Having a copy of the master will save you time and help mom in many ways.

A table of contents would be good though to help her read what interests her most.

[AussieDoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cherylkind a homebirther doesn't need pain med info and someone expecting a girl doesn't need info on circ

What if the homebirth mama has a transport, and "definitely a girl" turns out to be "Surprise! It's a boy!"?

Even glancing over the information prenatally may help your clients feel more in control of unexpected situations that arise because they were slightly prepared just in case.

Not all mamas will aim to "be prepared just in case" but we know labour is unpredictable and it can sometimes be helpful for a transport mama (for example) to be able to say "Oh yeah, pitocin; I remember reading something about that in my binder" as opposed to feeling overwhelmed by the decision-making process because she is completely unfamiliar with all of the new options applicable to her circumstance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cherylkind I'm now debating having a master copy with everything, and then just putting what I feel that client needs in their binder

The beauty of a binder is that you can present all the information and then let the client decide how much she wants to read, what she finds relevant, and which handouts she wants to keep. Knowledge is power, and it breaks my heart to hear postpartum mamas saying "I just didn't know. No-one ever told me."

This doesn't mean you have to do all the work for her, of course. Help her be part of the process, an active participant in her own care and in seeking out the information she needs to have a positive birth experience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cherylkind I think this may make things easier for me as well, with each client feeling more individual and knowing the info I give them is tailored to them.

Something that I personally do is offer generic binders with information about everything. In the front of the binder is a form clients can fill out that allows them to request more information on specific subjects if they want it (I also use the same form as part of one of our prenatal appointments after discussing birth plans). You might be surprised about the secret fears some mamas have that seem irrelevant to her birth choices, and the things some mamas want to learn more about.

I do think a personalised binder is a wonderful idea (especially if mama is involved with the creation of that binder or can request specific information to add to it later), and it may even become something that sets you apart from other Doulas in your area.

Good luck!

[LParks]

IMO all moms need all the info they can get. What if they expect a girl and ends up they have a boy. Your info on circ could very well be the only thing they read about it. I would put all info in every binder and let mom decide what she needs or doesn't

[Supermomma]

I have a client who is a scheduled c-section. This is her scond baby, the first was an emerg section. But because we know her due date and we know her section date is before her due date, I didn't give her my regular binder with everything. I made one geared more towards her needs.

[DL]

All of my binders are identical, so clients get the same kind of binder. They read the information that interests them and don't read what doesn't (this includes Cesaarean birth options and information). I use the binders as mainly a supplement to my prenatals and a springboard for more detailed discussion on any particular topic if they wish. Regarding circumcision and homebirth: I have had a homebirth client that did choose to have her baby boy circumcized on the 8th day after the birth, so just because one is homebirthing doesn't necessarily mean that circumcision info will not be needed. I think it's always wise to include all information because you never know what choices they may need to make or will choose to make regardless of what type of birth they're planning.