Doula : A women who is trained to assist another woman during childbirth and who may provide support after a baby is born.
Translation: A person with understanding about a trying situation who can assist the family during the transition.
Mom's are the first Doula's we know. They are there for us when we need them. They provide comfort and assurance when we are unsure of what is going to happen or how things with work out.
As I look back, my mom has been such a person in my life. She was here when Mary-Elizabeth was born, she and Dad were available for all the times we had to deal with in Cancer World. More than once she just heard a tone in my voice and knew her presence was needed to restore the balance in the universe.
I wonder if I can be that person for those who find themselves in Cancer World. Can I be there to have a cup of coffee or tea with a panicked mom and dad? Does a quick and easy meal made somewhere other than the cafeteria help? I think it does.
No cancer mom should ever feel alone. No parent should ever feel there is no one that can answer their questions. Especially the questions that come in the middle of the night. A person that can add meat to the bone of the explanation. A person that knows the nurses have instant hot water and can make a cup of tea in a moment of terror.
I think we cancer moms do a great job for those who are on the path but at the different part of the journey. We have the experience and more than empathy and understanding, we have experience. We have been there, done that and have the tee-shirt.
I wonder if we could figure out how to reach through the HIIPA barrier. As much as the social workers try, they won't hook up someone until the person asks. The parents are so freaked out they don't know they need to be hooked up. Quite a quandary.
Something to think about.
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