Introducing Olivia Norberg - Birth Doula

Join us in welcoming Olivia Norberg to Northern Virginia Birth Services. We are thrilled to have her on our team! 

1. What brought you to be a professional doula?

Introduction to birth came very early for me. I was in middle school when I started attending birth workers meetings with my mom.  It was so interesting to me. When I was 15, my sister let me be a part of the home birth of her first child. It wasn’t until I had children of my own that I realized being a labor doula was something that I wanted to pursue for my career. 

2. What is your favorite part of supporting families?

One thing I really enjoy about being a labor doula is encouraging families to have the confidence to advocate for what they want. Sometimes birth can be viewed as just another medical procedure. It is very satisfying to see families take back their voice and work with their doctor as a team instead of being intimidated by them.

3. When did you become a mother?

I was almost a month shy of 19 when I gave birth to my son. 

4. What are some of your dreams/visions for your profession?

 I would love to see the mindset of birth changed. Helping women witness that it’s not a passive event but an intimate and spiritual one where they do have the authority to speak up for their body, their baby and their family. I anticipate that as a doula I can help support and empower through education for women to trust their bodies and their instincts.

5. What is your greatest joy in mothering your own children?

 There is so much joy in motherhood. From the good morning smiles, unexpected hugs, chubby 3 year old arms, to slobbery kisses of a baby. The list can go on and on but for me it is most rewarding when I see the impact that my husband and I have on our children. The little moments when my son, even at 3, stands up for what he thinks is right, is kind to his brother, holds the door open for ladies, or says a heartfelt prayer. Those are the moments I swell up with pure bliss because I can see that the energy and love I pour in to my children is helping to shape them in to men who can change the world,  and productive members of society who will make a difference and give back. That is what I live for.

6. What would be your best advice for a new mom? 

Throughout your life you will have those days where it feels like the only positive aspect about the day is everyone managed to stay alive. You will have a day where everything feels like it’s going wrong, it’s inevitable. My best advice on those days, the days when you feel like your head may explode, is before you do anything, take a deep breath, and say I love you. Those three words exhaled in the place of an explosion of frustration can make a world of difference. Another piece of advice I have lived by is listen to your instincts. You have a connection with your child that runs so deep. Listen to your mommy instinct even if it goes against everything everyone else is telling you. Trust your gut

What Say Ye?

What Say Ye......

To a woman who appears to be pregnant?

When you become pregnant you seem to become a magnet for many things to be said or even done to you! It can be overwhelming, create feelings of anger or even fear or just a feeling of being uncomfortable.

Personally, through my pregnancies it has always been insinuated that I get rather large, maybe too large. I must be carrying twins. People even asked me if I was sure about that! After six pregnancies and the third baby to be born this Summer, I know full well the weight I put on is just right for me and my baby. It is not indicative of twins. And yes I am sure there is only one!

So what is okay or NOT okay, when YOU KNOW a woman is expecting? 

1. Let Her Tell

Even if you think she is definitely pregnant let her be the one to share the news. Sometimes it is not so obvious yet and you don't want to ask if a mother isn't really pregnant. There can also be many more scenarios. Maybe she already had her baby, or she was pregnant and suffered a loss. You never know the story so let her share that news. If she doesn't then do you really need to know? Safe to never assume either. 

2. Ask to touch!

Ask before you rub her baby bump PLEASE! Some people are not comfortable with being touched by friends or family, let alone strangers. It amazes me how pregnancy seems to automatically change boundaries. It doesn't, so hands off unless the mother says it is okay. 

3. Don't Guess/Ask Due Date

"So your due in a month?" 

"No 3 months left." 

Don't ask for a due date or assume a mother is getting close to it or has a ways to go. How a woman grows a baby and carries that baby is unique and can be very different from someone else you may know. Also a due date is not exactly accurate. In fact it is a birth month as average gestation is 265-300 days. Exact dates create more pressure for a mom, especially in a social media world. " Hey have you had the baby yet?" "Any news yet?" Which brings us to our next point.

4. She will announce arrival!

Ugh! This is obvious you would think, but don't be surprised it is very common for people to ask close to the due date if baby has arrived. Don't ask or tell the mother something that is clearly obvious. She will announce the arrival when she is ready either in person with a baby or on her social media, texts or phone calls. Stop nagging her and let her relax as she prepares for the upcoming birth of her baby. 

 5. Compliment Her!

She is going through a miraculous change with growing a baby and it isn't always easy. A compliment can always help boost confidence in the midst of fatigue and pregnancy inconveniences. The amazing change that occurs in the woman's body to accommodate the growth of the baby is miraculous and every woman should be treated with reverence for such a beautiful thing from life. Confidence on her part and confidence in nature can come from uplifting words of encouragement from those around her. That confidence can help carry her through from pregnancy to mothering.