Mimi Wilhelm: Everyone can benefit. Having someone who is trained and very knowledgeable in this area, and there to support and advocate for the birthing person is beneficial in making the birth and postpartum experience more positive. Often the doula is the person that can help build trust between all the members of the birthing team, and help the birthing person’s wishes be met as best as possible. Additionally, having a doula postpartum helps a family have added support while the birthing person heals and everyone is short on sleep! It’s truly a game changer for families taking a time that can be incredibly stressful and making it a joyful experience. What is the biggest misconception about doulas? That you only need one if you don’t have a supportive partner or only if it’s your first birth. Every woman deserves to have a doula if she wants one! Another big misconception is that doulas are only for people who want a natural birth. The truth is that a doula is there to support and advocate for whatever the birthing person’s wishes are and to help the birthing person gain access to information. The doula does her best to learn what makes the birthing person most comfortable and what the birthing person’s wishes are and is there to support her and help her get her needs met. A birth doula is there to support any type of birth! What do you enjoy the most about being a doula? I love supporting moms and families during this beautiful time. I feel that it is an honor to be a part of 16
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | OREGON JEWISH LIFE
Above: Rabbi Motti Wilhelm, Mimi Wilhelm and their family. the birth and be allowed to hold and care for a newborn. I feel that birth and bringing life into the world is a very spiritual experience and one that I feel very connected to. I have so much experience and knowledge in this area, and I feel that I have a duty to share, teach and support others. We find a reference to doulas in the Torah! We learn about Shifra and Puah, Moshe’s mother Yocheved and his sister Miriam who were doulas for the women in Egypt, assisting them in childbirth. My Hebrew name is Miriam, and just like the Miriam in the Torah, I feel that it is my duty to help women at this special time. Why do you think the “doula movement” has gained so much popularity recently? I think that more people realize how helpful it can be. Studies have shown that it has improved infant mortality rate overall, and in doula attended births the mothers and babies have been healthier. Other benefits have been fewer complications during birth, a birth with fewer interventions and overall satisfaction by the birthing person. Has COVID-19 affected how you practice? Due to COVID, many families have been unable to have grandparents or other family members help out as
