How do you stay awake?

Jackie7183 · 06-28-2006, 03:53 PM

I dont know how many of you have other jobs besides your doula work, but I have a full time job 8-5. I have a client due next week. So last night I was watching CSI trying not to fall asleep, and was thinking, "If she called right now, I dont know how I could stay up for another 12/24/40 hours. So my question is, how do you deal with that? Do you drink coffee (I hate energy drinks and cant drink them), eat something healthy like trail mix, etc? What do you do?

I am sure energy and excitement would carry me so far, but I am thinking there has to be something else to help.

Thanks for your input!

tlcdoula · 06-28-2006, 11:22 PM

I drink lots and lots of coffee!!!! Also I am very blessed in the fact that if I am tired I can power nap for ten minutes and be up and ready to go again. Thanks for this goes to my dad LOL who has the same ability.

AussieDoula · 06-29-2006, 02:40 AM

Usually I can make it through, but for those times when I have already been up with insomnia, I use natural stimulants.

Lemon - As a very powerful natural stimulant, lemon oil is exceptionally effective in reducing the effects of mental fatigue and listlessness while regulating the body’s natural immune system and resistance levels. Great for increasing energy and motivation.
Ginger - A powerful natural stimulant that is also good for nausea. A double bonus is that it's a natural uterine stimulant, so having some could help speed up mama's labour and keep you awake (caution: very strong - a little goes a long way)!
Eucalyptus - Soothes muscle strain, relieves fatigue, and is a potent mood-lifter. It also has great antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral qualities.
Colour Therapy - Lemon again. The key application of the colour lemon in colour therapy is in mental stimulation. Lemon is vitalizing and stimulating to the brain. It has proved to be effective in treating and alleviating conditions such as Alzheimer's, senility, etc. It can be used to help stimulate the brain's natural abilities. The colour lemon is different to yellow, as it always has a shade of green within the spectrum, and in lemon, the green works as a cleanser. The colour lemon is a cerebral stimulant, sexual stimulant (hehe), activates the thymus gland (controlling growth), and a cleanser.

Hope that helps you a little, I can't drink caffeine it makes me jittery if I take too much!

heathenmamaof5 · 06-29-2006, 03:26 AM

I use Excedrin Migraine and Pepsi. I love coffee but don't like to breath it into the clients face because our senses are so hightened in labor.

I also try to get extra sleep if the client is showing signs like losing their plug or this cramp or that or even the "I'm sooo sick of being pg!". I'll make sure to go to bed early or try to get a little nap in.

Jackie, you're right in that you will get a huge shot of adreneline that will carry you through for a long time also.

Hey, did I hear you went to the Valley/Foothill Doula Collective meeting last month? Cool!

fearlessbirth · 06-29-2006, 10:09 AM

Hi Jackie!!!

I also work a 9-5 job and go to school and there have literally been times where I wanted to turn off my phone and hope the mom didn't call. I would NEVER really do that but it sure is tempting sometimes. I will tell you though, that adrenaline rush is like nothing else. I've never not 'made it' at a birth...before I leave the house I take a refreshing, quick shower and drink a bottle of water with Emergen-C in it and fit in a snack if time permits. If not, I have lots of Emergen-C packets and Luna bars in my doula bag....if I get really exhausted (which can happen sometimes if mom gets epi and is napping and all the excitement seems to 'stop') I go wash my face or take a brisk walk around the hall or waiting room.

MothertheMother · 06-29-2006, 02:27 PM

Emergen-C is the best thing ever! I even have my dh drinking it sometimes instead of powerade etc!

MamaAshley · 06-29-2006, 02:46 PM

I'm going to have to try this Emergen-C stuff b/c everyone says it gives you some good boosts of energy, which I'll need for a client if they go into labor before I get any sleep! With 3 young kiddos, one nursing still, I need the energy anyway!

fearlessbirth · 06-29-2006, 03:01 PM

Yes, and it's very reasonable too. Like .59 per packet or a whole box for $9.99. They are a MUST HAVE!!!

Edited to add link:
http://www.alacer.com/cgi-bin/dbsear...eturntitle.htm

No, I am not employed by the Alacer company...

Jackie7183 · 06-29-2006, 03:58 PM

You can get it at TJ's too! Thanks for the suggestion, I have a box and some in my birth bag, ready to go.