Beth Murch
Beth Murch, Size-Friendly Doula
As a plus-size woman, I have firsthand experience with how the medical system treats people of size. I know what it is like to have a bladder infection and to be told that if I wasn’t so fat, I wouldn’t be sick. I understand the frustration of wanting to wear cute maternity clothes and not being able to find a shirt that buttons over your breasts and the aggravation of trying to find a baby wrap or sling that accommodates your lush and lovely body. Unfortunately, the one-size fits all perspective that many of our care providers take when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth leaves those of us who can’t fit into those tiny little molds feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, unheard, and disrespected.
What if you allowed yourself to love everything about your body –even your weight; especially your weight – without apology? What if you gave yourself permission to take up space? What if you demanded that you were worthy of the same dignity and respect that everyone else is entitled to? What if instead of counting calories, you counted blessings? What if you celebrated how your curves wrapped around your baby’s body? What if you enjoyed the nourishment your peaks and valleys provided your little one with? I challenge you to honour yourself – right here, right now, just as you are – and to make the decision that you are going to empower yourself as you walk along the path to motherhood. You are not a victim – you are a survivor! You are not a patient – you are a warrior! You are not a dress size or a number on a scale– you are beautiful!
My commitment to you as a doula is to provide you with exceptional, personalized care that nurtures you, strengthens you, and allows you to enjoy your birthing experience. My goal is to assist you in having a safe, healthy, inspiring birth – whatever that looks like to you – whether that is at home, at the hospital, in water, in bed, medicated or unmedicated, vaginal or cesarean section. My birth philosophy is that women birth best in an environment where they feel secure and when they feel surrounded by love. Let me help you to create a space that is uniquely yours by not only by facilitating the creature comforts of your birthing space, but also with making you physically comfortable with soothing touch and gentle encouragement, by letting you know your options, by assisting you to use your own voice with care providers, to provide reassurance to your partner and family members, and to open yourself fully to the joy of receiving your gorgeous new baby.
Birth doula, postpartum doula, and independent placenta service provider.
Service Area: Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
